WAN Routers
The advances in information technology have opened avenues for a new line of Internet-dependent businesses. Online service is a crucial component for most of the businesses these days. The Wide Area Network (WAN) has spread its strong roots in the technological domain and made its presence felt in all areas of living. Along with it, many devices that assist in the overall network function increase the efficiency of the WAN infrastructure. Routers, Firewalls, switches, hubs, etc. are few of the components that are used in WAN networks.
A Router is a device that routes and forwards packets of data along networks. Connected to two networks at the least such as two LANs/WANs or LAN and its Internet Service Provider (ISP). It operates at the network layer, the layer 3 of the OSI reference model. Routers make decisions with the aid of IP addresses. A WAN router is a network device that forwards data packets to an outside network like the Internet. WAN routers, like many other routers, direct the network traffic to an external network. However, routers or core routers route information within an internal network such as an enterprise. A router WAN stands separate with its functionality: of selecting the most appropriate data and transmitting to an external network. It also routes and forwards information between internal networks and the Internet.
WAN routers are placed at network connection points, which are called gateways. A typical functionality of a Router WAN would involve the following steps: determine the best suited path to forward data packets using headers and forwarding tables, configuring the most beneficial route between two hosts with the help of protocols for communication purposes. In order to interconnect networks, a linkage is necessary. A WAN router provides that linkage to connect to networks and then efficiently route and forward data packets to the network.
Businesses are increasingly reliant on the Wide Area Network for reliability and speed in connectivity. The broad spectrum of business performance and continuity in operations depends on stable WAN and superior technology solutions. Developments in technology services including VoIP, remote access for applications, merging of wired and wireless technology, have all brought for the necessity of diversified functions. WAN routers are charged with a heavier load of routing tasks among others. As with multitasking where many tasks are performed in parallel mode, the concept of Multi WAN Routers also gains due prominence. A multiple WAN router is the configuration of routers for groups of networks to effectively route network traffic to the external network. This enables maximum bandwidth utilization and also effectuates outbound traffic aggregation, which is crucial for superior connectivity. Multi WAN routers connected to multiple WANs, i.e. separate ISPs, or one ISP with separate connections such as 2 T1 lines. WAN performance depends on optimal router performance.
Multi WAN Routers ensure reliable WAN connectivity with its multiple points of connection for routing data packets along the network to the Internet. Load balancing is an important characteristic of a multiple WAN router or WAN routers in general. This enables failover and avoids disruption in connectivity. A multiple WAN router is preferred as it can combine WAN connections and LAN connections and forward data to both internal and external networks.
FatPipe Networks is a leading edge innovator of router clustering technology. FatPipe technology allows multiple and varied connections to ISPs. It facilitates companies with automatic failover capabilities and dynamic load balancing. Large enterprises invariably opt for superior technology such as those offered by FatPipe to ensure a robust WAN and consequently meeting their business continuity goals.
FatPipe Networks provides a comprehensive suite of WAN optimization solutions. It offers a broad range of products that can equip businesses with high levels of WAN optimization, reliability, security, and bandwidth management. While a multiple WAN Router can connect multiple WANs, FatPipe technology enables varied connections to ISPs. FatPipe devices can take disparate connections and perform dynamic load balancing and failover functions. When a line is down due to WAN component, line or service failure, FatPipe technology intelligently senses the active link and routes the network traffic in that direction. FatPipe devices do not need BGP programming. They ensure redundancy, reliability, and speed, which is essential for companies to meet their business continuity standards.
