Routers & Gateways

Connect users, locations, cloud applications, data centers, and the internet with business and enterprise routers and gateways from Hummingbird Networks. Explore routing solutions for branch offices, small businesses, enterprise networks, remote locations, industrial environments, and multi-site organizations.

Routers and gateways play a critical role in directing traffic between networks, connecting local infrastructure to WAN and internet services, supporting VPN connectivity, and helping organizations maintain reliable communications between offices, applications, and users.

Whether you are replacing an aging router, deploying a new branch location, increasing WAN capacity, improving remote connectivity, or modernizing a distributed network, Hummingbird Networks can help you identify routing equipment that fits your performance, connectivity, security, and management requirements.

Shop Business & Enterprise Routers and Gateways

Business routers range from compact devices for small offices and branch locations to advanced enterprise platforms designed for high-throughput WAN connectivity, multiple circuits, VPN traffic, routing protocols, redundancy, and sophisticated network management.

Organizations should evaluate routers based on more than advertised throughput. WAN interfaces, routing capabilities, VPN performance, redundancy, expansion options, management, licensing, security integration, and expected growth can all influence the right choice.

Routers and gateways are a core part of a larger networking environment and commonly operate alongside network switches, wireless infrastructure, firewalls, transceivers, and other connectivity equipment.

What Does a Business Router Do?

A router connects separate IP networks and determines how traffic should move between them. In a typical business environment, a router may connect the local area network to an internet service provider, private WAN, branch office, data center, cloud environment, or another remote network.

Depending on the platform, a business router can perform functions such as:

• Internet and WAN connectivity
• IP routing between networks
• Virtual private network connectivity
• Branch-to-branch communications
• Traffic prioritization
• Redundant WAN connectivity
• Network address translation
• Routing protocol support
• Application-aware traffic management
• Remote and centralized administration

The exact capabilities vary by manufacturer, model, software, licensing, and deployment type.

Routers vs. Gateways

The terms router and gateway are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can describe different roles depending on the network architecture and manufacturer.

Routers

A router primarily forwards IP traffic between different networks. It examines addressing and routing information to determine the appropriate path for traffic moving from one network to another.

Business routers are commonly used for internet access, branch connectivity, WAN routing, VPN connections, data center connectivity, and communication between separate network segments.

Gateways

A gateway provides a connection point between networks and may perform additional functions beyond traditional routing. Depending on the product, a gateway can combine routing, WAN connectivity, security, VPN services, switching, wireless functionality, or protocol translation.

The features included in a gateway vary significantly, so businesses should evaluate the actual capabilities of the device rather than relying only on the product category name.

Business Router Types

Branch Routers

Branch routers are designed to connect remote offices and distributed locations to headquarters, cloud applications, data centers, the internet, and other business resources.

A branch router may need to support multiple WAN connections, VPN traffic, quality of service, routing protocols, remote administration, and failover between circuits.

Organizations with many locations should also consider how routers will be configured, monitored, updated, and managed across the entire network.

Enterprise Routers

Enterprise routers are designed for organizations with higher performance, scalability, availability, and connectivity requirements.

Depending on the platform, enterprise routing equipment may support high-throughput WAN connections, advanced routing protocols, multiple interfaces, redundant components, modular expansion, encryption, software-defined networking, and centralized management.

Small Business Routers

Small business routers can provide reliable internet and network connectivity without the complexity required by large enterprise environments.

Important considerations can include WAN speed, VPN capability, ease of administration, number of interfaces, security features, reliability, and the ability to accommodate future growth.

Industrial Routers

Industrial routers are designed for environments where operating conditions, remote connectivity, physical installation, or communications requirements differ from those found in a traditional office.

Depending on the platform, industrial routers may be used in manufacturing, transportation, utilities, remote infrastructure, outdoor installations, and other specialized environments.

Edge Routers

An edge router operates at the boundary between networks. In a business environment, it may connect the internal network to an internet provider, WAN service, cloud environment, partner network, or other external infrastructure.

Edge routing requirements can include high throughput, route control, redundancy, traffic prioritization, security integration, and reliable connectivity to multiple external networks.

How to Choose the Right Router or Gateway

Selecting a router should begin with the network requirements rather than a specific product model. The appropriate device depends on bandwidth, WAN services, applications, number of users, VPN requirements, redundancy, security, management preferences, and future expansion.

Consider the following factors when comparing routers and gateways.

WAN Throughput

Router performance should be appropriate for the bandwidth available from your internet or WAN service and the amount of traffic the network is expected to generate.

A router that supports a Gigabit Ethernet interface does not necessarily process every type of traffic at a full 1 Gbps. VPN encryption, security services, traffic inspection, quality of service, and other functions can affect real-world performance.

When sizing a business router, consider both current bandwidth and expected growth.

WAN Interfaces

Routers can support different types and combinations of WAN interfaces depending on the platform.

Common connectivity can include:

• Gigabit Ethernet
• Multi-gigabit Ethernet
• Fiber interfaces
• DSL
• Cellular connectivity
• Dedicated WAN circuits
• Modular WAN interfaces

The appropriate interface depends on the service provider, network architecture, required speed, physical medium, and redundancy strategy.

Redundant Internet and WAN Connections

Organizations that depend heavily on connectivity may benefit from multiple WAN connections. A router with dual or multiple WAN capabilities can help support failover if a primary circuit becomes unavailable.

Redundancy can also allow organizations to use multiple service providers or connection types to reduce dependence on a single circuit.

VPN Performance

Virtual private networks allow organizations to create encrypted connections between offices, remote users, cloud environments, data centers, and other networks.

If VPN connectivity is an important part of the deployment, evaluate the router's supported VPN technologies, encrypted throughput, number of tunnels, authentication options, and licensing requirements.

Routing Protocols

More advanced networks may require dynamic routing protocols that allow routers to exchange information and automatically adapt to changes in network topology.

The protocols required depend on the environment and may include technologies such as OSPF, BGP, or other routing mechanisms supported by the selected platform.

Smaller networks may rely primarily on static routing and simpler configurations.

Quality of Service

Quality of Service, or QoS, can help prioritize important applications when multiple types of traffic share the same WAN connection.

This can be particularly useful for voice communications, video conferencing, real-time applications, and other traffic that may be sensitive to latency, jitter, or congestion.

Management

Consider how the router will be configured, monitored, updated, and maintained throughout its lifecycle.

Management options vary by platform and can include local administration, command-line interfaces, web-based management, centralized controllers, cloud platforms, APIs, and software-defined networking systems.

Organizations managing many branch locations may place greater value on centralized administration and automation than businesses operating a single site.

Scalability

A router should have enough performance, interfaces, and capabilities to accommodate reasonable growth during its expected service life.

Future considerations may include faster WAN circuits, additional branch locations, increased VPN traffic, more cloud applications, additional users, new routing requirements, and changes to the overall network architecture.

Routers for Branch and Multi-Site Networks

Branch networking has changed as organizations increasingly rely on cloud applications, SaaS platforms, video communications, remote services, and distributed users.

A modern branch router may need to connect the office simultaneously to the internet, cloud applications, headquarters, data centers, and other branches while maintaining reliable performance.

Important branch routing considerations include:

• WAN throughput
• Primary and backup connections
• VPN performance
• Application prioritization
• Centralized management
• Remote troubleshooting
• Security integration
• Future circuit upgrades

Organizations with many remote locations should evaluate both the capabilities of the router and the operational effort required to manage the entire deployment.

SD-WAN and Software-Defined Branch Networking

Software-defined WAN technologies can provide organizations with greater control over how traffic uses available WAN connections.

Depending on the platform, SD-WAN can help organizations centrally manage distributed locations, select network paths based on application or policy requirements, use multiple WAN circuits, improve visibility, and simplify branch network administration.

SD-WAN requirements vary by manufacturer and may involve specific hardware, software subscriptions, licensing, controllers, or cloud-based management systems.

Organizations considering SD-WAN should evaluate the complete solution, including routing hardware, licensing, WAN circuits, security, management architecture, and ongoing operational requirements.

Router Redundancy and High Availability

For organizations where network connectivity is business-critical, router redundancy can help reduce the impact of equipment or circuit failures.

High availability can involve several layers of redundancy, including:

• Multiple internet or WAN circuits
• Multiple service providers
• Redundant routers
• Automatic WAN failover
• Redundant power supplies on supported platforms
• Dynamic routing
• Backup cellular connectivity

The appropriate design depends on the cost of downtime, application requirements, location, available service providers, and overall network architecture.

Ethernet, Fiber, DSL and Cellular Routing

Different locations may require different WAN connection technologies.

Ethernet WAN

Ethernet is widely used for business internet and WAN connectivity. Business routers can provide Gigabit Ethernet and higher-speed interfaces depending on the platform.

Fiber Connectivity

Fiber can provide high bandwidth and longer-distance connectivity for business, enterprise, campus, and service provider applications.

Some router platforms provide built-in optical interfaces while others use compatible transceiver modules for fiber connectivity.

DSL Connectivity

DSL remains available in some environments and can be integrated directly into certain routing platforms or connected through external service provider equipment.

Cellular Connectivity

Cellular WAN connectivity can provide primary service in remote or mobile environments or backup connectivity when a wired circuit fails.

The capabilities and availability of cellular routing depend on the router, modem, carrier, service plan, antenna configuration, and geographic coverage.

Routers and Network Security

Routing and cybersecurity are closely related, but a router and a dedicated firewall do not necessarily serve the same purpose.

Some routers include security capabilities such as access control, VPN services, filtering, or integrated security features. However, organizations with more demanding cybersecurity requirements may also deploy dedicated network security appliances and firewalls.

The appropriate architecture depends on the organization, network size, threat model, compliance requirements, remote access needs, and the capabilities of the selected routing platform.

Router vs. Firewall

A router primarily moves traffic between networks. A firewall is primarily designed to inspect and control traffic based on security policies.

Some modern platforms combine routing and firewall capabilities, while other environments use dedicated devices for each function.

Businesses should evaluate actual security capabilities rather than assuming that every router provides the same level of protection as a dedicated firewall platform.

Routers, Switches and Wireless Networks

Routers are one part of a complete network infrastructure.

A typical business network may use:

• A router or gateway to connect the local network to WAN or internet services
• Network switches to connect wired devices and distribute network connectivity
• Wireless networking equipment to provide WiFi access
• Firewalls or security appliances to enforce cybersecurity policies
• Transceivers and cabling to provide physical connectivity

Each component should be sized appropriately so that one part of the network does not become a bottleneck for the others.

Routers for Different Business Environments

Small Business Routers

Small businesses often need reliable internet connectivity, straightforward administration, VPN capability, and enough performance to support cloud applications, voice, video, wireless networking, and everyday business traffic.

Ease of management and the ability to accommodate a faster internet connection in the future can be important considerations.

Enterprise Routers

Enterprise environments can require advanced routing, higher throughput, modular interfaces, redundancy, dynamic routing protocols, high VPN capacity, centralized administration, and integration with broader network management systems.

Branch Office Routers

Branch routers are often selected based on WAN connectivity, remote management, VPN requirements, failover, application performance, and the need to connect the location to headquarters, cloud services, data centers, and other branches.

Retail and Multi-Site Networks

Retail and distributed organizations may operate routers across dozens, hundreds, or even more locations. Centralized configuration, visibility, automation, security, failover, and remote troubleshooting can become especially important at this scale.

Industrial and Remote Locations

Industrial and remote sites may require routers designed for specialized operating environments, cellular connectivity, compact installation, remote management, or other capabilities not typically required in a standard office.

Data Center and Edge Networks

Data center and network edge environments can require high routing performance, multiple high-speed interfaces, redundancy, dynamic routing, and the ability to exchange substantial amounts of traffic with external networks or service providers.

Router and Gateway Brands

Hummingbird Networks offers routing and gateway solutions from multiple technology manufacturers, allowing organizations to select products based on their network architecture, existing infrastructure, management requirements, performance needs, security strategy, and budget.

Cisco Routers

Cisco provides business, branch, enterprise, industrial, and edge routing solutions for a wide range of network environments. Cisco router platforms can support applications including WAN connectivity, VPN services, branch networking, dynamic routing, and software-defined networking.

Ubiquiti Routers and Gateways

Ubiquiti provides routing and gateway products designed to integrate with its broader networking ecosystem. Depending on the platform, solutions can support routing, WAN connectivity, centralized management, switching, and other network functions.

ADTRAN Routing Solutions

ADTRAN provides business and service provider networking technologies, including routing solutions designed for branch, edge, and communications environments.

Explore our IT and networking brands to learn more about the manufacturers available from Hummingbird Networks.

Build a Complete Routing and WAN Infrastructure

A router or gateway typically works alongside other network infrastructure. The performance and reliability of the overall network depend on how these components work together.

A complete deployment may also require:

• Network switches for local Ethernet connectivity
• Wireless access points for business WiFi
• Network security appliances and firewalls
• Transceiver modules for compatible fiber interfaces
• Ethernet and fiber cabling
• UPS systems for power protection
• Racks and mounting hardware

Planning these components together can help avoid bandwidth bottlenecks, interface incompatibilities, insufficient redundancy, and installation delays.

Why Buy Routers and Gateways from Hummingbird Networks?

Selecting routing equipment involves more than matching an internet connection to an Ethernet port. WAN bandwidth, VPN throughput, interface types, routing protocols, failover, security, licensing, management, power, physical installation, and future expansion can all influence the right purchasing decision.

Hummingbird Networks helps businesses and organizations source routing and networking equipment from leading technology manufacturers.

Customers can turn to our team for:

• Business and enterprise routers and gateways
• Branch and multi-site networking equipment
• Products from leading networking manufacturers
• Help identifying compatible network hardware
• Guidance for routing and WAN upgrades
• Support for infrastructure refreshes and new deployments
• Business and enterprise technology purchasing assistance

Whether you are replacing a single router, opening a new branch, increasing WAN capacity, or planning a larger network refresh, our team can help you evaluate routing solutions based on your technical and business requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Routers and Gateways

What does a router do?

A router directs IP traffic between different networks. In a business environment, it commonly connects a local network to the internet, WAN services, branch offices, data centers, cloud environments, or other remote networks.

What is the difference between a router and a gateway?

A router primarily forwards traffic between IP networks. A gateway is a broader term for a device that connects networks and may also provide routing, security, VPN, switching, wireless, or other network services depending on the platform.

What is the difference between a router and a network switch?

A router connects different networks, while a network switch primarily connects devices within the same local network. Most business networks use both, with switches providing local Ethernet connectivity and routers providing WAN, internet, or inter-network connectivity.

What is the difference between a router and a firewall?

A router primarily directs traffic between networks, while a firewall primarily enforces security policies and controls which traffic is allowed to pass. Some devices combine both functions, while larger environments may use separate routing and firewall platforms.

What size router does my business need?

The appropriate router depends on internet or WAN speed, number of users, applications, VPN requirements, traffic patterns, interfaces, security features, number of locations, and expected growth. Advertised interface speed alone should not be used to size a business router.

How much router throughput do I need?

Your router should be capable of supporting the expected traffic across the WAN while performing the features your organization requires. VPN encryption, security services, traffic inspection, QoS, and other functions can affect real-world throughput.

Do I need dual WAN connections?

Dual WAN can be useful when internet or WAN availability is important to business operations. A second connection may provide failover if the primary circuit becomes unavailable and can reduce dependence on a single service provider or connection type.

What is a branch router?

A branch router connects a remote office or business location to external resources such as the internet, cloud applications, headquarters, data centers, or other branches. Branch routers often support VPNs, multiple WAN options, remote management, routing, and traffic prioritization.

What is an edge router?

An edge router operates at the boundary between different networks. It may connect an organization's internal infrastructure to internet providers, WAN services, cloud environments, partner networks, or other external systems.

What is SD-WAN?

Software-defined WAN uses software-based policies and centralized management to help control how network traffic uses available WAN connections. Depending on the platform, SD-WAN can improve visibility, simplify multi-site administration, support multiple circuits, and route traffic based on application or policy requirements.

Do routers support VPN connections?

Many business routers support VPN technologies, but capabilities vary by model. Organizations should evaluate supported VPN types, encrypted throughput, number of tunnels, licensing, authentication, and management requirements before selecting a platform.

Can a router provide internet failover?

Many business routers support multiple WAN connections and can be configured to use a backup circuit if the primary connection fails. Specific failover capabilities depend on the router and network design.

Can I use a cellular connection as WAN backup?

Yes, certain routers and gateways can use cellular connectivity as a primary or backup WAN connection. Compatibility depends on the platform, carrier, modem, antennas, service plan, geographic coverage, and supported cellular technology.

Do I need a separate firewall if I already have a router?

It depends on the router's security capabilities and the organization's cybersecurity requirements. Some routers provide integrated security functions, while businesses with more demanding security, visibility, segmentation, or compliance requirements may benefit from a dedicated firewall or security platform.

Can routers from different brands work with the same network?

Yes, standards-based IP networking allows routing equipment from different manufacturers to operate within the same network. However, management platforms, proprietary features, licensing, VPN technologies, support, and advanced functionality should be evaluated when designing a mixed-vendor environment.

Which router brand is best for a business?

There is no single router manufacturer that is best for every organization. The right choice depends on network size, WAN services, VPN requirements, routing features, management preferences, existing infrastructure, performance, redundancy, scalability, available IT resources, and budget.

Can Hummingbird Networks help me choose a router or gateway?

Yes. Hummingbird Networks can help businesses and organizations evaluate routers and gateways based on WAN bandwidth, connectivity, VPN requirements, routing capabilities, management, redundancy, compatibility, deployment environment, and future growth.

Shop Routers and Gateways for Your Business

Build reliable WAN and internet connectivity with business and enterprise routers and gateways for small offices, branch locations, distributed organizations, enterprise networks, industrial environments, and network edge deployments.

Whether you are replacing an aging router, adding internet redundancy, opening a new location, increasing VPN capacity, or modernizing a multi-site network, Hummingbird Networks can help you identify routing equipment that fits your environment and requirements.