In networking, edge routers and core routers are two essential devices that need to be deployed in a network. These two routers have their own unique roles and responsibilities. This article will explain the difference between edge router vs. core router and what they do.
Most of us don't even know what core routers and edge routers are and what they do? Let's dig deeper so you can understand it better.
What is a Core Router?
The core router is a router configured to run on the internet backbone or the internet core. To achieve that, TCX must have the capability to operate on multiple telecommunications interfaces, which high speed enables.
From the root word core, where do you think it is placed in your network? Yes, you are right. This router is at the heart of your network as it is located in the middle. The core router provides edge-to-edge connectivity among all locations within a corporate or organization's local area networks (LAN).
It also ensures efficient traffic flow between edge routers, usually located at different sites across an intranet. Core routers are used in extensive computer networks. It is the fastest and most powerful router and the most costly due to its outstanding performance.
How Does It Work?
A typical LAN design is divided into three logical tiers: core, distribution, and access. End devices such as PCs, laptops, smartphones are connected through the access tier. The distribution tier is in charge of creating virtual LANs and subnets, access restrictions, and most routing operations.
The core tier, which houses core routers, is intended to route packets as quickly as possible. Core routers forward packets between other lower layer devices like hubs or bridges and route traffic across wide area networks throughout internet backbone providers.
They are not commonly found in local area networking applications, but they provide basic routing functionality on their own, so you won't need anything else if all you need is basic routing.
Topology - Image by Cisco Press
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Who Uses Core Routers?
You can find core routers in large organizations that have high bandwidth requirements. ISPs also use them because they need to transport massive amounts of data throughout the internet very quickly, and edge routers may not be capable enough for this purpose.
Edge Router
Edge routers are located at the edge of backbone networks and connect core routers to core routers. It can handle smaller workloads than core routers but carry out many functions, such as NAT translation and providing access control via firewall or proxy services.
Edge routers are sometimes located at ISP networks where users request service from their home network gateway through a remote-access server on the edge router before entering into the central part of the ISP's network.
How Does It Work?
A large network is divided into smaller networks called subnets or autonomous systems (AS), consisting of multiple areas. Each area will have its edge router to connect with other routers and provide access between them. Edge routers are specialized routers located at a network boundary that facilitate an internal network to connect to external networks.
Edge router provides routing services at Layer-Three (Layers: The Open Systems Interconnection Basic Reference Model) of the OSI model. Edge Router can also provide firewall, Network Address Translation(NAT), virtual private networks (VPNs).
Edge routers allow users to send inbound traffic to your network. A wireless connection allows an enterprise to connect external networks with network access. Edge routers serve as a secure gateway through which data traffic to network cores resides while others rely on edge routers.
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Who Uses Edge Router?
An edge router is employed in networks with limited access. It provides users outside the network domain with some connections inside the private network without requiring a proxy server or firewall configuration.
Any business with an existing WAN infrastructure can use an edge router and wants more control over site-to-site connectivity, remote office support, bandwidth management, security controls, and increased performance.
These functions of edge routers are usually integrated into other devices such as firewalls & wireless LAN controllers. Still, they provide basic routing functionality on their own, so you won't need anything else if all you want is this primary function.
Core vs. Edge
Function
Core router is typically larger routers that perform centralized routing for subnetworks in businesses. It tends to move packets as fast as possible because it interacts less with the outside access network. It often utilizes single xing to increase efficiency and avoid congestion and loss of data.
While edge router experiences a more sophisticated configuration of security questions and thus emphasize challenges over speed. Edge devices characterize and safeguard IP traffic from other edge routers and core routers. In this round, we voted for the core routers.
Security
An edge router can be used in large, medium-sized businesses where there is no need for complex configurations and control over security. Edge routers provide more protection on traffic compared to core routers which only prioritize speed performance. Therefore, the edge router wins in this aspect.
Essentiality
QoS is key to improving the processing and flow of data. Edge routers protect your data network from spoofing and other network attack threats. Edge firewall protects the enterprise network from attacks by using perimeter security services.
Remote workers should access ethernet networks if they want an efficient job. For this, a local area network (LAN) service must be available by the edge of the network. For this, the VPN is used as an encrypted form of access. For this reason, edge routers are usually used by remote workers. So this round goes to edge routers.
Speed
Edge routers are primarily used for network connectivity at the network's edge. Traditional edge firewall security services cannot provide high-speed internet access, which is not possible with an edge router.
With an edge router, you can connect all of your branch offices and remote workers to a single platform, allowing them to efficiently share data without causing any delays in their work. Edge routers get our vote in this round.
Portability
An edge router is highly portable. It can be placed anywhere and does not need any space to do that, which means you don't need a separate room or place for edge routers, edge firewall security services, or traditional edge firewalls. You can install them on your desk next time when required only.
We have picked samples from different manufacturers of edge routers and core routers for you to get an idea of what is available on the market today.
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Ubiquiti Edge routers can be used by any business with an existing WAN infrastructure and want more control over site-to-site connectivity, remote office support, bandwidth management, security controls, and increased performance.
These functions of edge routers are usually integrated into other devices such as firewalls & wireless LAN controllers. Still, they provide basic routing functionality on their own, so you won't need anything else if all you want is this essential function.
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CONS
This router is fully independent Ethernet ports, each with a direct connection to the CPU, allowing it to overcome previously shared 1Gbit limitations from switch-chip ports and utilize the full potential of CPU processing power on those ports.
It also now has Combo-port - a single 1Gigabit software interface with two hardware interfaces - an SFP cage and a Gigabit Ethernet port, that allows you to use any connection available to you. It is also possible to switch between both physical interfaces in RouterOS. In the event of a disconnect, the combo-port provides a hardware fail-over feature.
PROS
CONS
This router is fully independent Ethernet ports, each with a direct connection to the CPU, allowing it to overcome previously shared 1Gbit limitations from switch-chip ports and utilize the full potential of CPU processing power on those ports.
It also now has Combo-port - a single 1Gigabit software interface with two hardware interfaces - an SFP cage and a Gigabit Ethernet port, that allows you to use any connection available to you. It is also possible to switch between both physical interfaces in RouterOS. In the event of a disconnect, the combo-port provides a hardware fail-over feature.
PROS
CONS
This router is fully independent Ethernet ports, each with a direct connection to the CPU, allowing it to overcome previously shared 1Gbit limitations from switch-chip ports and utilize the full potential of CPU processing power on those ports.
It also now has Combo-port - a single 1Gigabit software interface with two hardware interfaces - an SFP cage and a Gigabit Ethernet port, that allows you to use any connection available to you. It is also possible to switch between both physical interfaces in RouterOS. In the event of a disconnect, the combo-port provides a hardware fail-over feature.
Standout Features
Cisco RV345P-K9-NA
We chose the Cisco RV345-K9-NA to represent the core router in this duel. The Cisco RV345 outperforms its opponent since it has more than its competitor when it comes to ports. It can also be used in small businesses and supports high security.
Ubiquiti Edge Router 4
The Ubiquiti edge router 4 is an excellent choice for people who want to save on a budget. In terms of port, it has one less than its competitor and can support 100BASE-T connections only instead of SFP/XFP ports. It also provides more throughput since no other network services are running in parallel with it.
Ubiquiti's devices come at lower prices, making them popular among smaller businesses. People who have limited budgets or don't plan to expand their networks any time soon either because they don't work from home or their office space isn't big enough to accommodate an expansion.
Conclusion
In summary, edge routers and core routers are essential devices in a network. They're different from one another because of their responsibilities. The most important takeaway is that they both have vital roles to play when it comes to the day-to-day operations of your business or enterprise's internet connection.
Use the Cisco Cisco RV345P-K9-NA if:
- You want high security.
- You have many devices that require throughput and connectivity.
- Your business is growing, and you want to expand your network edge.
- You need Internet access to the whole network.
Use the Ubiquiti Edge Router 4 if:
- You are on a budget.
- Your business is small, and you don't have many devices to connect.
- You need advanced security features.
