Have you ever wondered what border routers are? Border routers allow you to control all of your home networks and the devices that connect with them. Border routers are designed for heavy-duty use, usually in commercial settings such as restaurants or hotels where a lot is going on at once.
Border Routers
In a thread mesh network, border routers can be found at the edge of the thread network and an external network. Border routers can handle large amounts of data and keep everything running smoothly to continue working without interruption because not all border routers operate precisely alike.
Thread provides IoT developers with a variety of options for implementing border router functionality, including the following:
- A feature incorporated into a finished product (e.g., thermostat, dishwasher, home Wi-Fi routers, etc.)
- A standalone product that is an add-on to an end product(s)- can be built in-house or purchased as a white label from an outside company.
- Use a border router already on the market and was developed by a different company (standalone device, gateway, cable modem, etc.)
Advantages of Border Routers
Most border routers also come with security features like firewalls built into them as well, so this way, everyone can stay protected while staying online. When looking at different models of border routers, you must pick something that has the most up-to-date technology.
For example, suppose you have an office where one router and multiple Wi-Fi connections are going out. In that case, the border Router will create a third channel that would allow all three existing channels to run simultaneously without any conflicts or disruptions in service.
Border Routers support all the main types of connectivity like Ethernet, DSL, cable, and wireless. So no matter what kind of connection you have to your internet Service Provider, there is a border router for it. Most border routers also come with built-in wireless access points, so this way, every computer or device inside the office can pick up Wi-Fi without any issues.
In companies, border routers are essential as part of their business infrastructure due to how crucial they are when setting up networks throughout buildings these days. A border router will ensure that everyone has fast speeds from anywhere within an office building, making work much more accessible.
How Border Routers Help in loT Network Security
Security remains a concern and a challenge for those contemplating Internet of Things (IoT) implementations. A significant threat that still exists today is the location of the IoT network's connection to the internet, also known as the border.
- Thread is IPv6-based so that it can handle multiple application-layer traffic flows at once.
- Thread routers use IP routing to move IP traffic to and from the thread network.
- Devices connected to the WAN can access thread network services via the border router's IP routing design.
- The thread network's nodes can be connected to other networks or the cloud using border routers.
Who Uses Border Routers
Every company needs border routers because they are the best way to ensure everyone can work without issues. As long as you have border routers in place, there will be no issues with latency or connection speeds when people try to work from remote locations.
Border Router Types
Thread Mesh Networks
Border routers that allow you to connect your local network or Thread Network directly with an existing WAN border router for border routers that support a border router. In this case, the thread network will operate as an extension of the WAN, and only one border router is required for all border routers within your thread mesh network.
VPN Tunnel
Border Routers also provide a secure connection to another site through a virtual private network (VPN). This type of border Router provides security by encrypting data before sending it over the internet or thread network.
Ethernet Border
These border routers are not equipped to connect directly to an existing WAN border router. Still, they have multiple ports for connecting Thread devices in your home. There is still much debate about how border routers will be used in the future.
But for now, if you have a business with more than just a few border devices or that is located outside your home network, it is probably worth looking into border router options.
Border Routers Protocol Types
One of the first questions you will have to ask yourself when looking for border routers is what type of protocol each border device uses. The three most common types are Thread, Zigbee, and Z-Wave.
Each has its benefits, but all can allow you to multiple devices simultaneously with a single command using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice commands over Wi-Fi without any complicated code set up.
Zigbee
One of the most popular protocols for border routers is Zigbee. It has been on the market for over ten years but was initially designed as sensors instead of border routers. This protocol allows your border router to communicate with a wide variety of products from different manufacturers, including Philips Hue lights that use Wi-Fi as their main communication protocol.
Thread
Thread border router this protocol was created by Nest Labs, but Google has bought them out since then. This protocol establishes a network similar to ZigBee mesh networks, which means it can make one extensive network that spans an entire home or building instead of having multiple individual connection points as Wi-Fi does.
It also gives you more control over your border router itself because your border router won't need to be plugged into a wall outlet all the time; instead, it will run off batteries, just like most smart products do these days.
This also works very well with other devices that you want to connect through border routers, such as those made by Nest or Samsung SmartThings.
Z-wave
Last is the Z-Wave border router. It is an older technology than ZigBee or Thread but has recently expanded rapidly. Z-Wave border routers have been around for a while now and connect with many devices from other manufacturers, including Samsung TVs.
Tips Before Buying Border Routers
Several border routers can do the job, but they all vary greatly depending on individual needs and budgets. The more expensive border routers tend to make things simpler by having everything streamlined into one device.
Cheaper border routers will require separate boxes for each feature which is why it's important to know what your business needs before making any decisions at all. If you get this wrong, it could cost much more money than necessary if some features aren't used often after purchase.
Some border routers offer extra features like:
- Security measures to protect against hackers
- VPN virtual private network access
- Content Filtering options for parental controls
- Traffic shaping allows you to prioritize certain types of data over others
Border Routers Recommendation
Border Routers FAQs
1. What exactly is the function of a border router?
Border routers sit at the Thread mesh network's edge and route traffic between the Thread network and an external network. Border routers connect Thread network nodes to other devices on external networks or to the cloud.
2. Does the thread require a hub?
Unlike Zigbee and Z-Wave, Thread does not require the use of a smart home hub to connect. The devices communicate with one another without a single point of failure, allowing the network to "self-heal." As a result, if one device fails or a connection becomes unstable, the network can adjust and continue without interruption.
3. Is Zigbee better than Thread?
Thread devices, unlike Zigbee, are IPv6 addressable, can communicate with the internet (and each other) via native IP or the internet protocol, and are a 6LoWPAN technology. That means that regardless of who makes them, all Thread devices will communicate with one another.
Conclusion
It is always good to know more about the product. The main points about border routers are that they make sure data traffic moves in the right direction and at high speed. I hope this article gave you enough understanding about border routers.
