More than just boxes on our shelves, routers are crucial to how we live and work today. Whether you're streaming movies, gaming, or just browsing the web, they are the silent heroes making sure your network traffic is going where it needs to be.

But what exactly does a router do? And with all the different types—like mesh routers and optical network routers—how do you choose the right one for your home? Below, we’ll give you the lowdown on routers, explore the different types, and offer tips on optimising your router’s performance – all that you’ll need to create your ideal home broadband setup.

What is a WiFi Router?

The centrepiece of any Internet connection, a WiFi router is a device that links other devices to the internet and manages data traffic so that everything runs smoothly. Be it your phone, laptop, or smart TV, your router basically ensures connected devices can communicate with each other and that the transmitted data is going where it is supposed to.

How Does a WiFi Router Work?

As the name implies, routers take the internet signal from your modem and distribute, or “route” it to your devices, either wirelessly or through Ethernet cables. They break data into "packets" and direct them to the right device, ensuring data is transmitted securely and efficiently.

What's the Difference Between Routers and Modems?

Although these two are commonly confused, routers and modems – or Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) as we call them here, actually serve different purposes in our home broadband setups, as described above.

What Are the Different Types of Routers?

Speaking of ONRs, it’s important to know about the more common types so you can pick the right one for your needs. From Mesh Routers to the aforementioned ONRs, we’ve done up a quick breakdown of what you’re likely to see on the market nowadays.

What Is an Optical Network Router (ONR) and How Does It Work?

ONRs are among the most advanced routers
available, providing faster transmission speeds
in two main ways.

First, they use light pulses instead of electrical
signals to transmit data, significantly speeding
up data transfer.

Second, they are able to connect directly to
fibre optic cables – this eliminates the need for
a modem and simplifies the data transmission
process.

What Is a Mesh Router and How Does It Work?

Mesh routers are designed for larger homes or
office spaces.

Instead of relying on a single access point like
a traditional router, mesh systems use multiple
nodes (mini-routers) that communicate with
each other to ensure consistent WiFi coverage
throughout the area.

This setup helps eliminate WiFi “dead zones”
and ensures strong connections even in areas
far away from the main router.

What are Dual-band, Tri-band, and 10Gbps Routers?

Instead of going by the technologies they use, an alternative way of classifying different routers is by the frequency bands they operate on. This is similar to how we might see milk products classified in supermarkets – either based on their sources (e.g. cow’s milk vs. goat’s milk) or their fat content (e.g. regular vs. low-fat milk).

Meanwhile, the term “10Gbps router” more like a shortcut. In the same way we might refer to “Formula One” as “F1” because it’s easier, this term is used to refer to routers that can accommodate 10Gbps broadband speeds.

Router	Linksys Smart WiFi MX2001 Velop	TP-Link EB810v
WiFi Standard	AX / WiFi 6	BE / WiFi 7
Max WiFi Combined Bandwidth	3,000 Mbps (Dual-band)	22,000 Mbps (Tri-band 10Gbps)
Concurrent Transmission Streams	2.4GHz: 2x2 @ 40MHz, up to 600Mbps 5GHz: 2x2 @ 160MHz, up to 2400Mbps	2.4GHz: 4x4 @40Mhz, 1376 Mbps 5GHz: 4x4 @240Mhz, 8640 Mbps 6GHz: 4x4 @320Mhz, 11520 Mbps
Internet WAN Port	1Gbps	10Gbps
10Gbps LAN Port	-	1
2.5Gbps LAN Port	-	3
1Gbps LAN Port	3	-
USB Port	-	1

Dual-band Routers

Routers that operate on two frequencies—2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, like the Linksys Smart WiFi MX2001 Velop are known as dual-band routers.

This is why some of our home networks offer such options on our WiFi connection interface. Of course, there are differences – the 2.4 GHz band offers wider coverage but slower speeds, while the 5 GHz band provides faster speeds but has a shorter effective range.

Tri-band Routers

Building on similar logic, Tri-band routers operate on the two frequencies above, as well as an additional 6GHz frequency band that users can connect their devices to. This extra lane on the broadband “highway” helps to reduce congestion on the network, thereby allowing more devices to operate at full speed.

“10Gbps Routers”

Some routers, like the TP-Link EB810v, come with LAN ports that can accommodate 10Gbps broadband speeds. This is what earns them the reference term “10Gbps router”. However, since this particular categorisation is not based on frequency bands nor the technology which they operate on, a 10Gbps router can also be a tri-band router, for example.

How to Optimise Router Coverage & Performance

Now that we’ve covered what routers do and the different types available, let’s look at how to optimise your router’s coverage and performance at home.

Setting Up Your WiFi Router at Home

Naturally, before we can begin optimising your router’s performance, you’ll need to have one in place. Normally, this would mean spending your free time choosing the right locations and matching cables to ports, but with StarHub, you can leave the heavy lifting to our friendly Hub Troopers.

Prepping for a new home broadband with StarHub is easy, since all our broadband plans come with routers too – here’s what else you’ll need!

4 Easy Tips to Improve Router Coverage

There are several factors that can impact your router’s performance, so here are four simple tips to help your router operate at its best. For more information, check out our dedicated WiFi Tips!

1. Place Your Router in an Elevated and Central Location.

A centrally placed router, away from walls and obstructions, ensures even coverage throughout your home. Elevating the router— like placing it on a shelf or mounted on a wall—can also help the signal travel more efficiently.

2. Avoid Interference.

Devices like microwaves, cordless phones, and thick walls can interfere with your WiFi signal. Keep your router away from these potential disruptors where possible.

3. Set Up Strong Passwords and Login Credentials.

Change your router’s default login credentials and update them regularly. Adding a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters will help you better safeguard your network.

4. Keep Firmware Updated.

Regularly updating your router’s firmware fixes security vulnerabilities and helps ensure smooth performance. Rebooting the router occasionally can also resolve minor issues and glitches that might impede performance.

Get the Best Routers for the Job with StarHub!

Whether you’re setting up a home office, streaming in 4K, or gaming with friends, having the right router can truly take your experiences to the next level. From optical network routers that offer lightning-fast speeds to mesh-based systems that provide whole-home coverage, these devices play a key supportive role in our fast-paced digital lifestyles.

By understanding the basics of how routers work and following a few optimisation tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying faster, more reliable online experiences. And if you ever need a hand, StarHub is always here to help!

For more information on our broadband offerings and routers, check out our main Broadband page.