What is an Industrial Router? – Definition, Types and Uses

Have you ever wondered how factories, power plants, or large industrial setups stay connected to the internet or other networks? They don’t just use the same routers we have at home. Instead, they rely on something much more powerful and robust—an industrial router. These routers are built to handle tough environments, ensure stable connections, and manage complex networks.

In this blog, we’ll explore what an industrial router is, how it works, the different types of routers and routing protocols, and more. So, let’s dive deep into the world of industrial routers.

What is an Industrial Router?

An industrial router is a robust networking device designed for use in harsh industrial environments. It provides wireless data transmission and connects multiple networks, much like the routers we use at home or in offices, but it is built to withstand extreme conditions. These routers offer more stable and powerful functions compared to home or enterprise-grade routers, ensuring continuous operation even in challenging environments.

Industrial routers are commonly used to transmit data and monitor devices in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, smart cities, and transportation. They come equipped with advanced security features such as port blocking, access control, firewall settings, and MAC address filtering, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of a network.

Additionally, industrial routers offer anti-surge, anti-static, and anti-power reverse protection, making them highly reliable for 24/7 operation in industries that rely heavily on seamless connectivity.

How do Industrial Routers Work?

Industrial routers work by connecting multiple devices or networks and allowing them to communicate with one another, much like a regular router. However, their internal architecture is specifically designed to handle industrial needs. These routers use a high-performance 32-bit communication processor and an industrial wireless module to ensure stable and reliable data transmission.

They support various communication protocols, such as Ethernet and industrial ethernet, along with wireless communication networks, which makes them perfect for applications in smart grids, automated industries, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Industrial routers are capable of handling both static and dynamic routing, VPNs, firewall protection, and NAT, allowing for secure and flexible data transmission across a variety of networks.

Moreover, these routers are built with features like hardware and software watchdogs to prevent crashes, ensuring that they can operate 24/7 without downtime. Their durability and capability to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments make them ideal for industries that require uninterrupted, long-distance data transmission.

Types of Routers

To connect a Local Area Network (LAN) to the Internet, a router must establish communication with a modem. This can be done with two main types of routers: wireless and wired.

A wireless router connects to a modem using an Ethernet cable. Once connected, it converts binary data packets into radio signals, which it then broadcasts wirelessly using built-in antennae. This process creates a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), allowing multiple devices to connect without the need for physical cables. Wireless routers are popular in homes and small offices due to their convenience and flexibility in connecting devices across various rooms or spaces.

On the other hand, a wired router also connects to a modem via an Ethernet cable but differs in how it distributes data within the network. Instead of using radio signals, a wired router uses additional Ethernet cables to directly connect to one or more devices within the LAN. This creates a physical network where devices are linked via cables, providing a stable and often faster connection compared to wireless setups. Wired routers are typically favoured in environments where high-speed, reliable connections are essential, such as in small businesses or gaming setups.

Apart from these common router types, specialised routers cater to more complex networking needs (especially in larger organisations or enterprises).

• Core Router: A core router is designed for large corporations or institutions that handle a substantial volume of data within their internal networks. These routers are positioned at the “core” of a network, managing data traffic within the system without interacting with external networks. They are crucial for maintaining efficient data flow in large-scale operations where internal communication is key.
• Edge Router: An edge router operates at the boundary of a network, interfacing with both internal core routers and external networks. Positioned at the “edge” of a network, edge routers manage data traffic entering and leaving the network. They use the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) to ensure data is routed correctly between different LANs and Wide Area Networks (WANs).
• Virtual Router: A virtual router differs from physical routers as it exists as a software application rather than hardware. It performs similar functions to a traditional router but operates virtually, often using the Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to provide backup routes in case of failure. Virtual routers are increasingly used in environments where flexibility and scalability are important, offering a modern solution to traditional network management challenges.

Types of Routing Protocols

Routing protocols play a crucial role in how routers manage and direct traffic across a network. These protocols enable routers to discover other routers, maintain a list of possible destinations, and make dynamic decisions about where to send each network message.

Understanding the different types of routing protocols is essential for managing network traffic efficiently.

Routing Information Protocol (RIP)

Routing Information Protocol (RIP) is one of the earliest routing protocols. RIP has two versions: RIPv1 and RIPv2. RIPv1 is a classful protocol that does not include subnet information in its updates. It broadcasts its routing table to all routers within the network.

RIPv2 is a classless protocol which includes subnet information and uses a multicast address to update its routing table. Additionally, RIPv2 incorporates authentication features to secure routing information. With a maximum hop count of 15, RIPv2 is most effective in smaller networks because its limited hop count restricts its scalability.

Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP)

The Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP) was developed to overcome some of the limitations of RIP. IGRP is a distance-vector protocol, meaning it calculates the best path for data based on distance metrics. Unlike RIP, IGRP supports up to 255 hop counts, making it suitable for larger networks.

IGRP considers multiple metrics, including bandwidth, delay, load, and reliability, to evaluate and compare potential routes. This protocol is also resistant to routing loops, which enhances its reliability in complex networks.

Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)

Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) is an advanced version of IGRP. EIGRP is a classless protocol that supports subnetting and more efficient use of IP address space.

It utilises the Reliable Transport Protocol (RTP) to ensure the delivery of routing updates and the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL) to improve routing efficiency. DUAL helps accelerate the convergence process, making EIGRP faster and more efficient than its predecessor.

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a widely used link-state protocol. Unlike distance-vector protocols, OSPF maintains a comprehensive database describing the network topology. It uses the Shortest Path First (SPF) algorithm to calculate the most efficient route based on distance and required resources.

When there are changes in the network topology, OSPF quickly recalculates routes using the Dijkstra algorithm, enabling rapid convergence on a new optimal routing path. This capability makes OSPF highly effective in large, dynamic networks.

Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP)

Exterior Gateway Protocol (EGP) is designed for routers that operate on the edge of an autonomous system. EGP facilitates the exchange of routing data between different autonomous systems, ensuring that routing tables are updated and consistent across connected networks.

While EGP was once widely used (especially by large organisations), it has since been replaced by the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) due to its limitations in supporting multipath networking environments.

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is a robust and flexible exterior gateway protocol. It is a distance-vector protocol that determines the best path for data based on a variety of metrics, such as path length, origin type, and router identification.

BGP allows network administrators to customise routes to meet specific network requirements and securely exchange routing information between authenticated routers. This flexibility and security make BGP the preferred choice for routing between different autonomous systems.

Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS)

Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System (IS-IS) is a link-state protocol designed for routers within autonomous systems. IS-IS operates by broadcasting link-state information throughout its network.

Each router running IS-IS collects this information and builds a comprehensive network topology database. This protocol’s ability to efficiently manage and route traffic within an autonomous system makes it a valuable tool for network administrators.

What is the Difference Between a Router and a Modem?

What is a router vs. a modem? Usually, people get confused between a router and a modem, but both devices serve different purposes. 

A modem is your gateway to the Internet. It establishes a connection with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and converts the signals from your ISP into a digital form that your devices can understand. Essentially, the modem acts as a translator, allowing a single device, like a computer or a laptop, to access the Internet. Without a modem, there is no direct connection to the Internet.

On the other hand, a router is responsible for creating and managing a local network, often referred to as a LAN (Local Area Network). While the modem brings the Internet into your home, the router distributes that connection to multiple devices. The router ensures that each device within your network can communicate with each other and access the Internet simultaneously. It also manages the data traffic within the network, ensuring that information is efficiently sent and received between connected devices.

Imagine: Ethan has a router but no modem. He can create a local network where his devices can communicate with each other, but none can access the Internet. Olivia has a modem but no router. She can connect her laptop to the Internet, but only that single device can go online. Emma has both a modem and a router, allowing her to connect multiple devices to the Internet simultaneously, forming a seamless, interconnected network.

Applications of Industrial Routers

The router is a must-have for connecting devices to the Internet. That’s why routers are used in various industries.

With the advent of 4G and 5G routers, the potential for connectivity has expanded even further, enabling faster, more reliable, and more versatile networking solutions.

1. Industrial Applications

In industrial settings, routers are increasingly used to connect and manage IoT (Internet of Things) devices, enabling the automation of processes and improving operational efficiency.

Industrial routers like QuRouter 240S are designed to withstand harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, vibrations, and dust. They provide reliable connectivity for applications such as remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time data analysis.

Example: In a manufacturing plant, industrial routers like Teltonika RUT956 might connect various IoT sensors to monitor machinery performance, allowing for real-time data collection and predictive maintenance. This connectivity helps in reducing downtime by predicting equipment failures before they happen, thus optimising the production process.

2. Enterprise-Level Networking

In large enterprises, routers manage complex networks that span across multiple locations, both locally and globally. They are used to connect different branches of a company, allowing for centralised data management and communication.

Routers in enterprises are equipped with advanced features like load balancing, Quality of Service (QoS), and failover capabilities, ensuring that critical business applications maintain optimal performance and uptime.

Example: Multinational corporations often use routers to connect their offices across different countries. This network infrastructure enables secure communication and data transfer between departments, facilitating collaboration and enhancing operational efficiency.

3. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

For ISPs, routers are essential in distributing internet services to millions of customers. Routers used by ISPs are typically more powerful than those used in home networks, with the ability to handle high volumes of traffic and multiple connections simultaneously.

These routers ensure that data is efficiently routed from the provider’s network to the end-user, maintaining high speeds and reliability.

Example: An ISP may deploy high-capacity routers to manage the data traffic of an entire city, ensuring that each user gets consistent internet service, even during peak usage times.

4. Telecommunications Industry

In telecommunications, routers are used to direct voice, video, and data traffic across various networks. They play a crucial role in the backbone of the internet, where they direct data packets through the most efficient routes, ensuring low latency and high availability.

Routers in telecom networks often support advanced protocols and handle massive amounts of data, making them indispensable for maintaining service quality.

Example: A telecommunications company might use a network of routers to manage the traffic for millions of mobile phone users, ensuring that calls, messages, and data connections are seamlessly maintained across different regions.

5. Data Centers

Data centres rely heavily on routers to manage data flow between servers, storage systems, and external networks. In these environments, routers are designed to handle vast amounts of data with high efficiency and security.

They support the infrastructure needed for cloud computing, enabling users to access data and applications from anywhere in the world.

Example: A cloud service provider uses routers within its data centres to manage traffic between thousands of servers and external networks, ensuring users can access their services with minimal latency and high reliability.

6. Small Business Networking

In small businesses, industrial routers are the backbone of the local network. They connect multiple devices like computers, smartphones, printers, and smart devices to the internet.

In small businesses, routers ensure that all employees can access shared resources like files and printers and facilitate remote access to the company’s network via VPNs, making work-from-home or remote support possible.

Example: A small business might use a router to create a secure network where employees can access shared files from any device within the office or remotely, ensuring business continuity.

7. Smart Buildings

Routers are crucial in the operation of smart buildings, enabling the integration and management of various building systems. From HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) to lighting and security systems, routers provide the connectivity needed to control and monitor these systems remotely.

This remote access allows building managers to optimise energy usage, monitor security cameras, control lighting, and even manage access to the building from anywhere in the world. Example: A commercial office building might use a network of routers to connect its HVAC, lighting, and security systems to a centralised control panel. Building managers can then monitor and adjust these systems remotely, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and security, even when they are off-site.

Final Words

Industrial routers aren’t just regular networking devices—they’re built to handle the unique challenges that come with industrial environments. Whether it’s extreme temperatures, power fluctuations, or the need for constant uptime, these routers are designed to deliver stable and secure data transmission 24/7.

Their ability to support multiple communication protocols and advanced security features like firewalls, VPNs, and access control makes them ideal for industries relying on real-time data and remote monitoring.

From smart transportation systems to automated manufacturing, industrial routers are at the core of connecting devices and ensuring seamless communication. As industrial operations continue to embrace IoT, automation, and wireless technologies, choosing the right industrial-grade router can make all the difference in keeping your systems running efficiently and securely.Are you looking for modems or routers for efficient data transfers between devices? Look no further than Forest Rock. We have a wide range of routers for different applications. Explore now!