Pitting them against each other isn’t really the answer. Instead, highlight their functionality to show how each one is an indispensable factor for both your business communications and security.
Many people mix them up and face security risks or slow connections.
They are different and therefore work differently. Next, let’s look at how routers and firewalls work and how each can help your business by creating an unbeatable team.
What Is a Router?
A router is a networking device that manages digital traffic between devices on a local area network (LAN) and the internet. On the other hand, an internet router is like a traffic cop that ensures electronic packets reach their destination. Think of it as an information escort.
Routers give the devices connected to the network a local IP Address, which allows them to communicate with each other and also connect to the outside world (websites, cloud services, applications, etc.). In fact, many small businesses use them, even though they incorporate basic security features.
In effect, routers are general-purpose devices that primarily provide connectivity, not cybersecurity. Similar to business routers, but with more advanced traffic management, VPN compatibility, and bandwidth control.
Yet routers alone don’t provide a comprehensive defense against contemporary cyber threats, so they are usually used together with a firewall for complete network protection.
What Is an Enterprise-Grade Firewall?
An enterprise-grade firewall is a high-performance security solution that helps secure business networks against cyber threats, unauthorized access, and malicious traffic. In short, it is a bodyguard for your information.
You’ve probably heard the word firewall everywhere and know what it’s about, but when we talk about enterprise firewalls, we’re talking about much deeper packet inspection, threat detection, and precise network traffic control.
They inspect incoming and outgoing information, stopping suspicious behavior and permitting legitimate interactions. Firewall systems may also incorporate other abilities such as interception prevention systems (IPS), VPN handling, application filtering, and abuse identification.
And one of the best things about these enterprise firewalls is that they are scalable, meaning that as your business grows, so does the firewall. What does this mean? It is a fact that as your business expands, so does the volume of traffic on your network, requiring more robust security measures.
Key Differences Between Routers and Enterprise-Grade Firewalls
Before discussing their differences, it is worth mentioning their similarities, the most important of which is that both are fundamental parts of a company’s IT infrastructure.
On the one hand, the router is responsible for managing traffic, i.e., it directs data between network devices and the Internet. Meanwhile, the firewall acts more as a defender, protecting that data and preventing unauthorized users from accessing your network and information.
In short, one directs information while the other protects it. Therefore, talking about security differences would be very unfair to routers, which only have basic security functions, such as network address translation (NAT), while enterprise firewalls offer advanced security for threat detection, deep vulnerability inspection, and policy enforcement.
The real thing is that companies use both routers and firewalls to protect their devices and prevent internet threats. Well, in the case of the router, it’s to make sure systems can connect, while the firewall is in charge of protecting confidential info and preventing cyberattacks.
Do I Need Both a Router and a Firewall?
It’s quite common for companies to assume that their wireless router protects traffic entering and leaving their network, but we’ve already learned that this is not the case.
So, what’s the right way to do it? First, let’s discuss what routers and firewalls are supposed to do.
Routers
A wireless router helps us connect to the Internet. It converts the signal from your Internet Service Provider’s modem into a wireless signal, which several devices use to connect to the web.
On the technical side, routers send data packets across various computer networks. Their main purpose is to shuttle the bits back and forth rather than provide any meaningful security for the traffic.
Firewalls
A firewall is a security appliance that monitors and controls traffic to and from your devices, from the router to the Internet.
Some of them will even double duty as routers. Not everyone does, so an internet-connected router may still be necessary. In addition, firewalls benefit you with their many network protection and defense features against spam, viruses, and other cyberattacks.
There are two types of firewalls:–
- Hardware: These devices between your computer and the internet protect entire networks. They are also called network firewalls. (That’s the one we’re talking about in this article)
- Software: Firewalls built into a computer’s operating system usually only protect that particular device.
How Do Firewalls & Routers Work Together?
Unless you invent a firewall that acts as a router, you need a router to connect wirelessly to the Internet. However, using ONLY a router is NOT recommended, as this would leave your network vulnerable and unprotected. In short, you need a router and a firewall.
Routers and connected cameras account for 90% of infected devices per network breach.
In addition, 58% of small businesses are victims of data breaches because they provide less security than enterprise companies and are often targeted. Quite alarming, isn’t it?
What Security Benefits Does a Firewall Offer?
Imagine living in a city without police. What would happen? The worst, right? Well, the same thing happens on your computer or network. If you don’t have surveillance, anyone can break in and steal your stuff.
That’s why a firewall is essential—whether used with your router or as a standalone option if your router supports Wi-Fi.
Monitoring for Legitimate Traffic
A firewall monitors traffic and requests to pass data through your network. It checks if the traffic is from a device familiar to the company or if it appears suspicious. If it looks suspicious, it can halt the traffic, which helps to stop malware infections and data breaches.
Block Dangerous or Unproductive Websites
A firewall isn’t just for protecting you from external threats, it’s also for ensuring your team’s productivity. For example, with its blocking feature, you can restrict access to certain websites such as Facebook so your team doesn’t waste time when they should be working on that report that was due yesterday. And of course, you can also restrict suspicious sites to protect your digital assets.
Reporting Traffic Patterns
As we mentioned earlier, a firewall is like a watchdog. It logs all activity and traffic on your network, allowing you to understand your traffic patterns with information such as the destination, source, and size of data packets.
This allows you to learn which applications use the most data and which areas of your network experience the most traffic.
Email Protection
Even network firewalls will protect against email spam and anti-phishing protections. These will help prevent your employees’ inboxes from being filled with dangerous phishing emails or overflowing with spam.
Common Use Cases for Each Setup
The first thing you need is a business network, then you can analyze whether you need a router, a firewall, or both (recommended). Let’s look at some everyday use cases for each configuration:
Router-Only Setup
You can use it if you are a retailer, have a home office or very small office, or if you have a business with few devices and security requirements. Remember that the router is designed to provide basic connectivity and Internet access without advanced threat protection.
Firewall-Only Setup
It is very rare, but not impossible, usually in a hyper-secure environment where a business depends on separate hardware for connectivity. Firewalls manage traffic and prevent threats but are not route-based.
Router + Enterprise-Grade Firewall Setup
If you handle sensitive information, this is the option for you. You use the router for connectivity and the firewall for data protection.
Get a Free Security Audit to See Where You Stand
Reminder: Business security is NOT something to be taken lightly (look in the mirror and repeat insatiably). Your system does not protect itself. Assess your IT security risks to identify necessary improvements or solutions.
Schedule your free RCOR Security Audit today and sleep soundly tomorrow! Contact us online or by phone at 919-313-9355.