Even those running a fairly small business should consider purchasing a suitable
business router because although consumer routers have improved greatly in recent years they do not meet the specific requirements of a small business. For example, you will likely need features that enhance the performance of the network and keep it running in an efficient and secure way.
Look for a router that supports a dual band wireless network. This means that if you have some computers with lower speed 802.11b or 802.11g access and others on a high speed 802.11n access then it will not reduce the performance of those accessing via a higher speed connection. This is because a dual band router provides simultaneous support for both device speeds, each with their own SSID and wireless security settings.
In a small business it is advisable to upgrade to a Gigabit Ethernet that is capable of operating at speeds much faster than the 100Mbps achieved with a consumer router. In order to improve the speed then all of your computers must also be equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports. You should also consider how many ports your router would be required. Some business routers can connect up to 50 ports, which could be useful if you need to connect numerous devices.
Some routers offer a feature known as Quality of Service (QoS) that can prioritise data traffic to your router in order to minimise interference. This is particularly useful if your business uses a VoIP internet line for making calls because the QoS will differentiate between data that is being used for a phone conversation and data that is being used to download a file.
If your business is particularly security conscious then it might be an idea to look for a guest network feature. This means that if your guests require access to your Wi-Fi during a visit they can do so without the need for disclosing your password. It also means that your guest access is isolated from your companys primary network and any personal data it may hold.
In a slightly larger business it may be necessary to block certain sites from access. Many routers come with built-in content filtering that enables you to limit employee access to certain sites. Some routers achieve this through a list of restricted sites that is divided into categories while others allow you to block specific sites or sites containing specific keywords. If a user attempts to access a restricted site they will receive a message and the network administrator will be automatically notified.