Mount
—
Desktop. Desktop routers include routers that do not use special rack mounts and are suitable for placement on any suitable surface — a table, shelf, etc. Although there are quite advanced models among desktop devices, however, most of them have relatively simple functionality and are designed for use in small networks where an abundance of equipment is not required.
—
Rack mounted. Routers that are standard installed in a telecommunications rack are usually 19 "standard (although technically many of them can also be used as desktop ones, albeit with less convenience). Racks are used in extensive networks that require a large amount of equipment; accordingly, routers of this type in general, more powerful and advanced than the desktop, and are designed primarily for professional use.
—
To the mast. Installation on a mast or other vertical structure — a tower, a pole, etc. Quite a rare form factor; It is mainly used in waterproof models designed for the possibility of working outdoors. Mobile network capable devices in this category may have a directional antenna to improve connectivity.
Console port
The presence of a
console port in the router. This connector is used to control the device settings from a separate computer, which plays the role of a control panel — a console. The advantage of this format of operation is that access to the functions of the router does not depend on the state of the network; in addition, special utilities can be used on the console that provide more extensive capabilities than a regular web interface or network protocols (see "Management"). An RS-232 connector is often used as a console port, but in modern routers this role can also be played by a separate Ethernet input (not used for any other purpose).
CPU
The model of the processor installed in the device. The processor is responsible for processing network traffic and running software. Knowing its name, you can get more detailed data on the speed capabilities of the equipment and understand how much such a powerful or, on the contrary, mediocre element is needed on board. In new models of Wi-Fi equipment, coprocessors or so-called NPU modules are often installed, which relieve the load from the main processor.
CPU cores
The number of cores in the processor installed in the device. The core in this case refers to the part of the processor that executes one thread of instructions. Accordingly, the presence of multiple cores allows you to work with multiple threads simultaneously, which has a positive effect on performance.
CPU speed
The number of cycles per second that the processor produces in its normal operating mode. A clock is a single electrical impulse used to process data and synchronize the processor with the rest of the computer system. Different operations may require fractions of a clock or several clocks, but anyway, the clock frequency is one of the main parameters characterizing the performance and speed of the processor — all other things being equal, a processor with a higher clock frequency will work faster and better cope with significant loads.
RAM
The amount of random access memory (RAM) provided in the device. The amount of "RAM" is one of the indicators of the power of the device: the larger it is, the higher the speed and the better the device will cope with "heavy" tasks.
Flash memory
The amount of memory allocated for the operation of the operating system on board the device. It stores the OS and the control programme. Note that Flash memory is not available for use by the end user.
