What is a Software Router?

November 14, 2022

What is the Software Router?

Software Router is a generic term for devices that use a computer or server with software to form a routing solution that relies primarily on software settings to achieve the functionality of a router, making the computer or server function as an analogue router. Broadly speaking, software router is not far from us. For example, adding a router message to the operating system of a personal computer can be considered as a computer with primary soft routing capabilities; a network server at a workplace, used to connect to the external network and to distribute IP addresses internally, can also be considered a software router. In this way, you will be able to get a first impression of software router.

A Software Router is actually in the same position as a hardware router and serves to replace it. The top end is connected to the external network and the bottom end is connected to the internal LAN. The PC as a software router requires at least a dual NIC, preferably with two Gigabit NIC. The server can still support optical port access.

According to the use of different operation system, it can be divided into windows-based platform and Linux / bsd platform based. The common windows-based software firewall are ISA Server and Winroute Firewall. The software firewalls based on Unix/Linux platforms have been launched like a spring, such as Sea Spider, ikuai8, RouterOS, m0n0Wall, SmoothWall, Ipcop, CoyoteLinux, etc. which are generally have low hardware requirements, and even only require a J1900 computer, a hard disk and two network cards to be installed with a very professional software firewall. So we can take an obsolete computer and install a free firewall software, to get a professional firewall software router without spending a penny. These systems also include their own NAT function, and can achieve broadband sharing, which means that this free firewall is actually a great broadband router, which is how exciting! This means that the free firewall is actually a great broadband route. But these free soft ware routing systems are usually designed to survive with too much advertising inserted, which leads to user dissatisfaction.

The advantages of the software router compared to hardware router

1. Hardware advantages
The hardware architecture of the software router is based on the current mainstream PC or server. The performance of X86 architecture processor is far better than that of the ordinary router equipment. And the computer side of the scalability is very strong, it is easy to add memory to improve the overall data throughput. With lower cost, the software router can get the same performance as a hardware router.Software routers generally have higher hardware configurations than hardware broadband routers, so in some cases the speed is even faster than the stability of hardware routers sold at hundreds of dollars. The stability of the software router benefiting from the stable Linux and BSD kernel is very good. Theoretically，the running time for the software router without rebooting is unlimited.Different software routers with different function, and the vast majority of free Linux-based software routers are no worse than commercial ones, and are more powerful than commercial ones.

2. Extension advantages

The scalability of the software router with software installed on Windows and Linux systems is better than traditional routers. As long as you need, many functions can be achieved through the software, such as de-advertising, building websites, password-free login, etc.. The hardware router is subject to the speed of updates from manufacturers and is less flexible.

Development prospects

Software routers will gradually occupy more of the hardware router market. But for now, the software routers can not yet eliminate hardware routers, because their market positioning is different, and only hardware routers can be competent in the high-end.The software routers can get higher economic benefits for general applications like Internet cafes, schools, institutions, etc..

Shenzhen Innovative Cloud Computer co.,Ltd. is a professional mini pc manufacturer. It provides kinds of software routers, as well as normal PC for home and office use, fanless industrial mini PC , fanless industrial PC, firewall appliance and industrail computers with a fan built-in.

As a professional manufacturer, we provide appropriate ODM & OEM solutions.

Please feel free to contact us for more information:

Company: Shenzhen Innovative Cloud Computer Co., Ltd.

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