I’m going to be setting up a small business later this year. While it will need Internet access, only a PC and a couple of printers will need it, so I thought I could increase security a notch by foregoing a wireless router and using one that isn’t wireless. Any recommendations for a 5 or 8 port, gigabit model? The simpler the better; I don’t need a lot of configuration/management options. Thanks.
We cant tell you that unless we know what your internet connection type is ie adls, adsl2+, cable
I use a Medialink AC1200 router which has worked flawlessly for several years.
This router allows the user to turn off the wireless functions.
You can find the operators manual for this router online. Look up wireless scheduling.
JackHughs
Purchased or rented cable modem? You might want to purchase a cable modem/router combination and save your modem rental fees every month.
Something like this, and disable the WiFi:
ARRIS SURFboard SBG6950AC2
I've got VOIP provided by my cable company so I have this one:
Netgear C7100V
Most of the routers you find in the store are going to be retail based and will contain wireless. While the possibility of someone breaching your wireless access point is real the likely reality is very small. Your business is more likely to be attacked through email or someone sticking in a rogue USB device then the access point.
You can further harden the access point by MAC filtering, you decide what MAC addresses are allowed. I would be checking that the router supports WPA3, the new standard, and I would then go with a long and somewhat complex password. Long is key, so I use a phrase with symbols sprinkled in..
Easy to remember, hard to guess.
Also disable Internet access to control router, another possible entry point you don't need and change the admin password.
Wireless will also give you greater access to security devices like cameras.
In terms of router capabilities most of these retail routers come with 4 ports so you will need to buy a simple switch if you need 8. I use D-Link.
I would be watching things like number of bands, USB ports and whatever else as this will drive price and if you indeed shut off wireless no point in buying one with three bands and super wifi speed.
You can search commercial routers in google, you will likely see the big names. As a previous member pointed out with a pure router you need a modem. Commercial routers may actually get firmware updates longer, you can check with the manufacture once you select a model. My retail Netgear hasn't seen an update in a year and this was one of their better devices.
Lots of good articles on net for securing router, one I forgot to mention is WPS. I've seen several articles and I run mine disabled. I enter passwords into devices I want on my network.
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