Wired networks are outdated and can’t keep up with the demands of the modern workplace.
With more and more people working remotely, the need for a fast, reliable, and secure network is greater than ever.
Virtual routers provide all of the benefits of a wired network without any of the drawbacks. By using a virtual router, you can create a secure and efficient network for your business that will allow you to work from anywhere in the world. Follow Edon Lazaj to know more information about virtual routers.
What exactly is a virtual router?
A virtual router is a software-based or hardware-assisted device that performs the functions of a physical router, such as forwarding data packets between computer networks. They are often used to connect virtual private networks (VPNs) to the internet.
Virtual routers can be implemented in a number of ways, including:
- Software running on a physical router
- A separate device that is connected to a physical router
- A software program that runs on a computer or virtual machine (VM)
What is the purpose of a virtual router?
The primary purpose of a virtual router is to route data packets between networks. This includes forwarding packets between virtual private networks (VPNs) and the public internet.
Virtual routers can also be used to connect two or more physical networks, such as when connecting a private network to a public Wi-Fi network.
What am I going to need to set up a virtual router?
The specific requirements will depend on the implementation you choose. For example, if you are using a software program to create a virtual router, you will need a computer or VM with two or more network adapters.
If you are using a physical router, you will need to configure it with the appropriate software. In either case, you will also need a network connection to the internet.
And next Edon Lazaj instructs you How do I set up a virtual router.
How do I set up a virtual router?
The specific steps will vary depending on the implementation you choose. However, in general, you will need to configure the computer or VM with the appropriate software and network settings.
For example, if you are using a software program to create a virtual router, you will need to configure the network adapters and software with the appropriate settings. If you are using a physical router, you will need to connect it to the internet and configure the router software.
What can I do with a virtual router?
With a virtual router, you can connect two or more networks together. This includes connecting a private network to a public Wi-Fi network. You can also use a virtual router to connect a VPN to the internet.
WAN to WiFi Virtual Router Use Cases
One popular use case for a WAN to WiFi virtual router is connecting a remote office to a corporate network. For example, imagine that your company has a main office in New York and a satellite office in Los Angeles. The main office has a high-speed fiber connection to the internet, while the satellite office has a slower DSL connection.
To allow employees in the satellite office to access corporate resources, you can use a WAN to WiFi virtual router to connect the two offices.
Another common use case is connecting a home network to a public Wi-Fi network. For example, if you want to connect your home network to a coffee shop Wi-Fi, you can use a WAN to WiFi virtual router. This will allow you to use the coffee shop Wi-Fi while keeping your home network private.
Finally, you can use a WAN to WiFi virtual router to connect a VPN to the internet. This can be useful if you want to connect to a corporate VPN from a remote location. For example, if you are working from home, you can use a WAN to WiFi virtual router to connect to your company’s VPN. This will allow you to access corporate resources as if you were in the office.
Changing the Definition of a Virtual Router
The traditional definition of a virtual router is a software program that emulates the functions of a physical router. However, the term is now also used to refer to physical routers that have been configured to act as virtual routers.
For example, many commercial routers can be configured to act as VPN concentrators, firewalls, or load balancers. As such, these routers can be considered virtual routers.
The advantage of using a physical router as a virtual router is that it can offer better performance than a software program. This is because a physical router has dedicated hardware that can be used to process data packets. However, the disadvantage is that you need to purchase a separate physical router for each function you want to enable.
If you are using a physical router as a virtual router, you will need to configure it with the appropriate software. For example, if you want to use a router as a VPN concentrator, you will need to install VPN software on the router. Alternatively, if you want to use a router as a load balancer, you will need to install load balancing software on the router.
Topology of a Virtual Router
A virtual router typically consists of two or more network interfaces, each of which is connected to a different network. For example, a WAN to WiFi virtual router might have one interface connected to the WAN and another interface connected to the WiFi network.
The figure below shows a typical topology for a WAN to WiFi virtual router. In this topology, the router is connected to the WAN via a modem. The router is also connected to the WiFi network via an access point.
General Properties of a Virtual Router
A virtual router typically has the following properties:
- It uses NAT to allow multiple devices on the LAN to share a single IP address on the WAN.
- It has a DHCP server that assigns IP addresses to devices on the LAN.
- It has a firewall that blocks unsolicited incoming traffic from the WAN.
- It can be configured to act as a VPN concentrator, firewall, or load balancer.
- It can be implemented as a software program or a physical router.
Top 6 Best Virtual Routers
Now that you know what a virtual router is, let’s take a look at some of the best virtual routers available:
Cisco 1000V Cloud Services Router
The Cisco 1000V Cloud Services Router is a virtual router that can be deployed in a cloud environment. It offers features such as NAT, DHCP, and firewall. The router can also be configured to act as a VPN concentrator or load balancer.
Edge Cisco Catalyst 8000V
The Edge Cisco Catalyst 8000V Cloud Services Router is another virtual router that can be deployed in a cloud environment. It offers similar features to the Cisco 1000V Cloud Services Router.
However, it also supports edge virtual Bridging (EVB). EVB allows multiple virtual routers to be interconnected.
Verizon Virtual Network Services – Routing
Verizon’s Virtual Network Services offer a virtual router service that can be used to connect multiple virtual networks. The service offers features such as NAT, DHCP, and firewall.
Sky Advanced Threat Prevention
Sky’s Advanced Threat Prevention service offers a virtual router that can be used to protect your network from malware and other threats. The service offers features such as NAT, DHCP, and firewall.
The Open Cloud Exchange
The Open Cloud Exchange is a service that offers a virtual router that can be used to connect multiple cloud environments. The service offers features such as NAT, DHCP, and firewall.
Cisco 5900 Series Embedded Services Routers
The Cisco 5900 Series Embedded Services Routers are physical routers that can be used as virtual routers. The routers offer features such as NAT, DHCP, and firewall.
F.A.Q virtual routers:
Why do we need a virtual router?
A virtual router is a router that can be deployed in a cloud environment. It offers features such as NAT, DHCP, and firewall. The router can also be configured to act as a VPN concentrator or load balancer.
Are virtual routers free?
Most virtual routers are not free. however, there are some open source virtual routers available.
What is the difference between a virtual router and a physical router?
A virtual router is a software program that can be used to connect multiple networks. A physical router is a physical device that can be used to connect multiple networks.
What is a virtual VPN router?
A virtual VPN router is a router that can be used to connect multiple VPNs. The router can be configured to act as a VPN concentrator or load balancer.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to increase the security of your wireless network or want to create a separate network for guests, a virtual router is the perfect solution. By using a virtual router, you can create a secure and separate network for guests without having to purchase additional hardware. You can also use a virtual router to connect multiple devices to your wireless network. For more information on how to set up and use a virtual router, please visit our website.