Switches and Routers FAQs
Q: What is a Router and why do I need one?
A: A Router manages traffic between IP Networks. All devices accessing the internet require an IP address. Typically, each business or home Internet connection has only one address but multiple devices that require Internet access. A Router allows the network to use a single public address on the Internet with a range of private addresses for all devices attached to the local network. This allows multiple devices to be connected while still using just one public address to access the Internet. Routers also provide critical services in the private network such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), DNS (Domain Name System) and NAT (Network Address Translation). Routers also typically function as a firewall protecting your private network from intrusions and some (like the Luxul Xen XBR-2300) even provide VPN (Virtual Private Network) services so you can connect to your private network securely from any Internet connection.
Q: What is the difference between a Router and an Access Point?
A: The primary difference is in the services each provides to the local network. A Router for instance provides DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), DNS (Domain Name System) and NAT (Network Address Translation) services. A Wireless Access Point does not provide these services and relies instead on a Router in the network to provide them. The only service the Wireless Access Point provides is the data translation between a Wireless and a Wired network.
Q: What are the advantages of using a Wired Router instead of a Wireless Router?
A: Wired Routers (such as the XBR-2300) typically have a more extensive set of features and capabilities including the ability to handle higher traffic loads. Wireless Routers are more often designed to be consumer grade products and have limited capabilities. Another advantage is in the placement of the device for optimal wireless access. It is common for a Router (Wireless or Wired) to be located at the internet drop in the home or business. This is nearly always in a location that is not conducive for good Wireless service and can be a limiting factor in how the wireless network performs when using a wireless router instead of a wired router connected to a wireless access point.
Q: What is a Switch and why do I need one?
A: A Switch separates collision domains, meaning it only forwards traffic to the intended recipient. As an example: Imagine there is a man walking in a crowd with a bull horn saying that he wants to speak with Bob. This is a collision domain as everyone in the area can hear him. Now, imagine the same man has a cell phone and dials Bob directly on his cell phone. This is what a switch does—it directs the traffic only to the intended recipients. Switches help to cut down on unnecessary cross talk between devices. Smart/Managed Switches (like the XMS-1024 and XMS-1008P) can further shape and optimize traffic.
Q: What is the difference between Gigabit Ethernet and Fast Ethernet?
A: Gigabit Ethernet provides 10X the performance of Fast Ethernet technology. Gigabit Ethernet provides data throughput of up to 1 Gigabit/second, while Fast Ethernet delivers only 100 Mbits/second. Installation of Gigabit Ethernet technologies helps future proof network installations and ensures higher internal network performance.
Q: When would I need a Luxul Xen Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch?
A: The Luxul Xen Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch is especially useful when setting up and running multiple applications or networks that you wish to optimize and/or keep isolated from each other. For instance, if you want to set up separate networks for internet access, home control systems, guest access, a VoIP phone system, or perhaps a gaming/multimedia environment, the use of a Luxul Xen Smart switch will help to isolate traffic and reduce latency.
Q: What is a VLAN and why do I need one?
A: A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) allows you to segment a network (i.e. a switch) into different broadcast domains. VLAN support is typically only available when deploying Smart/managed switches (XMS-1024 or XMS-1008P). As an example, let’s say you have 4 different groups of devices that need to run on the network while being isolated from members of other groups (Home Control, VoIP Equipment, Guest Network, Internet Access). Without VLANs, this setup would require 4 separate switches. However, with VLANs you can partition a multiport switch into 4 (or more) virtual switches. This creates four networks that cannot talk to each other using a single switch. This can be very useful when you are dealing with latency sensitive systems like VoIP, music, or video streaming, and/or keeping networks separate in a business environment.
Q: Does the Luxul Xen Dual-WAN Router (XBR-2300) support VPN access?
A: Yes, the XBR-2300 supports PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) VPN access. Furthermore, the XBR-2300 has the ability to act as either a VPN Server or VPN Client. This allows the XBR-2300 to connect to a VPN Server at a remote location and provide a secure link to that location or to create a VPN Server you can connect to with any available internet connection.
Q: How does the Dual-WAN feature of the XBR-2300 Router help me?
A: There are three main uses of the XBR-2300 Dual-WAN capability: 1) Optimizing certain kinds of network traffic by routing critical/prioritized packets through the most optimal internet connection while sending less important packets through a lower priority connection; 2) Load Balancing, which optimizes traffic for all users by taking advantage of the least busy connection on the network; 3) Automatic Failover, which increases network reliability for critical applications by setting the XBR-2300 to switch to a secondary connection if the primary connection fails.
Q: What is the difference between Port Forwarding and a VPN connection?
A: While both can be used to connect to an internal network, they are very different. Port Forwarding allows traffic directed to the router’s public IP Address on a specified port to be forwarded to a device on the internal network. This can be useful for web servers, email servers, and other function specific devices that live inside your local network. Port Forwarding allows one external port to be forwarded to one internal port. If implementing multiple connections, a separate Port Forward entry is required for each. Port Forwarding is not recommended for establishing external network connections as there is no encryption on the connection unless it is provided specifically by the device.

A VPN allows a device to connect to the public IP Address of your router and behave as if it is on the local network. The client device contacts the router, which then opens an encrypted connection to the local network. This is very useful when working from a home office or accessing the network when on vacation. VPN encryption provides a secure connection and allows access to every device in the local network with a single connection.

Q: How can I set up a VPN Server with my XBR-2300 Dual-WAN Router?
A: Luxul offers an excellent video series that covers this and other configuration topics as well as other useful tips and tricks. Visit the How to Video page for a complete list.
Q: How can I set up VLANs with my XMS-1024/XMS-1008P Smart Switch?
A: Luxul offers an excellent video series that covers this and other configuration topics as well as other useful tips and tricks. Visit the How to Video page for a complete list.
Q: How can I set up QOS with my XMS-1024/XMS-1008P Smart Switch?
A: Luxul offers an excellent video series that covers this and other configuration topics as well as other useful tips and tricks. Visit the How to Video page for a complete list.
Q: How can I block certain Websites with the XBR-2300 Dual WAN Router?
A: Luxul offers an excellent video series that covers this and other configuration topics as well as other useful tips and tricks. Visit the How to Video page for a complete list.
Q: How can I set up blocks of time allowing or blocking Internet Access with the XBR-2300 Router?
A: Luxul offers an excellent video series that covers this and other configuration topics as well as other useful tips and tricks. Visit the How to Video page for a complete list.
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