Why the Router Matters

Many growing businesses are still relying on a basic ISP router. A business-grade router such as the TP-Link ER706W gives better control, better visibility and stronger security. It allows Drakos to manage firewall rules, separate trusted and guest devices, monitor the network and apply security controls from one central platform.

The ISP router that arrives with your broadband is designed for simplicity, not security. It will pass traffic, but it offers minimal firewall controls, no intrusion detection, no VLAN capability and no meaningful visibility into what is happening on your network.

What a Business-Grade Router Provides

Firewall Controls

Proper inbound and outbound firewall rules. Block traffic that should not be there. Restrict what devices can communicate with the internet. Prevent lateral movement across the network if a device is compromised.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS/IPS)

The router inspects network traffic for patterns matching known attack signatures. Detected threats can trigger automatic blocking rather than just an alert. This adds a layer of protection at the network boundary before traffic reaches any device.

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

Traffic is analysed at the application layer, giving visibility into what protocols and applications are actually being used on the network. This helps identify unusual activity and enforce application control policies.

VLAN Segmentation

The network is divided into isolated zones. A typical business setup might include:

A compromised device on the guest Wi-Fi cannot reach your staff laptops. Your CCTV cameras cannot communicate with your finance systems. This is standard configuration on every deployment.

Guest Network Separation

Customers or visitors connecting to your Wi-Fi are placed on an isolated guest network. They get internet access but cannot see any internal devices. Client isolation is enabled so guest devices cannot even see each other.

Remote Management via Omada

The TP-Link Omada platform provides centralised management of routers, switches and access points from a single dashboard. We can review firewall rules, check device status, push configuration changes and respond to alerts remotely without needing to visit your site for routine management tasks.

Hardware We Use

TP-Link ER706W

An Omada Wi-Fi 6 VPN gateway with firewall, IDS/IPS, DPI, VLAN support and application control. Well suited to small offices, professional premises and rural business sites. The ER706W does not have a built-in 4G or 5G modem. LTE backup is possible via a supported USB dongle plugged directly into the router. For a dedicated built-in 4G SIM slot, see the ER706WP-4G instead.

TP-Link ER706WP-4G

Adds a built-in 4G SIM slot for automatic broadband failover. The router switches to mobile data if the primary broadband connection fails, keeping VoIP, cloud software and card payments running. We verify coverage at the site before recommending this model.

TP-Link ER7206

A higher-capacity Omada router for larger deployments or sites needing more concurrent connections. Can be paired with an external 4G or 5G router as a failover WAN source where a built-in modem is not available or sufficient coverage for 5G exists.

Suitable For

Discuss Your Network Setup

Tell us what you have, how many devices you are running, and what you need to protect. We will recommend the right hardware and explain exactly what it will do.

Get in Touch 02890 184 600

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a growing business need a business-grade router?

A basic ISP router provides minimal security controls and limited visibility. A business-grade router such as the TP-Link ER706W gives you proper firewall rules, intrusion detection, VLAN separation, application control and remote management. Most business network breaches start at the perimeter, and a basic ISP router offers very little resistance.

Does the TP-Link ER706W support 4G or 5G?

The TP-Link ER706W is an Omada Wi-Fi 6 VPN gateway. It does not have a built-in 4G or 5G modem. LTE backup is possible via a supported USB dongle. For a dedicated built-in 4G SIM slot, the TP-Link ER706WP-4G is the right choice. Alternatively, the ER7206 can be paired with an external 4G or 5G router used as a backup WAN source. We verify the correct model for each situation before recommending hardware.

What is VLAN segmentation and why does it matter?

VLAN segmentation divides your network into isolated zones. Devices in one VLAN cannot communicate with devices in another unless explicitly allowed. If a device on the guest Wi-Fi is compromised, it cannot reach your staff laptops or file servers.

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Based in Belfast. Working across Northern Ireland. Direct contact. Onsite installation across NI.