What does IGU mean in NETWORKING

An Integrated Gateway Unit (IGU) is a device that consists of both a router and switch in one unit. It connects to the internet for routing and provides Ethernet ports for connecting other devices to be part of the same local network.

One of the main advantages of an IGU is its space saving design, as it offers two components that are usually separate in one unit. It also offers convenience by combining two devices into one so that it is easier to manage and maintain. Furthermore, IGUs often offer more advanced features than what is typically available with a combination router/switch setup.

Not necessarily. While some IGUs can achieve higher speeds due to their more advanced features, this will depend on your specific network requirements and usage needs. In many cases, a traditional router and switch combination may still be able to provide fast speeds if configured correctly.

Yes, an IGU can be just as secure as a traditional router and switch setup if configured properly. It typically provides all the same security protocols such as WPA2 encryption, firewall protection, VPN support etc., in order to keep your network safe from outside threats.

Setting up your IGU should be relatively easy depending on its manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, you would first plug in the power adapter into a wall outlet then connect your modem to the WAN port of the device using Ethernet cable or fiber optic cable. After connecting all desired cables and turning on your device you should access its web interface settings by entering its IP address in your browser’s URL bar. Further configuration steps will vary depending on your specific requirements but should follow general instructions provided by its manufacturer or user manual.

Your IGU should come with LED indicator lights that indicate which port is connected as well as whether it's active or inactive at any given time. Additionally, you can access your administrative interface settings online where you should be able to view a list of connected devices along with their corresponding ports.

Yes, most modern-day Integrated Gateway Units come with traffic shaping capabilities through Quality-of-Service (QoS) settings that allow you to assign certain priorities over others when sending traffic over large distances through multiple paths simultaneously or when managing data throughput between different users' devices within the same local network.

Yes, many models offer guest access limitations including setting limits for each user along with assigning certain restrictions such as blocking websites or limiting download speed for certain services etc.

Most models come equipped with some sort of built-in monitoring system which allows for visibility into traffic patterns over time as well as being able to detect possible threats within your local area network environment via IP addresses or port numbers etc.

No, most Integrated Gateway Units are standalone units meaning they don’t require any additional software installation; however, some might offer downloadable apps that offer advanced features such as parental controls or enhanced security configurations etc.