A router manages the traffic between a private network and the internet. It is essentially the gateway for devices on a network to connect to the internet. However, a router alone is not enough to protect a network from potentially harmful traffic.

This is where a firewall comes in. A firewall acts as a barrier between the internet and your network, determining what traffic is allowed in and out. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to your network and protect against cyber attacks, malware, and viruses.

A firewall typically monitors traffic at the application layer, providing an extra layer of protection beyond the network layer that a router operates at. It can also detect and prevent malicious traffic from entering your network by inspecting the packets and filtering them based on set rules.

Even though routers come equipped with basic security features, they can be vulnerable to known and unknown security threats. Firewalls, on the other hand, have advanced security features that function as an additional line of defense against potential cyber attacks.

In summary, having a router alone is not enough to protect your network from security threats. A firewall can provide added protection by filtering traffic and blocking malicious packets, making it an essential component of your network security.