A To Z About Routers - A Useful Buying Guide
October 29, 2007
The role of a router in a network is inevitable. Router is an electronic internet-based hardware mostly used for connecting two or more networks with each other for sharing data or information between them. These routers have been manufactured with the potential to choose a best path for forwarding data to concerned network and they are efficient in prohibiting hazardous virus infections. Many people would want to buy routers for sharing broadband internet access with multiple systems within a network.
Managing traffic between networks is a primary task of routers. Routing protocol is essential for forwarding data pockets between networks. The router has to be fixed in between your home network and your ISP’s network. Most home users prefer router to share broadband access from a main server system to multiple systems.
SIMPLE STEPS FOR BUYING A ROUTER
• Size of Network
Buying a router is a simple task. As an initial step, you have to determine the total number of computers used in your local network. The minimum requirement is two systems. The numbers of router and the ports to be purchased depends on the size of network. So think about it first!
• Wired or Wireless
You have to decide whether your network is corded or cordless. Same router cannot be used for both wired and wireless network. When you want to enjoy portability, you have to prefer wireless router. Different technologies have to be preferred for wireless networks. You may choose either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Check the compatibility of the wireless router with your wireless network.
Wireless router is suitable only for laptops. Wireless networks are always been criticised for less security. It is because anyone can access your network within that particular range. Be cautious about the security services before choosing a wireless router. It is advisable to prefer a wireless router which supports strong security features like WEP or WPA. Think about the issues regarding getting range and stability.
• Determine the capabilities of Router
Distinct types of routers are available in the market which have featured with distinct capabilities like NAT, firewalls etc. NAT capability is essential for sharing broadband internet access with multiple computers. Certain routers have come with the stuff to perform as switches or hubs. Firewall capability in router is needed for preventing virus threat in your networks. Fix your expectation towards the router then choose a router which has those capabilities.
• Power Requirement
Confirm the power requirement of routers. If you want to buy a router for more networks, it is apt to choose high power routers for effective performance.
• Design
Wider collections of routers are available with distinct shapes and colours. Always prefer easy-to-use designs. Check whether all the knobs, handles are smoothly designed. Prefer convenience than just impressive look.
• Conduct a small research
If you have an interest to get an outstanding router, it is your duty to make a small research on distinct models, designs, weights, features and brands or manufacturers. Make a thorough analysis then choose a router which is optimum for all your network needs.
THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED WHILE YOU BUY A ROUTER
• It is recommended to buy routers from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) while you plan to use the router for broadband access. He will take charge of checking compatibility of router with the network. Apart from this benefit, you can also enjoy cost advantage when you buy router from your ISP.
• Never forget to ensure security features like Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) in case of wireless routers.
• Keep your payment receipts and warranty card in a safe location. It will be needed when issues arises in future.
• Routers that come with short warranty will not be an ideal one. It is suggested not to prefer those short warranty routers.
HOW TO CHOOSE A ROUTER FOR BROADBAND ACCESS?
Choosing a router for broadband internet connection is not a tough task. Routers used for sharing broadband access are called as “Broadband Routers”. Most of the broadband routers have been equipped with a “built-in switch” feature. This switch is nothing but a network device which usually has featured with 4 or 5 ports. When you require more ports for more connection points, better to prefer a standard switch and you can connect this switch to your router. Mostly all broadband routers have been manufactured with the capability to support DSL as well cable internet access.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF BROADBAND ROUTER
• WAN
Wide Area Network is shortly knows as WAN. When you choose a router for broadband connection, it is important to check whether the broadband router supports your WAN. You can use any of the types of WAN connections for your broadband router. They are RJ-45 Ethernet, dial-up analogue modem, ISDN, and USB cable.
• USB Modems
You can choose a broadband router which supports specific USB DSL modems.
• Teaming
It is a process of supporting two or more broadband internet access. To accomplish this process, a broadband router has to utilize networking applications of both the broadband connections.
• NAT
NAT is nothing but a firewall. “Network Address Translation” feature enabled broadband routers allow the users to share a single IP address to all the computers in the network. If you have planned to host multiple servers with the support of your broadband router for exposing on the internet, it is mandatory to buy a router with “multi-NAT” feature.
• Ethernet
The existence of Ethernet ports is essential for getting LAN. Various type of Ethernet ports are available in the market in which 10/100 Ethernet is a widely popular network standard. If you want to prefer wireless Ethernet, it is better to use most common 11 Mbps 802.11b standard.
CHECK LIST OF BROADBAND ROUTERS
• Number of ports
• Switch
• Compatibility of the router with the networking
• Wired or Wireless network
• Technology used in case of wireless network
• An Antenna
Thus this buying guide has written with the intention to offer some useful information about router, its features, types and buying tips and checklist. Try to remember these points for choosing an appropriate router for your network for excellent sharing of internet access.
Everything about Wireless Routers
October 23, 2007
Routers are advancement in IT which is internet based electronic devices. Routers are mainly needed for connecting and sharing internet access among multiple systems in your Local Area Networks (LAN). A unique advancement has been recently made to enhance the routers functionality. Sharing internet access without using cards, for which wireless routers are invented to get this benefit. Distinct models of wireless routers are marketed all over the world with enhanced attributes.
Technology behind wireless routers
These types of portable routers are essential for connecting more than one system to a modem. They do not use cables like standard routers instead of that they use radio waves to get connections. These routers usually separate huge data into small packets and then transfer it quickly. They use shortest route to send those data packets in the network quickly. Within a particular range, it can share internet access to multiple computers. You can use encryptions or passwords to prevent hijacking of data while transferring.
Types of wireless routers
• 802.11g
This type of wireless routers belongs to second generation. These routers offer higher bandwidth than 802.11b standards. When the bandwidth is more, users can connect more systems with their networks but they will not sacrifice the access speed at any cost. Printing and file sharing will be faster in this type of wireless routers.
• 802.11b
You can get an average band width of 11 Mb per second in which users can get useful options like:
1. NAT firewall
2. Built-in switch
3. DHCP server
Buying tips
Never go for cheap offers. It doesn’t mean that expensive wireless routers are good in quality. Most of the manufacturers offer rebates to sell their outdated products or old stocks. Shop around and know distinct brands. You may be asked a little bit more money to get the latest models. Be ready to get the best one.
Make use of web source which is an ocean of information. You can read as much as reviews about already sold wireless routers. From the reviews, you can know the pros and cons about a particular brand. Have a deep research on leading brands. It is better to surf manufacturer’s site to get authenticated information about the manufacturer as well as the product. Have an eye on sales rankings while you browse online shops. It will be useful for you to narrow down your choices.
Warranty is a vital factor to be kept in mind while you buy wireless routers. Warranty is an assurance given by a manufacturer for the durability or quality of the period for a set of period. Never forget to ask about the warranty package which is usually offered by leading manufacturers with the main unit. If a manufacturer is not interested to offer warranty for his product, you may not expect cent percent quality.
Asking suggestions from your friends or relatives or colleagues is not a wrong attitude. But their stories should not influence your personal decision toward the purchase of wireless routers. Opinion about a particular brand of wireless router will not be same as you think. Leading manufacturers have posted their customer’s opinion in their websites. You can read them through online. Believe your instincts above all.
Compatibility is another factor to be considered otherwise you may not get the access or you will face some issues at the time of installation itself. Your wireless router should support your network adapter. If they do not support each other, it is impossible to share wireless internet access. Ask your vendor or service provider to test the compatibility. It is well and good to buy a WiFi gear if you do not have own adapter.
If you have planned to install your wireless router in a visible area, it is suggested to choose a stylish router. Lots of wireless routers are manufactured with impressive exterior by using eye catchy colour coatings. Distinct shapes are also used to design these products in a different manner. Suppose you have an idea to fix it in a confined place, it is better to choose a wireless router with appropriate outlook, shape and size. Prefer travel routers while you need portability.
Everyone thinks that speed rating of wireless router is a prominent factor to be considered. But in practice, you will feel the difference between the speed that is mentioned in the label and the speed you are getting now. Exact speed of internet access can be confirmed after you install it and experience them. You can not use one wireless router for more than one WLAN. These wireless routers are designed with the compatibility to support broadband modems. Choose appropriate network for sharing the internet access.
Belkin F5D8231 Wireless Router N1 Review
October 22, 2007
Router is a unique electronic device which is essential to share internet among the local networks. But the role of wireless routers also perform the same task but without using cord connections. Yes, it is simple to share broadband with all the systems in your office by using wireless routers. Now Belkin introduces Belkin F5D8231 Wireless Router N1 with various essential features like DHCP support, DNS server, DoS attack prevention, SPI and firewalls.
• Belkin F5D8231 Wireless Router N1 can be used for getting wireless 802.11n draft based networks.
• The unit capable of supporting multiple receivers as well as transmitters which is necessary for sending and receiving data.
• With the support of smart antenna technology, the users can get fast wireless internet access.
• The device can stream High Definition videos which allow you to enjoy digital enjoy or to play interesting games through online or to transfer photos and your personal videos.
• This product is compatible for making VoIP calls with the support wireless internet access.
• The device is availed in the market with 4 port switch which is integrated perfectly.
• The maximum data transfer rate is measured as 300 Mbps.
• 2.4 GHz is the frequency band of the device and it uses distinct network protocols like TCP, PPTP, PPP0E,UDP/IP
• It gets external power for functioning.
• Belkin has designed the unit with the compatibility to support the following OS:
1. Linux
2. Apple MacOS 9.x
3. Apple MacOS 8.x
4. Apple MacOS X 10.x
5. Microsoft Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP
• HTTP remote management protocol is used for getting wire-free broadband.
• If you want to upgrade firmware, you can do so.
• Belkin F5D8231 Wireless Router N1 functions successfully by using 3 antennas.
• List of Interface available with the unit
4 Network interface
Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX- RJ 45
Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX- RJ 45 for WAN
Radio Ethernet
• This device has come with the ability to support various wireless internet standards like:
1. IEEE 802.11b
2. IEEE 802.11g
3. IEEE 802.11n (draft)
• Available Data Link Protocols are:
1. Ethernet
2. Fast Ethernet
3. IEEE 802.11b
4. IEEE 802.11g
5. IEEE 802.11n (draft)
• There are lots of security features have equipped with the device like:
1. Firewall protection
2. DHCP – Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Support
3. NAT- Network Address Translation
4. Stateful Packet Inspection
5. Denial Of Service attack prevention
Netgear WGR614UK Wireless 54G Cable/DSL Router
October 22, 2007
Netgear WGR614UK Wireless 54G Cable/DSL Router is especially designed for getting wireless internet through cable or DSL. Users can get the benefit of high speed sharing of internet access among multiple computers. This router makes you to send or receive email, to chat online and to surf. It offers the simplest and secured transaction for sharing fast internet access.
Manufacturer offers a smart wizard installation CD which will be helpful for you. It has come with 4 port switch and you can simply configure as you like for creating private networks. No need to worry about the safety as it is featured with double firewall protection. It has been marketed with WiFi security. The smart internet-based device has come with the dimensions 6.9 x 1.1 x 4.7 inches as W x D x H. It is simple to carry the device as it weighs just 0.26 kilo grams.
Netgear WGR614UK Wireless 54G Cable/DSL Router uses certain protocols for successful routing like TCP or IP. The device has the stuff to support online games and instant messaging. The essential functionalities of the device are listed as:
1. ISP type detection
2. DMZ
3. MAC authentication
4. URL content filtering
5. E-mail alerts
It uses 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and RJ-45 interface for Wide Area Network. Four ports are dedicatedly used for Local Area Networks which includes 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and RJ-45 interfaces. You can get distinct network speeds like 1, 2, 5.5, and 6 up to 54 Mega Bytes per Second. It has featured with various modulation types namely:
• OFDM with BPSK
• QPSK
• 16QAM
• 64QAM
• DBPSK
• DQPSK
• CCK
Various encryptions are used in this unit like 40 bit, 128 bit, WEP, WPA and 152 bit. The device requires 2 dBi antenna and 12.0 VDC power adapters. The following are the components of the package:
1. Router
2. Installation CD
3. Power Adapter
4. Ethernet Cable
5. Stand
Users can use Netgear WGR614UK Wireless 54G Cable/DSL Router in distinct Operating Systems namely:
• UNIX
• Microsoft Windows 95/98
• Apple MacOS, Novell NetWare
• Linux, Microsoft Windows NT
• Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
• Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP
Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless Pre-N Router Review
October 22, 2007
Wireless router is an internet-based device which is used for getting internet for local networks without using cords. While you want to share internet access
from a main server to multiple systems, these wireless routers play a vital role. Belkin introduces their new Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless Pre-N Router in the UK market to share high speed internet access.
• Smart antenna technology
Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless Pre-N Router functions by using smart antenna technology. This technology is essential for boosting the speed of the network. Mostly 802.11 b/g and 802.11a wireless standards are used which is suitable for huge residential offices. These standards will be apt to cope up with high bandwidth applications. As you connect this unit with your system, you can share your broadband with all the other peripherals like printers, CD-ROMs, hard drives and DVD players.
• 10/100 base-T Ethernet switch
Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless Pre-N Router has come with “4-port 10/100 base-T Ethernet switch”. This feature is helpful to get networks for wired computers.
• “Pre-N”
“Pre-N” is an essential option which is needed for getting backward compatibility. You can also get integration between 2 existing wireless networks namely 802.11g and 802.11b. This Pre-N option is essential to enhance the actual performance of 802.11g and 802.11b standards.
• WPA
WPA feature is also equipped with the device which is a short form of a term ‘WiFi Protected Access” (WPA). This security feature is essential to protect your wireless network by using encryption.
• SPI and NAT
SPI stand for “Stateful Packet Inspection” and NAT stands for “Network Address Translation”. These are also other security features which protect your internet access from unknown web intruders.
• VPN
It is functioned as a tunnel. When data passes through this VPN tunnel, you will get secure internet connections.
• Wireless coverage
The users can get optimum wireless coverage and therefore range will be extended.
• Fast
The main advantage of the product is high speed internet access without cords. Therefore you can make use of the internet access for watching videos and making VoIP calls.
• Ability to increase the coverage
When you use Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless Pre-N Router with distinct networking devices like 802.11g or 802.11b, it is possible to increase your wireless coverage up to 20 percent.
• Resistance power
The manufacturer has designed Belkin F5D8230-4 Wireless Pre-N Router with the potential to shift from congested channel to clearest wireless channel.
• Stability
Suppose you use this device in a mixed mode environment, this product never drops down to lower networking speed. The device is capable of transmitting link at a rate of 108 Mega Byte per Second when the speed can be either 802.11g or 802.11b.
