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.
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