Wireless Routers Buying Guide

admin — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:21:43 +0000

In the not so distant past, hubs and switches were the kings of household networks because routers were expensive. Hubs simply facilitated data flow while switches added traffic management systems. Routers on the other hand have all those features plus more.

Routers manage network traffic while at the same time protecting the computers from intruders wanting to inflict viruses and Trojans and stealing important information including bank and credit card numbers.

When buying a wireless router, you should first consider how much of a budget you have, how many computers you want to be networked with the router, and the kind of internet service you will want to have.

802.11a Wireless Router Standard
The 802.11b standard falls under the wireless Ethernet standards series capable of 54 megabits per second (Mbps) maximum within a range of 25 to 75m. Although faster than the 802.11b standard, the problem with 802.11a is that the signal is more prone to obstruction.

802.11b Wireless Router Standard
This 802.11b has the range of 35 to 120m. The network equipment costs less and works a lot faster than the traditional dial up internet connection. The 802.11n LAN can support a data rate up to 11 (Mbps) maximum. 802.11b routers use a security protocol called the 40bit Wireless Equivalency Privacy (Wep) security protocol but this protocol has a number of holes in it. There is though an update version called 802.11b+ which has patched some of the holes and can give a boosted speed up to 22 Mbps.

802.11g Wireless Router Standard
The 802.11g, the latest in the IEEE 802.11 series, is the now the most commonly used router standard. This has a range of 35 to 120m. Routers of this standard can in theory give you a whooping 54 Mbps although actual speeds can be lower. This standard uses the Wifi Protected Access (WPA) security protocol which is more robust and reliable. As an 802.11 standard, this exclusively supports Ethernet networks. A new standard in the series called 802.11n is coming and it promises to deliver up to 300 Mbps. Already, some routers that have "Pre-N" or "Mimo" capabilities are in the market.

Voice over the Internet

Voice over the Internet (VoIP) allows you to use the internet to make calls similar to phone calls at minimal fee or for free.

NAT

NAT means Network Address Translation (NAT). As each computer is assigned a unique identifier number in the internet called IP address, the NAT exposes only one IP address even if you have multiple computers within your home or office network for protection and privacy. It becomes the task of you router to route the data to the appropriate computer within you network.

DHCP

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol which helps you automatically assign IP addresses to all devices within your network.

Network Security

Once your computer is connected to the internet, it becomes exposed to a global jungle where malicious hackers and phishers abound. It is extremely important that you consider buying a router that has a firewall feature. A firewall filters incoming packets and alerts you of an impending attack. Try looking for Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) or Wifi Protected Access (WPA) and make sure you properly set up these security features.

Some routers ship with firewall and anti virus software. Make sure you get these added offers as they can really give you peace of mind.

Ease of Installation and Use

Many routers can be set up in minutes. Try to study the software that comes with the router. Some software allows you to make a few clicks and the system goes running in no time.

A To Z About Routers – A Useful Buying Guide

admin — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:04:00 +0000

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.

Wireless Routers» Buying Guide

Wireless Routers Buying Guide

A To Z About Routers – A Useful Buying Guide