Broadband Router Capabilities

Everyone who has a home network is familiar with routers, though not everyone knows exactly what it does. A router is a small hardware device that connects several networks. For example, routers connect home computers to other network equipment, even to other routers.

How Broadband Routers are Different

A broadband router is a specific type of router that does several different things all in a small, neat little unit. It tries to combine the essential features of a home networking such as a modem, a hub or switch, a firewall and a DHCP server. Broadband routers are designed for convenience in setting up home networks, particularly for homes with high-speed cable modem or DSL Internet service. A broadband router also supports file sharing, Internet connection sharing, and home LAN gaming.

Hooking Up Your Broadband Router

All broadband routers work the way most other home networking devices do. You’ll need Ethernet cables which will be run between the router, the broadband modem and each computer on the home LAN.

Routers and Video Games

Not all types of games and applications work well with broadband routers. So, if you’re a big gamer and hosting Internet games is a big part of your computing experience, then a broadband router might cause some problems for you. If hosting Internet games is an integral part of your computing experience, a broadband router may sometimes get in your way.  Most broadband routers support the big, popular games like HalfLife and Quake, but support for less prevalent and more specific games can vary from one company to the next. In general, the more you pay for your router, the better router you’ll get. 

The Most Popular Broadband Routers

A fairly large selection of broadband routers exists today, and some are better suited for certain applications than others. Nevertheless, the following is a short list of some of the more popular broadband routers being purchased today. The list is not exclusive by any means. Some of the things you’ll want to consider when purchasing a broadband router are the various features it offers, its reliability, the cost, the speed, and the company reputation. The following list is comprised of broadband routers that are reported to have very good reputations. 

1) SMC 7004ABR Barricade™

One of this rotuer’s most interesting features is its ability to log attempted “hacker” attacks.

2) Netgear® RT314

This router comes with a five-year warranty and operates with very fast hardware.

3) MultiTech RouteFinder™ RF102S

A good choice for those who might need a router but are not taking the broadband path.

4) Asanté FriendlyNET FR3004

This router is known for its speed and excellent port management.

5) Nexland ISB SOHO

A fairly new router, but is rumored to offer terrific cost and performance advantages.

6) 2Wire™ HomePortal 180

A somewhat unique router, in that it offers both phone line and Ethernet network support.