Routers are physical devices that join multiple wired or wireless networks together. A wired or wireless router is a gateway between two or more separate networks. Broadband routers combine the functions of a router with those of a network switch and a firewall in a single unit, combining the functions of a DSL or cable modem, a hub or switch and a firewall. Broadband routers attempt to combine all of the essential features of home networking in one integrated, easy-to-use package.
How the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router Works
The Linksys Wireless-G broadband router really combines three separate devices. First, it's a wireless access point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network because the Linksys Wireless-G is downwardly compatible with 802.11b equipment. There's also a built-in four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices, which means you don’t need additional equipment for your LAN ([wired] Local Area Network).
You can connect four PCs directly or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. With the Linksys Wireless-G broadband router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multiplayer games.
To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G broadband router can encrypt all wireless transmissions and it supports the industrial-strength wireless security of 802.1x authentication and authorization. The router can serve as a server, protects against Internet intruders, and can be set up to filter internal users' access to the Internet.
Advanges of the Linksys Wireless-G For Online Networking
The biggest advantage of the Linksys Wireless-G is that it provides the flexibility to continue using your older Wireless-B products while you selectively update by adding newer and faster but more expensive Wireless-G devices as your needs dictate and your budget permits.
Because of its speed and dependability, the Linksys Wireless-G has been selected by many consumers and reviewers as one of the best routers on the market. PCMagazine selected it as the Editors' Choice in three different performance categories. In the high-performance category, it was a close race between three different competitors, but the Linksys device had a slightly better combination of performance, features and easy setup. In addition, consumer surveys have also rated Linksys highly for reliability, performance, and security.
