What Is a Wireless Broadband Router

• What Is a Wireless Broadband Router?
• What are the Benefits of Having Your Own Broadband Internet Connection?
• What to Know Before You Buy
• Internet Security
• Wireless Security

What Is a Wireless Broadband Router?

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. The local network connects to the Internet for broadband access. The router ignores local traffic, but when Internet access is attempted from within the local network, it springs into action. The router shares the Internet connection with all the computers connected to the local network. The router keeps track of the originating local computer and manages the connection with the outside Internet server. If a computer on the Internet attempts a connection with the router or to a local computer past the router, the router denies the connection unless the router was specially configured to allow that connection.

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. Routers are the best way to share a single broadband connection with multiple users.

What are the Benefits of Having Your Own Broadband Internet Connection?

While all your computers share one line, everybody can keep a private e-mail account and surf the Web at the same time. In addition, because the same router lets you share Internet access, it also makes it easier to protect your computers from Internet threats.

Broadband routers can be as easy or as complex as you want them to be. Available for less than $75, a basic model can extend your Internet to all the computers in your home. If all you do is surf and write e-mail, a simple broadband router is both easy to install and requires little or no maintenance. For the more adventurous, manufacturers have added many features.

What to Know Before You Buy

All wireless routers come with a number of features. Here are the key features you need to consider before buying your wireless router.

• Is your router supported by your broadband provider?
• Internet and wireless security.
• Performance.

Find out if the wireless router supports the standard used by your broadband provider. Find out which system your service provider uses and all the proper settings. Static, dynamic and point-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) are the most common.

Internet Security

All routers include Network Address Translation (NAT), a basic form of firewall. From the Internet side, the router is visible; computers inside the router are invisible to the outside world.

Wireless Security

Most routers use two methods of wireless protection: Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and MAC filtering. WEP encrypts the data over the air and restricts access to a network. Most routers with MAC filtering only allow computers with known MAC addresses to access the network.