I'm told I need a router. What is it?

Question

I'm moving into an apt for college. They say they will provide high speed broadband and a modem. But we need to have our own router.

I'm so confused. I googled it and they look the same. Can someone clear it up for me? preferably with a picture or link?

Answer 1

thats for ur wifi access

Answer 2

A modem will give you internet. A router will give you multiple connections and you probably want the wireless router. You need to plug your router into the modem so you can have Wi-Fi. I tried to put this in simple terms instead of some geek language - hope this helps.

Go to the site below and search for "wireless routers". Good luck!

Answer 3

If you want to use a laptop for wireless Internet, then you need a wireless router and hook it up to the modem they give you.

The setup should look like this: http://www.webjogger.net/images/wireless...

A standard Linksys or Belkin router will work fine. Just get the cheapest one you can find at Best Buy or Office Depot.

Answer 4

the modem is what connects the broadband connection into your apartment

If you have a single computer that connects by an ethernet cable you would not need a router

A router shares an internet connection or if you want to use your laptop by wireless then you need a wireless router to beam out the signal to you

( I guess there could be wireless modems but wireless routers are cheap)

Two major brand - linksys and dlink

if you want to use your laptop wireless in your apartment you will need a router to beam the signal

If a cable on a desk from the broadband router is ok then you will not need a wireless router

Here is a photo of a standard linksys wireless router

http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/...

here is a photo of a broadband modem

http://www.lenbrook.com/motorola/images/...

Answer 5

it all depends on which internet service provider you are using. If you have telus then no you do not need a router but if you have shaw then you only need it if you have more than one computer you want hooked up to the internet.

A router is a device that can allow more than one computer to access the internet. It also allows for each computer connected to it to share files.

Answer 6

they are the same, by router I think they mean a wireless router...

just another modem that connects to the wall then sets up wifi in your room... for your laptop?

Answer 7

A router is what is used if you going to be using a laptop or desktop for wireless internet meaning it wont be plugged in for the internet. So if you need a router get a netgear or D-link. But I find that odd that the college is making you get one, the college where my sister goes, she didn't need one. Everything was already setup, all she had to do was turn on her laptop and BINGO internet.