What is a router, and how do we use it?

Question

I have DSL internet but not wireless and I have a laptop. If I buy a router, what can I do with it?

Answer 1

Uh, please don't listen to the guy above me. Even if you only have one computer, having a router is a good idea, especially one that has some extra security features.

The router also protects your system by using something called network address translation. The IP address on your DSL modem is set to be seen by the world (otherwise you can't connect to the network). But when you connect to the router, your system is issued a "private" IP address from a poll of addresses on a different *network*. This helps prevent attacks directly on your machine.

Many routers come with wireless capability, and they work the same

way as when you're wired directly to the router.

Most wi-fi routers are easy to set up, and come with extensive how-to documents that pretty much walk your right through it. If you use wireless, read the documents regarding setting up encryption on the router's wireless radio and on your laptop. That adds even more protection for your data.

The best part is that with a wireless router, you can take your laptop anywhere in the hours.

The decent brands are Netgear, Linksys and D-Link. I've heard that Belkin routers (while cheap) aren't as high quality. I have a wifi router from a company called Buffalo that really great, but the can't sell heir products in the US at retail right now. You might be able to find them on line or on Ebay.

I also have owned a couple of Netgear units, and they're always outstanding.

Answer 2

Most use it to share their Internet connection among many computers, if you only have one computer, you don't really need a router.

Answer 3

A wireless router will enable you to connect without the use of an ethernet cable, and will give you portability about your house/apartment. It can also be used to connect multiple computers to the same internet connection