Wireless Routers
This page explains what is a Wireless Router and when/where it makes sense to use it.
What is a Router?
A router is a device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or a LAN and its ISP’s network.
Why would I need a Router?
For most home users, they may want to set-up a LAN (Local Area Network) or WLAN (Wireless LAN) and connect all computers to the Internet without having to pay a full broadband subscription service to their ISP for each computer on the network. The router enables two or more computers to share an Internet connection.
What is a Wireless Router?
Wireless Routers look much the same as a wired router, with the obvious exception of the antenna on top, and the lack of cable running from the PCs to the router when it is all set up. Creating a wireless network adds a bit more security concerns as opposed to wired networks, but wireless routers do have extra levels of embedded security. Along with the features found in wired routers, wireless routers also provide features relevant to wireless security such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and wireless MAC address filtering. Additionally, most wireless routers can be configured for “invisible mode” so that your wireless network cannot be scanned by outside wireless clients. Wireless routers will often include ports for Ethernet connections as well.
Attention!
For those unfamiliar with Wi-Fi and how it works, it is important to note that choosing a wireless router may mean you need to beef up your Wi-Fi knowledge-base. After a wireless network is established, you may possibly need to spend more time on monitoring and security than one would with a wired LAN.
How do I configure a Wireless Router?
Usually Wireless Routers have a web interface, i.e. they have an embedded web server and you can use the web browser on your compuetr to configure them. The details on how to do that are described in the router installation and operation manuals provided by the vendors, e.g.: please have a look at the Install Guides and Operation Manual on this page.