| The function of a router is to forward data | | | | routers use an encryption to disallow |
| packets between two networks. The router may | | | | eavesdroppers from accessing the network too. |
| connect two local area networks, or a local area | | | | Other than routing data packets on the network, |
| network, and a wide area network. Most routers | | | | and between networks, there are broadband |
| are used to connect local area networks to the | | | | routers that can be setup as firewalls and DHCP |
| Internet. There are two types of routers which | | | | servers. |
| are, wired and wireless. A wired route will be | | | | A broadband router looks like a rectangular box |
| connected through a modem to the internet. | | | | with ports either on the front or the back. One |
| The local area computers are connected using | | | | port is used to connect the DSL or cable modem, |
| Ethernet cables to the router. If a single computer | | | | and the other ports are used to connect the |
| is to be connected to the internet, then the cable | | | | different computers on the network. The wireless |
| modem can be considered to be a router also. | | | | router is commonly used in offices and in homes |
| The router allows multiple computers to | | | | also. The wireless router gives a user the |
| communicate with each other, and to | | | | freedom to move around and sit at any desk |
| communicate to the internet, sharing a single | | | | anywhere in the range of the wireless router |
| internet connection. | | | | while staying connected to the network and to |
| Broadband means either having a cable modem or | | | | the internet. Check Cisco Broadband and Dial |
| a DSL connection. As, these are high-speed | | | | access for your use. |
| connections that connect your computer or | | | | Some firms prefer using wired routers as they |
| computers to the internet, they are referred to | | | | don't want their data floating on the airwaves. |
| as broadband. There are two types of broadband | | | | Others prefer using wireless modems as this |
| routers that are used in a network. | | | | gives them the freedom of movement. The staff |
| One is the wired router that has been described. | | | | does not have to go rushing to their computers |
| The other type of broadband router is the | | | | to retrieve any information as they can do that |
| wireless router. This router looks like the wired | | | | during a meeting using their laptops on a wireless |
| router the only difference is that in size it may be | | | | network. |
| smaller than a wired router, and will have one or | | | | In case of refurbishing the office in a wireless |
| two antennas on it. A wireless broadband router | | | | network, there are no cables that have to be |
| can also be a mixed router and may have some | | | | removed, and new cabling done. When a router is |
| Ethernet cable ports on it. | | | | installed on a network, it has to be configured and |
| This router allows computers to be connected by | | | | the services required have to be defined. Setting |
| Ethernet cables and wireless computers can | | | | up access groups is important in a wireless |
| connect via the router to the internet and to | | | | broadband router environment. |
| other computers on the network too. Wireless | | | | |