When you look at wireless routers you have to consider where you can get them. Most people get wireless routers from their service providers; they are often sent a free router in the post before their ADSL connection goes live.
However, there are some providers that do not provide these wireless routers. If you are with one of these providers you have to purchase your router through another route. Alternatively, you may want to get a premium router to bypass wireless Internet issues. Whatever the reason for needing a router, you have to know what to look for in a good wireless router.
Why You Need a Wireless Router
The first question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you should actually get a router. People who need wireless routers generally have more than one device that they want to connect. Most homes need a router as they have several people wanting to connect several devices to the Internet around the home.If your computers are desktop devices that are not far from the broadband modem you may not need a wireless router. The reason for this is that you will be able to connect the computers to the modem through an Ethernet cable. To do this you only require the broadband modem and not a wireless router.
This will reduce your flexibility, but if your set up is inflexible then you may be able to get away with modem technology. Of course, you won't be able to connect tablets that do not have Ethernet ports and won’t be able to get your smartphone on to your broadband connection.
The Benefits of Routers
There are a number of obvious benefits to using a router rather than a modem. When you know the benefits, as well as the drawbacks, you will be able to better understand the device options.
- Wireless routers offer you a wireless broadband connection. Many people use their laptops, tablets, and smartphones to connect to the Internet when at home. These devices can be moved about and you are not fixed to one location. Wireless routers allow you to connect to the Internet without being tied to a single location.
- You can connect multiple devices simultaneously. As the wireless signal does not have a limit on how many devices you can connect to it your whole family will be able to jump online wirelessly. You can connect any device that can pick up wireless connections to the broadband when you have this kind of router. If connecting to a modem you will need to link up devices to the modem with an Ethernet cable.
- The speed of your connection is fast. While wireless signals do slow the speed a little the speed you get is still faster than many other options.
The Disadvantages of Routers
Knowing what the benefits of a router are important, but they have to be viewed in conjunction with the drawbacks.- Wireless router signals lack the stability of wired connections.
- Wireless signals are not as secure as wired connections. If you have not properly secured your network other people could log onto it and use your broadband. They can also hack your computer and steal information. Wired connections offer better security, as they do not have to be secured in the same manner; they are a closed network.
- Signal interference is something that often occurs. Devices which work on a similar frequency to a router will cause signal interference if they are placed close to a router. Other peoples’ connections can also interfere with your own. Signals which have to move through walls and other objects will also be weaker. Mirrors and glass objects have been known to cause signal interference as well.
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Getting the Best Broadband Router
When dealing with any type of technology you need to be aware of some terminology. You should also know what you need to look for in your wireless router.The first consideration when looking at wireless routers is what you actually need to look for. Do you need an ADSL router or do you need a cable router? The type of router you have to get will be determined by the broadband connection.
When you are looking at routers you may see the letters B, G and N on them. These letters have significance. These numbers are the standard for telling you how fast your router can go, which is very important in relation to the connection you have. Routers with a B rating will be able to reach speeds of 11MB per second. Routers rated with a G are able to reach speeds of 54MB per second. Routers with an N rating are able to reach speeds of over 100MB per second.
You might have come across the idea of channels while setting up your wireless router. There are different wireless channels and they will run on different broadcast frequencies. If a lot of people are using the same channel it will become congested and this will lead to lower speeds. If you are experiencing slow speeds then you may want to try changing the channel you are using.
The WEP key is the security key for your wireless connection. Of course, WEP is not as secure as it once was so it is recommended that you not use this. You should always use the most secure protection. You can use WPA, but WPA2 is a much better option. For additional security people add MAC address filtering.
The next question you might be asking is what is MAC address filtering? The MAC address is the unique code, which has been assigned to your network adapter. This should not be confused with the MAC code that you need when switching broadband providers.
When you set up your wireless router you will be given the option to allow connections from only a specified MAC address. You will have to add the devices manually and individually otherwise they will not be able to connect.
When you are looking at wireless routers there are many aspects that you should consider. You should know what speeds your router can handle as well as the benefits and drawbacks of having a wireless router.
Looking at comparison websites like uSwitch will allow you to see if you are going to be getting a router with the broadband package you are signing up for. If you are having connection issues over wireless networks you may want to upgrade to a router with stronger antennae and more channel options.
Phil TurnerAbout the Author:
Phil Turner was looking for a broadband package that would include a free router as he had multiple computer devices that would be connected to the Internet in his home. He searched websites like uSwitch for current offers.
