Wireless router

What is a wireless router? A wireless router is simply a router that has a wireless interface. It can also be a regular IP router with an 802.11 interface card and an antenna added, or it can be a router that has been specifically designed for wireless use. In the 802.11 WiFi world, most people refer to wireless routers as ?Access Points?. A vast majority of the wireless routers also act as firewalls, switches and also efficiently provide Network Address Translation or NAT.

A wireless router can also connect multiple computers/games consoles to the Internet. And this comes, as the name suggests, without wires and can connect each unit to the Internet. So if you have laptops or computers in different rooms around the office or home, this is probably the best option as wiring up all the machines can become a bit of a hassle. And of course, there would be wires that would crawl through the floor, clumsily. However do keep in mind that granite walls can cause speed issues. So before taking a final decision on going wireless, it is advisable to discuss the matter with an expert and show the rooms to him/her so that you are certain about taking the right decision.

If you need good network speed, you must have an 802.11a or 802.11g wireless router. However, if you are comfortable with 11 Mbps, you can go for an older 802.11b wireless router. You can also increase the range of the router by upgrading it with a better wireless antenna.

One funny aspect is that, though the term ?wireless? is used, but the fact is that, wireless routers are actually wired routers. There are just wireless access points that are built in, so that you can have it wired and/or wireless at the same time. Another option is a wireless router that has a built-in DSL or cable modem.

But do keep in mind that wireless routers are not very secure.