Routers are networking devices that provide connectivity between two or more computers, which is then used to connect to a DSL or cable provider. The devices have several ports on the back where Ethernet cables are inserted. These cables run from the router to each computer’s network interface card. Routers have evolved from expensive devices only found on large networks to affordable, home networking hardware.
Linksys, Netgear and D-link provide affordable solutions for small home or office environments. Understanding the broadband routers’ basics helps customers choose which solution is best for the home network.
Broadband Routers and IP Assignments
Routers assign IP addresses to user machines using a technology called dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP). The DHCP service contains a pool of IP addresses. Unassigned IP addresses are given to each machine that boots on the network. These addresses are unique to each computer.
If two machines have the same IP address, both are automatically disconnected from the network, and the operating system normally displays an error. Instead of creating issues with duplicate addresses, the router assigns and manages the DHCP leases. This reduces management overhead for the network administrator.
Firewall Capabilities
Broadband routers have firewall capabilities that block incoming traffic from outside the internal network. This means that an unauthorized Internet user who attempts to steal data from a company or home user is blocked at the router. Routers are configured to block all incoming traffic by default, but administrators can set port forwarding settings in the device’s console.
Port forwarding is a technology used to allow internal network machines to host applications for Internet users. For instance, an administrator can “port forward” port 80 to an internal server, which hosts web pages for website visitors.
Automatic Connection to an Internet Provider
The router provides instant access to the DSL or cable provider. A broadband router is configured with the user name and password given to the user by the Internet provider. There is no more need to sign in and wait for authentication, which was part of traditional dialup access. For this reason, users have continual access to the Internet without any interruptions.
The major brands on the market are Netgear, Linksys, D-link and Westell. Netgear, Linksys and D-link are primarily additional routers configured on the network. Westell is a broadband router used to connect the entire internal network to the Internet provider. In most cases, this router is chosen for the user and sent after purchasing the service.
When choosing a router for a network, select one with the appropriate amount of ports (most come with five to ten). Select wireless if you have a laptop or other wireless machines on the network. Lastly, find one that fits the budget.
Author Sunil S.
Linksys, Netgear and D-link provide affordable solutions for small home or office environments. Understanding the broadband routers’ basics helps customers choose which solution is best for the home network.
Broadband Routers and IP Assignments
Routers assign IP addresses to user machines using a technology called dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP). The DHCP service contains a pool of IP addresses. Unassigned IP addresses are given to each machine that boots on the network. These addresses are unique to each computer.
If two machines have the same IP address, both are automatically disconnected from the network, and the operating system normally displays an error. Instead of creating issues with duplicate addresses, the router assigns and manages the DHCP leases. This reduces management overhead for the network administrator.
Firewall Capabilities
Broadband routers have firewall capabilities that block incoming traffic from outside the internal network. This means that an unauthorized Internet user who attempts to steal data from a company or home user is blocked at the router. Routers are configured to block all incoming traffic by default, but administrators can set port forwarding settings in the device’s console.
Port forwarding is a technology used to allow internal network machines to host applications for Internet users. For instance, an administrator can “port forward” port 80 to an internal server, which hosts web pages for website visitors.
Automatic Connection to an Internet Provider
The router provides instant access to the DSL or cable provider. A broadband router is configured with the user name and password given to the user by the Internet provider. There is no more need to sign in and wait for authentication, which was part of traditional dialup access. For this reason, users have continual access to the Internet without any interruptions.
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The major brands on the market are Netgear, Linksys, D-link and Westell. Netgear, Linksys and D-link are primarily additional routers configured on the network. Westell is a broadband router used to connect the entire internal network to the Internet provider. In most cases, this router is chosen for the user and sent after purchasing the service.
When choosing a router for a network, select one with the appropriate amount of ports (most come with five to ten). Select wireless if you have a laptop or other wireless machines on the network. Lastly, find one that fits the budget.
Author Sunil S.
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