Wireless Router Requirements

Wireless routers are network routers that can join several wireless networks together and also works as a wireless access point. The most common routers are DSL or cable modem broadband routers, which connect the local home networks to the internet.

Significance

Wireless routers are useful tools for homes and businesses. They are popular, in large part, because of the issues that having a large amount of cables can provide. They are relatively inexpensive and can be easy to configure, which only adds to their popularity.

Function

Wireless routers can easily connect computers sharing a network. All that is required for wireless routers to work is a network and wireless network adapter cards for the computers. After the wireless router is installed, the wireless adapter cards picks up on the access point and allows the computer to connect to that network.

Types

There are different types of wireless routers. Routers have different frequencies, including Wireless-B, which has a maximum raw data of 11 Mbits/s; Wireless-A and -G, which both have a maximum raw data rate of 54 Mbits/s, but operate on different frequency bands; and Wireless-N, which has a maximum raw data rate of 300 Mbits/s.

Benefits

Due to the lack of wires, wireless routers can easily connect several computers without the fear of tangled wires, giving the user more freedom. Furthermore, holes are often drilled in walls and floors to connect the wires from a computer to a wired router, which is a hassle that isn't necessary for wireless routers.

Warning

Although wireless routers provide users with the freedom to move, the signal fades the farther away the user travels from the router. Also, wireless routers aren't as secure as wired routers, since any individual with a wireless network adapter can connect to the access point.