About Wireless Router Antennas
A wireless router is a device that transfers data packets between networks. In the simplest term, a wireless router helps individuals access the Internet without the use of wires. We are living in the wireless technology age and consumers are looking for flexibility and convenience along with security. Wireless routers offer this, plus so much more. Learn more about wireless routers here and get a better understanding of what they are used for.
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Connection
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A wireless network can either connect a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). A LAN is the type of network that can be found in your home or a small office, while a WAN is used on a much larger scale. The router plays the role of a bridge between a modem or computer and the network. Using an Ethernet cable, the router connects to the main computer or server. Built-in functionality for access points allows the router to send and receive data packets to other computers connected to the network without the use of wires.
Why Wireless Routers?
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Wireless routers have the same benefits as wired ones in terms of connection speeds and reliability. Wireless routers also terminate the clutter associated with connecting multiple computers with cables and wires. There is also the added benefit of not being tied down by wires and the ability to move freely around the home. Another benefit is IP address sharing. Every computer on the network can share the same IP address and cut out the need to have separate ISP (internet service provider) accounts with each computer. The increase in network performance, manageability and security are just some more great reasons to use a wireless router.
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Security
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Wireless routers can make a network more secure or it can leave it wide open for attackers. The security problems mainly come from user error and their failure to assign a WEP (wired equivalent privacy) key to the wireless account. WEP provides encryption to the network so that outside forces don't have access to files being transferred over a wireless router. Without the WEP being enabled, anyone within distance of the wireless connection area can access any computer on the network using any type of Wi-Fi device.
Many critics think that WEP is not as secure as it should be and is easily compromised. New developers and manufacturers of wireless router technology are constantly looking into ways to make the devices more secure.
Protocols
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The two protocols implemented by wireless routers are NAT (Network Address Translation) and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). The NAT protocol is responsible for enabling multiple devices on the network to share the same IP address. The DHCP allows for new devices to be added to the network with very little or no additional configuration needed to be made by the user or network administrator.
Cable vs. DSL
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The type of wireless router that you require depends on the type of service you currently have. Most service providers equip their customers with a wireless router for additional costs. The big debate comes from what service is better to have. DSL service is offered by the phone company and receives a connection generally through the phone lines. A cable router is used for Internet service provided by a cable or satellite company. Cable is generally known for faster speeds than DSL, but is less reliable. DSL is more consistent with its speed, offering the same upload and download speeds on a daily basis. Both types offer the same in security and popularity, yet some customers seem to be more satisfied with the DSL service than they are with cable.
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