Wireless Router Basics

A wireless router is a piece of hardware that connects a number of computers together in a network. Once networked, the computers can share resources such as files or an Internet connection. It is common for many offices and even homes to have a wireless network so all the computers can share the Internet connection, even if they have file-sharing turned off. Many office and home networks are also used to share printers.

The Wireless Option

A router is generally connected to the various network devices using cables. This can be convenient for a desktop, which is large and tends to stay in the same place. It has become much more common, however, for people to work on mobile laptops which cannot be so easily tethered. It is desirable nowadays to use wireless routers--routers which can broadcast the network connection through the air so the users retain freedom of movement.

Sharing

A network is useful for sharing resources among many computers. There are several options when connecting multiple computers. You can turn file sharing "On" or "Off." When turned "On," this allows users to open documents that may be stored on a completely different computer on the network. This allows for easier collaboration among workers. Print sharing, when turned "On," allows many users to share one printer. Since printers tend not to be in constant use, this is a good allocation of resources to have many people sending their documents to the same printer.
The most common use, of course, of a wireless network is to share an Internet connection. A household can pay for one Internet plan and have many family members, each on their own computer, connecting to the Internet without having to wait in line.

Remote Connections

A wireless router allows several computers to connect without cables, allowing them be anywhere--as long as they remain within range of the router's broadcast ability. Wireless routers also allow for wired connections, however, for those computers and devices that do not have a wireless card. Each router has a certain number of ports and each port can be connected to one computer. An unlimited number of computers can connect via the wireless connection.

Wireless Transmissions

Rather than transmitting through cables, a wireless router uses radio waves to communicate with its connected devices. The TV uses similar technology to broadcast, but, TV broadcasts are one way. A wireless router can both send transmissions to the devices connected to it as well as receive from them. This allows for the necessary interaction between the networked computers with each other and with the modem.

Public Wi-Fi

Many coffee shops and airports offer free access to their Wi-Fi network. This is simply an unsecured wireless network that anyone can access. These networks usually have file and print sharing turned off and are broadcasting an Internet connection. These are called "Internet hotspots" and are useful for students and traveling business people. Most computers will connect automatically to an available hotspot when in range, provided it is an open network that does not require a password.