A proxy server acts as a middleman between two networks. One network is typically the public Internet, the other is often a group of client computers sharing a single Internet connection. In the last ten years, simple Internet sharing has largely been taken over by simpler Network Address Translation (NAT) systems. The primary remaining uses of a proxy server are to protect the privacy of systems behind the server, and to speed up Internet access through caching. However since the proxy can be configured not just to direct data, but to change it en route, there are many potential uses.
The ZoneAlarm security company, which is most well-known for its free firewall program for computer users, also has a wireless router available for networking computers together in your home or office. To have your computers access your Internet connection or share files through the wireless router, you need to install the ZoneAlarm software and then configure the router's settings through your Web browser.
Home networks allow you to connect two or more computers to share Internet connections and system resources such as printers. Home networking is relatively easy to set up and configure. Home networking is economical in that you don't have to buy an individual printer for each computer or pay for individual Internet service for each computer in the home.
Comcast's wireless Internet is by and large, relatively stable, but there may come a time when your equipment becomes out of sync with each other. This results in your wireless Internet connection going out. Whereas your hardwired desktop may be working perfectly well, your laptop will not be able to access the Web. Here's how to easily fix this problem yourself and you'll be surfing the Web in no time--instead of waiting on hold forever.
Ethernet networks can be accessed wirelessly using wireless Access Points. The wireless signal that Access Points broadcast has a limited range. However, by setting up multiple Access Points you can provide wireless access to your Ethernet network over a large area such as a large office or manufacturing floor. For example, you can set up one or more Linksys WAP45G Access Points that will work together to provide extended wireless coverage.
Cisco provides routers for use in corporate and home environments. The Linksys line of Cisco routers are designed for home networks. Routers can be configured according to your preferences. For example, you may want to use a particular type of encryption to secure data sent through your router, or open a port in the router's firewall so that you can play an online game on your computer. Linksys provides a Web-based interface you can use to manage your router's configuration. You can use the interface to open ports on Linksys routers.
A secure wireless network requires users to provide a network key or passphrase in order to access the Internet or log on to the wireless network. If you cannot remember your network key, you will need to change the network key by plugging your computer directly into the router and changing the router's settings.
Proper router security can keep thieves and hackers from breaking into your network and stealing your vital information. If your router security seems less than par, you can increase it by adjusting your router settings to be more stringent. Once that's done, you can stop worrying, knowing that your wireless network is protected.
A wireless router provides a way to set up your own home network for several Internet-ready devices while saving you a bundle of money. All you need is a live Internet connection, and once you plug it into the router, the router will send a wireless signal throughout your home, allowing your wireless-capable devices to connect to the Internet.
Open-source programming is one of the great innovations of the Internet age. Open-source principles allow a product's source code to become available to others. One popular open-source product is the Linksys Wireless-G Router (model WRT54G). Because firmware elements of this router are based on open-source Linux components, Linksys was obliged to release its firmware's source code. This has allowed development of third-party firmware, which upgrades routers effectively and cheaply. However, if errors occur during the upgrade process, you might "brick," or disable, your router. If you've bricked your router using incompatible firmware, here's what you can do.
To set up a router for high-speed Internet, you don't need extensive computing skills or even a certification in networking. You can learn how to hook up your router--wireless or wired--to your high-speed Internet, secure it and configure your computer to read it properly.
The purpose of a router is to send and receive packages over the Internet. Routers are programmed to get information from point A to point B in the most efficient and expedient manner necessary.
The Netgear 834G Router/Modem consolidates a wireless router and DSL modem into one unit. In a few simple steps you can set up your DSL service and wireless home network at the same time. Read on to find out how you can set up your Netgear 834G and browse the web at blazing speeds.
Share your DSL or cable connection with both wired and wireless connections. The Netgear WGT624 comes with four Ethernet ports for wired connections and about four times the wireless coverage of wireless G routers for your wireless devices. And setting up your Netgear WGT624 won't take you long at all. Find out just how quick and easy it is to set up and use your WGT624.
2Wire's sleek line of home gateways provide both a router and modem in one unit. These powerful units function as wireless routers, modems and access points--all in one unit. The setup of a 2Wire home gateway is just as simple as the unit is convenient. Discover just how easy it is to connect your 2Wire router.
As technology continues to thrive and enhance, crossover cables have become part of that enhancement that has made transferring data easier and faster. The crossover cable is used globally and is greatly used in the work force of computer networking in homes and offices. Although it is used in businesses, it has its fun (for computer games) uses, too.
With technology becoming a more and more prevalent part of everyday life, certain terms and machines that would once have been known and used only by technocrats are becoming common. For most people, the definition of what a network switch is might be something they'd never even thought about, much less looked into. However, this piece of technology is a valuable piece of any computer network.
The powerful Linksys Wag200g cuts the need to own both a wireless router and a DSL modem--it combines both units into one package. So when you set up your Linksys Wag200G, not only will you be establishing your broadband Internet connection, you'll be setting up your own home network too.
Set up your wireless home network and DSL connection at the same time with a NetGear DG834G DSL modem/router combination unit. The DG834G is compatible with just about all major DSL service providers and cuts the need for two separate units. And the consolidation of a DSL modem and router makes this unit all the more simple to set up.
Linksys's line of powerful but affordable routers makes it easy to set up your own wireless home network. With a Linksys router, you can share your DSL connection with both wired and wireless computers and printers.
The amazing speed of cable modems allows you to enjoy all the Internet has to offer, but what if your modem jack is not located where you want to have your computer? Or, what if you have a laptop that you use in various places in your home? Are you doomed to be stuck Internet surfing in one place? The answer, thankfully, is no. With wireless modems and routers, you have the flexibility to use your Internet connection wherever you want in your home, and, the best part is, they are really easy to set up.
Increase the range of your wireless network and patch up "dead" or slow spots in your network with a Linksys wireless range expander. With a Linksys range expander, all you need is a power outlet---there's no need to run an Ethernet cable to the device. And the plug-and-play build of your Linksys range expander makes setup a breeze. Read on to find out more.
Opening ports on a Belkin router allows you to host applications and access your network remotely. Opening ports goes hand-in-hand with port forwarding. A port is opened on the router and forwarded to the intended recipient of the request. For instance, if you host VPN services on your network, a port is opened on the Belkin router and forwarded to the VPN server. Configuring open ports on a Belkin is accomplished by using the router's graphical interface console.
Port forwarding on a Netgear router allows you to open ports for applications that need access to the internal network. Port forwarding allows you to host applications like FTP, HTTP or gaming servers. Netgear routers come with a user interface that makes it simple to configure routers for port forwarding.
Securing your wireless router is extremely important for anyone who is connected to the internet via a wireless network . Connecting to an unsecured wireless network puts all of you private information at risk. The following steps will explain in detail how to secure your wireless router.
A broadband router is a networking device that allows computer users share vital resources, including printers, file servers and Internet connectivity. Though there are standard and wireless models available, wireless models are the most popular, as the price difference between the two types are extremely narrow. Though each different brand (and different models of the same brand) has different features, configuring and installing them is virtually the same.
NetMeeting is a Microsoft application that allows users from multiple locations around the world to communicate and hold virtual board meetings. The application is used by businesses that have offices in multiple locations. When setting up NetMeeting, administrators need to configure the router to allow traffic to forward to the NetMeeting host machine, for it to work correctly. Configuring a LinkSys router only takes a few steps.
Most networking routers and switches have a console port that you can use to gain access to the operating system. This port is commonly used to configure other ways to access the component, such as by enabling the Ethernet port and defining an IP Address. The console port can also be used for troubleshooting.
Setting up and connecting a router can be a straightforward operation, but exact names and terms vary depending on the make, model and manufacturer of each router. A specific, common process exists for connecting a router; still, because of the differences among models, use your router's documentation for the exact terms and settings that apply to your equipment.
For many Internet applications, opening ports---also called port forwarding---is not necessary. Most applications simply require permission to get through the firewall. Anyone who is an avid gamer, however, has probably had to open ports in order for a particular online game to function properly. Opening ports is not the same as allowing an application through your firewall. Even when your firewall is turned off, if the required ports are not opened, the application will not function as expected. This unexpected behavior is usually a communication error or a misleading firewall message.
Virtual Private Dial-up Network (VPDN) is a required Windows XP client tool for dialing into remote VPN networks. VPN protocol is a widely used way to support remote connections to internal networks with encryption for security. Configuring VPN on the client is necessary for communication between the computer and the router in control of access.
PPPoA is a common protocol used by DSL routers. When you configure your router to connect to your provider, it's common that the protocol needed to verify credentials and communicate with the central switch is PPPoA. A common DSL modem used by Internet providers is a Westell. Configuring your DSL modem only takes a few steps through its graphical interface.
Belkin is a manufacturer of router/modems that allow the user to connect their home PC or network to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). A CD-ROM is provided with the modem that will step you through a Setup Wizard to make the necessary configurations to connect to the Internet. If you don't have the CD-ROM or you don't wish to use it, these configurations can be made through the modem's web-based utility.
If you've forgotten the password to your Netgear router, then you're locked out from making any changes. The only way to recover a Netgear router password is to reset the device to factory default settings. You can then set a new password and recover your ability to configure the router.
A USB Hub is used to connect multiple USB capable devices to a computer desktop or laptop. A USB Hub allows users to instantly expand the number of available USB ports on their computer. Any devices that connect to a computer via USB connection can be connected to a USB hub.
The Netgear WGR614 v6 router allows for a shared Internet connection for a small network, such as in a home or small business, through an external broadband access device such as a cable modem or DSL modem that is normally intended for use by a single computer. The router comes with a Resource CD that will step you through the configuration process. If you don't have the CD or if you do not wish to use it, the router can be configured through its Web-based utility.
The most common IP networking problems are attributable to issues relating to addressing. Cisco routers have five commands available for testing an inter-network. One of these is the "ping" command, which tests the network layer of the OSI reference model. The ping is an echo protocol: it tests whether data packets are being routed successfully to their destination on the network and whether the destination can communicate with the source.
Since it was founded in 1991, SonicWALL, Inc. has been developing and manufacturing products with the focus on network security. Its TZ line of Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances provides security solutions for small to medium businesses that require Internet access. The SonicWALL TZ 180 has a Web-based configuration Setup Wizard that steps you through the configuration process.
The most common way to link two or more computers to the same broadband modem is by using a router. Depending on the router, the device can allow both hardwired and wireless connections from the same modem. Some broadband modems, however, have a USB port that can connect a second computer to the device without use of a router. Connecting through USB may require extra software and should be performed only after contacting the service provider.
The Cisco 2600 Series Multiservice Platform is a line of network routers intended for use in home networks or in small or regional office networks. The routers' firmware is designed to be compatible with the Cisco Security Device Manager (SDM) utility. When you allow HTTPS access to the router for SDM, you can use SDM to configure Cisco 2600 routers with basic settings such as IP address, default routing and static and dynamic NATing. The SDM provides a straightforward interface, including a number of configuration wizards.
With the help of your Gateway router, you can share your broadband internet connection with multiple wired and wireless devices. Backed by Gateway's online customer support, any issues with you network and router should be resolved promptly.
Make the most of your dial-up connection with a wireless network. Though not nearly as popular as broadband networks, dial-up based wireless networks still offer the same functionality as their broadband counterparts, letting you connect multiple computers to one dial-up connection. Read on to find out how you can connect a dial-up router and share your dial-up connection.
Linksys routers are an easy and affordable way to create and manage your home network. Using a Linksys router, you can share your broadband Internet connection with other computers in your home, both wired and wireless. Hooking up the router is not difficult and settings can be easily managed through a web-based interface.
A router allows different computers to use the same Internet source. Those different computers can connect either through wires or wirelessly depending on the router. Some Internet service providers provide routers along with their services, but others do not, making it necessary to know how to install a router.
SonicWALL's Internet security appliances provide a secure barrier between your network and the World Wide Web to protect you from Internet security threats. To configure your SonicWALL SOHO3, you'll need to determine how your Internet Service Provider (ISP) distributes IP addresses. Contact your ISP to find out if your Internet connection uses DHCP to obtain an IP address, or PPPoE, or if they have given you a static IP address.
Generally, most cable ISPs (Internet Service Providers) use MAC authorization to establish a connection to the Internet. While most routers usually detect this and adjust automatically, you may have to manually change the settings on your router to get it to function properly.
The Netgear ProSafe FVG318 is a wireless VPN Firewall 8-Port Switch that connects your LAN to the Internet through a cable modem or a DSL modem. Netgear provides a Resource CD with the FVG318 unit which includes a reference manual and instructions for advanced configuration options. Configuration can be done manually through the unit's Web based utility.
The Westell VersaLink Gateway provides a reliable, high-speed, always-on Internet connection that allows a user to connect a computer to the Internet using asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) over existing phone lines. The setup utility steps the user through the process of inputting the parameters provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and then automatically performs a DSL sync to provide Internet access.
The router is the heart and soul of the Internet. This network device is responsible for enabling your computer to communicate with other computer systems around the world. Your connection to the router can be wireless or wired. Most people like the wireless capability because they can set up home networks and they don't have to be confined to a desk. Using the router in your Toshiba Satellite laptop is not difficult.
The "DNS error 80710102" is an error displayed on the Sony Playstation when attempting to connect to the Internet. It's a known problem for Playstation users, but the answer is to disable universal plug-n-play on the router. Disabling universal plug-n-play on the router is performed through the console interface.
uTorrent is a torrent tracking and downloading utility application. A torrent is a small file containing peer-to-peer tracking (file storing) information. uTorrent may be used to access and download torrent files. Once a torrent file is downloaded, uTorrent will follow the torrent trackers in the torrent file to download the entire installation package or ISO file listed for the torrent. To configure uTorrent to operate through a router, a special uTorrent port must be assigned and opened.
Passing the CCNA exam will help give you a leg up on the competition whether you are just starting out or an IT veteran. I've outlined 3 straightforward steps below that helped me pass the CCNA exam, and will hopefully do the same for you.
The SL2-141 router/modem from Siemens can be configured through the ADSL router control panel. This control panel is a Web-based manager that uses the HTTP protocol to allow access to the router for the purpose of setting up and managing the device. Use your Web browser to access the control panel and configure the router for an Internet connection.
The SonicWALL SOHO3 is a hardware firewall that can be installed in a home or business environment to increase network security. You must use a password to log into the SOHO3's configuration menu and make changes. If you have forgotten your password or if the firmware has been corrupted, you can restore the SOHO3 to its factory default state using the Reset button located on the device.
The WA3002-G1 from UTStarcom is a combination router/modem that can connect your home network to the Internet and provide an "always on" connection for Web browsing. A user's guide and configuration setup utility are included on a CD that comes with the router/modem. The router's control panel can be accessed and configured with HTTP protocol through your web browser.
Although devices that connect multiple computers to an external Internet connection are commonly called "routers," they are technically "bridges." A router takes data from different parts of a network and forwards it to other parts of the network. Routers often act as intermediaries between two networks of the same type, for example, 100 Base-T Ethernet networks. Bridges can route packets between networks of different types, and thus are often thought of as "routers."
A routing table is a simple file on a computer that lets the computer know how to find other computers. Specifically, it describes the way a packet needs to go to find another node (computer) on the network. Most modern computers build their own routing tables based on communication between devices (such as computers and routers). The routing table will tell the computer which device (network card, wireless card) to use for a specific list of IP addresses.
Xbox 360 users most commonly use an Internet connection to play games online with Microsoft's Xbox Live service. If you want to connect your Xbox wirelessly to your network, you will need a wireless router with a-, b- or g-band capabilities. Below are some wireless routers that will work great with the Xbox 360.
The UT300R2U is a broadband router from UTStarcom. Through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), the UT300R2U will connect your PC to the Internet. You can configure the router using the utility that comes on the accompanying CD, or you can access the router with HTTP protocol through a Web-based control panel via your Web browser.
Wireless routers and broadband modems are the main components of a modern home computer network. Most home computer users have both a DSL or cable modem and a wireless router because they serve different purposes. The modem facilitates a connection to the Internet, while the wireless router lets computers connect to the modem and each other without the need for Ethernet cables.
DSL is a fast broadband network connection that includes fast data rates ranging from 2 Mbps and up. It is efficient for browsing the Internet and downloading files and programs at fast speeds. It occasionally runs into connection errors and problems that prevent you from accessing the Internet or connecting to email servers (e.g., Outlook Express). These connection problems are caused by many different factors but can be solved using a variety of troubleshooting steps and guidelines.
The use of wireless Internet has exponentially increased at home, work and in schools. As WiFi technology continues to gain in popularity, a common problem that arises is providing adequate coverage for the networking signal. Before paying additional money to install a signal repeater, or acquiring an external antenna for your laptop or computer, a lower-priced option to pursue is making a WiFi signal booster for your computer. A signal booster will increase the range in which your computer can use a wireless Internet signal, and be significantly cheaper than other options available to extend the range of your Internet…
Ports allow a computer to perform more than a single task at a time. The computer's IP address is made up of multiple ports, and these ports can generally be described as paths for a programs' data. Some games and applications require that specific ports on a computer be opened so the software can function as expected. Opening the ports is referred to as port forwarding, and is done in the router that connects the computer to the Internet.
The Intel Pro Wireless Adapter is a wireless networking card that broadcasts across the A/B/G and N frequencies to connect to other devices allowing access to the Internet. These cards are most commonly installed into desktop personal computers (PC) that are located in areas that make wired Internet connections impractical without cutting into walls and attics.
Routers operate on layer 3 of the Open System Interconnection Reference Model, usually referred to as the OSI Model. Protocols are the language that routers use when speaking to each other. All routers operate on layer 3 of the OSI model and are capable of using multiple protocols such as RIP, IGRP/EIGRP, OSPF and BGP. Each of these protocols have advantages and disadvantages. Each protocol also has an ideal use, whether it is a small or large network.
As with any router, the 2Wire routers have been known to have several types of issues. Some require a replacement, while others require action on the part of your Internet service provider. The light status on the router is the best indicator of the source of the problem.
Without routers, packets of data would wander aimlessly around the Internet. These stripped-down, purpose-built computers vary in size, power and number of port connections. Their sole task: read the address-headers of endless bundles of bits every millisecond, then forward them to their correct destinations. Like knots, routers hold together the individual strands of the World Wide Web.
If you have a high speed connection (such as Rogers DSL), setting up a router does not take much work. Routers do not need to be installed, they simply need to be connected.
Routers are used to connect two or more computers or devices to a network through ethernet cable or wireless signals. A router controls the flow of data packets in a network by directing traffic and forwarding data to intended locations. Computers and devices connected through a router share an Internet connection and can share files.
Networking a house for the first time is an exciting experience. Once all of the computers in a house are communicating with one another, it opens up a world of possibilities such as sharing a printer or central storage device, along with allowing Internet access to all of the computers in the household simultaneously. Depending on how the home will be networked, a number of cables may be required. Having a plan of action--and all of the necessary cables--before beginning can considerably shorten the amount of time required to complete the project.
Many households have multiple computers but only one DSL connection. Luckily, connecting two or more home computers to a single DSL connection is fairly easy: Create a basic home network. You need to take into account a few things when setting up a this type of network, such as taking measures to maintain your DSL performance and to protect your personal information.
Many broadband users draw Internet Protocol (IP) addresses from a common shared pool that is owned by the provider. These dynamic IP addresses are typically exchanged every 24 hours, meaning that over the course of a week your address may change several times. Occasionally, there will be a network error that will cause your router to draw a bad address that is not usable. In this case, you will need to clear your mask and draw a new address. This is also done the first time a router is set up on a network. Almost all Cisco routers are designed…
When moving an existing Windows XP PC from one location to another, or configuring Windows XP for the first time after installation, it's sometimes necessary to change the XP TCP/IP network configuration from a static IP address to a dynamic or DHCP IP address to be compatible with the new network location. Dynamic IP addressing is most common with mobile devices such as laptops and tablet PC because they are designed for mobility. Desktop PCs may also require dynamic IP address configuration if the network's IP addresses are centrally managed using DHCP. If you cannot connect to a new network…
Netgear provides home and business Internet users with equipment needed to wirelessly connect to the Internet as well as wired connections. The company also offers services and products to broadband Internet providers. If you are accessing the Internet through your cable company then you may have a Netgear router and modem installed in your home or office. From time to time there have been problems with the equipment or service and the company is quick to list the reported problems and the solutions on their website.
Internet Protocol, or "IP" for short, is basically a set of instructions that controls the way data travels over the Internet. Internet Protocol Routing is when data is configured in a way that it is being forwarded from one network to another.
You can connect multiple computers to a single internet connection with a device called a "router." All you will pay is the cost of the router; there's no additional charge for using the connection it provides. There are two kinds of routers--wired and wireless. Wired routers are dirt cheap, but can only be connected via Ethernet cables. Wireless routers are relatively inexpensive and can be accessed by both Ethernet cables and wireless devices (laptops and cell phones, for example). Routers are essentially an extension of your broadband modem.
Linksys is a major manufacturer of home and business networking products such as routers, wireless home audio, VOIP and internet modems. Linksys routers are affordable and easy to set up. Routers allow the user to share their Internet connection with more than one computer and other wireless devices. All Linksys routers offer security features which must be configured after you have installed your wireless router. Adding security insures that only those you want will have access to your Internet connection.
While you can block certain websites with software such as Net Nanny, this software can easily be bypassed. If you want better protection, you can use your router to block the website so nobody can access it. Blocking the website on the router means that no matter what computer is used, any attempt to access the blocked website on your network will fail, because the router will prevent connection.
Linksys, a division of Cisco, is a manufacturer of computer networking products that are popular with both home and business users. It is regarded as one of the top-tier companies in its sector, and its products have the reputation of being stable and requiring minimal setup and maintenance. Fortunately, when there is an issue with a Linksys product, it can be easily solved most of the time.
Pagers were the rave 20-30 years ago, when people on the go wanted to be able to stay in touch. They went the way of the dinosaur once cell phone technology improved. Similarly, desktop computers were the way to go, until laptops became less cumbersome and less expensive. Now everywhere you go, people are working on their laptops in coffee shops, restaurants and shopping malls. Going wireless seems to be the only way to use a computer today. However, what are the most cost-effective options for going wireless on a laptop?
Recovering a Linksys security key is nearly impossible unless you know where to go. Once you do, it's simple. Navigating the Linksys support site can be challenging as well; this is the easiest and most direct way to connect to your router and retrieve or change your settings.
Cisco routers run their own operating system called the IOS, or internetwork operating system. These routers also require a knowledge of the command line interface, CLI, whenever you need to configure the router. From the CLI, different commands are entered at the command line, depending upon the mode the router is in and the privilege level of the user. These commands then perform certain functions required to configure the router and secure it against certain vulnerabilities. The Cisco IOS is so popular that it has been mimicked by other networking routers.
Home and small business users of Comcast's High Speed Internet service are connected to the Internet through a cable modem. You can connect a router to the cable modem; in turn, the router connects to multiple computers in your local network. You need to follow a few steps to configure the cable modem to recognize a new router.
Port forwarding is an application setting on your local network router. Using a Linksys router, you can forward the traffic from the Internet to your internal IP camera. This gives anyone the opportunity to view the images and video streaming from your camera. This also enables you to place a link on a Web page or give a friend or relative the address to view the camera's images. A Linksys router has an interface available through your Web browser where you can access the router's configuration and set up port forwarding for an IP camera.
The Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) is a network standard that defines the size of communication packets that travel along a network path. Data packets are bits of information that are sent from the source computer to the destination. The MTU decides the size of these packets, and the size must be consistent across all machines on the network. The MTU size of a network is determined by the protocol, and most home and office networks are ethernet based. You can change the MTU setting when some computers on a network are experiencing problems but the rest of the network isn't…
A router is an additional piece of hardware that can be used with any Internet Service Provider or broadband modem, such as Time Warner/RoadRunner cable modems. Routers are small hubs that allow you to share your Internet connection with additional machines, including desktops, laptops, video game consoles and cell phones. Using a router is perfectly legal, and there is no additional service provider fee. Setting up a router is simple; no software installation is required.
Adding a wireless laptop to a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) will enable a laptop to access the Internet anywhere within range of the DSL wireless modem, which is the small box with an adjustable antenna installed with DSL service. The wireless modem transmits a radio signal within a limited distance, usually no more than 200 feet. Any wireless laptop within range of the signal can recognize a live, wireless network if the security code is entered.
Linksys routers have ports for connecting computers and printers. If your printer has a network card, it can connect directly to the router instead of to a network computer. The end result is a printer with an IP address that is available to any user on the network. Linksys routers come with a print server option and a graphical user interface that makes it easy to set up a printer on the network. Navigating through the Linksys router wizard, you can set up on a printer on your network in only a few minutes.
Using a device called a "router." A router is small hub that allows you to share your Internet with other devices throughout your home. There are two types of routers: a wired or wireless router. Wired routers come with additional Ethernet ports (around 6) to which other computers (laptop or desktop) can connect. Wireless routers are more popular as they are inexpensive, come with additional Ethernet ports, but also allow any device that supports WiFi (e,g,. laptops or cell phones) to share the connection.
The latest version of Apple's wireless router, which is known as the Airport Extreme Base Station, includes a USB port. This means that you can connect any standard USB printer to your router and then share it on your local wireless network. After setting up the printer in the Airport utility program, any Mac or PC computer connected to your wireless network will be able to send documents to the printer.
Remote access, as defined by PCstats.com, allows you to access files remotely or access and control the desktop remotely. This allows you to access and use files located on a remote computer. In order to do this, the computer must first be set up for remote access. Setting up remote access on a computer is simple, but if that computer is behind a router, the remote connection can fail. It is important to properly configure your router for remote access.
Have you ever wondered how fast your router is? Maybe you want to calculate the time required for a particular download to complete or verify that the throughput speed advertised by the cable or DSL provider is actually being achieved. Several free tools are available online that will test your router's transfer speed (See Resources). These speed tests are quick and easy to perform and easy to understand.
Xbox Live is a gaming system created by Microsoft that allows players all over the world to face each other. Xbox Live requires not only a broadband connection, but also a router such as a Sky Broadband Router that comes with some DSL or Cable setups. Xbox Live is made to be easily set up with any router.
When you set up a wireless network using AT&T U-verse Internet service, anyone within the wireless router's range can connect to the network if it is not secured. Securing your network helps keep unauthorized users out, but you and your guests are also locked out if you forget the encryption key. If you forget your key or want to let guests use the network and and do not have it written down, you can access the router's administration page from a connected Web browser and retrieve the encryption key.
To find a saved Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) key, the wireless router’s administrative interface must be accessed with administrative credentials. From the administrative interface, the WEP key may be viewed, deleted or edited. The router’s administrative interface is accessed via a specific local IP address. Using this interface with the administrator’s user id and password, the saved WEP key may be found with just a few simple steps.
Wireless routers are useful devices that connect computers and laptops to a network without using a multitude of cables. According to Linksys, their Wireless-B router is a fast, easy-to-use wireless router that can allow you to set up a home or office network, as well as surf the Internet without being tethered to a wired access point. Instructions for setting up and configuring the wireless router are normally included with the router itself. It is a fairly simple process that any consumer-turned-network-engineer can take on.
A Linksys router is located between your DSL or cable modem and your internal network. You can access the router's configuration console anywhere from the internal network. However, to access the console from a remote location, you need to change the settings in the administration section. By default, the Linksys router blocks all attempts at remotely accessing the console for security reasons. However, for administrators who manage networks remotely, you can enable this option.
Modems and routers are important elements of your computer's connection to the Internet. Knowing the difference between the two can help you determine your networking needs.