Short Description of a Wireless Router

There are many different types of wireless routers on the market.

A wireless router is a computer networking device that lets users in close proximity to the router connect to a nearby Internet connection. The only difference between a standard router and a wireless router is that wireless routers use 801.11x technology in order to connect users to the Internet without the use of standard Ethernet cables.

Components

The basic components of a wireless router include the WAN communication port where the router is connected to a DSL modem, cable modem or other device; the communications ports where other computers can connect to the router via Ethernet cable; the firmware used to run the router; the power supply; the internal memory and processing device; the wireless card and the antenna.

Firmware

Routers use firmware in order to perform routing tasks and allow users to customize settings through the computer software interface. Firmware is a combination of both hardware and software and is located on a chip in your router. Your router may allow you to download firmware updates, check the manufacturer's website.

Firewall

Some routers come with firewalls that can be enabled through the router's firmware interface. Firewalls are designed to protect computers and computer networks from malicious attacks and other unwanted traffic. A firewall works by blocking specified ports and allowing traffic only on trusted ports. Some routers use network address translation, which is similar to a firewall in that it will only allow connections that originate from inside the network.

Setup

Many wireless routers now come with a quick setup option so that users with minimal computer knowledge can configure the router easily. Most routers allow users to configure the router through a Web interface by typing the IP address of the router into their computer's browser. Your wireless router should have a manual explaining different setup options and configuration possibilities.

References

• Free Computer Tutorials: Beginners Guide to Going Wireless
• Practically Networked: Firewalls
• Wlan Book; Wireless Access Point Router Autopsy; Zaib Kaleen
• Newegg: Wireless Routers Buying Guide
• Microsoft: Networking 101: Basics of Connecting and Setting Up a Wireless Home Network

Resources

• Microsoft:How to Set Up a Wireless Network
• Tech FAQ: How a Wireless Router Works
• Top Ten Reviews; All Wireless N Routers are Not Created Equal; Randall Sutherland