Wireless Router Guide

Going Wireless?Having a wireless connection around your home can be a great convenience for households with multiple computers. If you have an existing network you can remove all the unsightly cableslying around your house with a central wireless network.If you have a laptop with built-in wireless or a laptop wireless card, you can be accessing the Internet or your home network from around your house. The same can also apply to any desktop computers with either a USB wireless adapteror a wireless PCI card.Wireless RoutersWireless routerscan connect all your devices together. Some routers are standalone devices that require a separate modem; others are combined withbroadband modemsand plug directly in to your ADSL connection. These also usually come packaged with firewalls.However, there are pitfalls to avoid. To truly gain the benefits of wireless networking it is recommended that you do your homework and research your own personal requirements. This includes networking guideson eBay as well as other review sites around the Internet. Like most technology, wireless devices are constantly being improved upon and updated.Some TipsWireless RangeEnsure you try to centre your wireless router within your home. If your router also functions as a wireless modem, it will require connection to your external phone line. Try to ensure the antennas are vertical and if needed look into a wireless repeater.CompatibilityForemost is the compatibility with multiple devices. Currently, the common wireless connections are 802.11b and 802.11g networks. Ensure your hardware is compatible with the same connection as your other devices. Additionally, using the one wireless manufacturer may simplify your network.Setting It UpEnsure you read the details provided by the manufacturer. Most routers these days provide a simple interface with which to configure the router settings. However, you will still need to know your ISP and network settings.Lock It DownOnce connected to the Internet, securing your network should be a priority. At the least, you should change the router manufacturers login and password from their default settings and install a firewall and virus scanner on the connected PCs.Choose a ManufacturerPopular wireless router manufacturers are BelkinD-LinkLinksysNetgearSome of their models include the following Belkin 802.11g Wireless Network Access Point F5D7130auBelkin 802.11g Wireless DSL/Cable Gateway Router F5D7230au4Belkin 802.11g Wireless Ethernet Adapter F5D7330auD-Link DSL-G604T AirPlusG Wireless ADSL/ADSL2/2 Modem RouterD-Link DI-614 Wireless Broadband Router NetworkD-Link DWL-G700AP 802.11g Wireless Access Point DK6Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access PointLinksys WAG54GP2 Wireless-G ADSL Gateway with 2 Phone PortsLinksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband RouterNetgear WGR614 Cable/DSL Wireless Router 54 Mbps/2.4 GHzNetgear DG834G 54 Mbps Wireless ADSL Firewall RouterNetgear WPN824 RangeMax Wireless Router