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Choosing A Router

Routers are used a couple of different ways: To connect one network to another, or to connect to an Internet connection. Routers can also be used to share a single incoming Internet connection to create a small network, usually found in homes.

Routers also act as a line of security acting like firewalls. They can also act as hubs connecting hosts to clients within a network. They can allow sharing among peripherals.  There are many different kinds of routers available and here are a few guidelines to help you choose the best router for your situation.

Make sure the router you choose has enough ports for all the computers and peripherals you need to connect. There also needs to be a port for the incoming Internet connection. If you need a lot of connection points, you can connect a switch or hub to your router.

Select a router that works with your particular Internet service. There are routers that connect cable modems that are different from DSL connections.

Decide if your network is wireless or wired. There are different requirements for these two types of networks. If you want to get a wireless router, you will need to establish what type of wireless protocol your computers use; for example Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Your router needs to be compatible with the computers’ wireless protocol.

Examine the power requirements of your potential routers. The higher-powered routers can generally take on a greater workload.

Look at the aesthetics of the router. This many not seem important, but you want to be able to reach the switches, as well as being able to easily view the system lights.

Do some research online and get feedback from friends and family. Take all of this into account and list the pros and cons of each router to make the best selection.

Filed Under: Networks, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Choosing the Proper Wireless Router for Your Home

First it was dial-up, then DSL, and then it was cable. Now you are considering purchasing a router to meet the wireless needs for the devices technology has brought into your household. A task you thought was simple now seems monumental as you look at all the offerings on the market. With a few considerations, you can find the perfect router for your household.

  • Consider your wireless requirements. Are you trying to hook up one or two devices? Are you planning to run several dozen devices? In a previous era, this question might have made you laugh since only large offices necessitated that many wireless connections. In today’s world, however, a family of five can easily have several dozen devices connected to the Internet easily. Gaming systems, iPod Touch devices, laptops, and Blu-ray players all take advantage of wireless technology. Consider the future to determine whether or not you plan to add more devices.
  • Think about computer control when you determine which router you want to purchase. Some routers, such as the Mac AirPort Extreme, allow an administrator to place time constrictions on wireless devices based on their IP addresses. Many parents will find this option invaluable.
  • Determine the placement of your router and the usage of your wireless devices. If all your devices are in a small area, you have different router requirements than someone who plans to use one in a large household or a cross a large yard. Keep in mind that you might want to purchase more than one router so they can piggyback off each other, extending the wireless connection over a large area.

After you have considered each of these aspects, it’s time to go to a store. Look for routers that are compatible with your operating system whether it’s Windows or Mac. If your household consists of both of these, remember that many routers are designed for cross-platform access.

Filed Under: Networks, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Belkin: The Underdog of Routers

Netgear is omnipresent where routers are concerned, but despite their obvious market saturation, Internet users in the know claim that there’s another router out there that is very under appreciated. Belkin wireless routers are arguably the best of their kind, for a variety of reasons.

One of the main draws to Belkin wireless routers is the fact that they’re compatible with major operating systems like Windows and Mac, but also with Linux. This is important among the true Internet gurus who avoid Windows at all costs. Another factor in Belkin’s favor is that it offers good range coverage, can withstand cell phone and microwave oven interference and installs easily.

However, one of Belkin’s true shining attributes is its speed. Belkin wireless routers can provide networking speeds that are up to five times greater than standard Wi-Fi routers. Internet speed demons are so in love with Belkin’s routers that the added benefits of quick and seamless networking with printers, hard drives and other hardware devices is secondary.

Moms are also thrilled with Belkin routers. They come equipped with parent controlled web filtering free of charge for six months, and even moms themselves can install this high tech router easily as it has an installation wizard that self adjusts and detects Internet settings automatically.

Finally, Belkin routers have more power than you’ll ever need. They can handle up to four connections simultaneously without showing any decrease in speed. To put that in perspective, most home users would only require about half of Belkin’s potential capacity.

Despite all that it has going for it, Belkin wireless routers are not a common household name. The next time you’re in the market for a router, step up to the nearest pocket protector wielding sales clerk and ask for a Belkin; you won’t have any regrets.

Filed Under: Networks, Technology Tagged With: , ,

VoIP Takes Telephone Technology to the Internet

More and more companies are updating their telephone systems to VoIP. The old land line is quickly becoming obsolete as VoIP takes telephone technology to the Internet. Basically this is Voice over Internet Protocol. Phone calls are connected via the Internet instead of the old fashioned WAN lines.

The original telephone system used a series of switches to send the call from one place to another. That one call tied up the whole line until it was complete. Besides being an inefficient way to use resources, the existing telecommunication system is highly taxed and regulated, so it’s expensive. As Internet technology has advanced, the telephone system has become a challenge best suited for today’s connections.

With VoIP, conference calls are becoming the norm and companies are able to connect to a wider  group of customers or employees like sales representatives.  Having a good program that can handle multimedia effortlessly like Handbrake, Xvid or Virtual Dub enables companies to use and distribute video and sales materials easily and cost effectively.

VoIP technology is a digital packet based system. Several phone calls can be made over one LAN line at the same time, and this is the same connection that the computers are using. The efficiency is astounding and the cost is much less by virtue of needing less line space to send information.

One of the very nice features of VoIP comes to companies with multiple office sites. Instead of making a toll call to another state or country, those calls work like inter-office calls on a four digit extension. Technical staffing is reduced too, because computers and telephones can be handled by one IT department. Under certain configurations a phone can be moved anywhere and keep the same number.

Changing to VoIP seems like it would be cost prohibitive, but companies are always dealing with changing technologies and new computer systems and ways to connect. The next time an organization makes big technology changes VoIp should be included in the transition. What is spent in the onset to get new phones and computers will come back in long term cost savings that improve the bottom line.

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: , ,
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