Wireless routers allow computers in a network to hook up to the Internet using the same wireless, high-speed connection. However, you don't have to be wireless to use a wireless router. These appliances allow for simultaneous wired and wireless use by different network computers. Also, with more and more computer users doing work on the road, travel routers are gaining in popularity and feasibility. Wireless routers may not be as secure as wired routers, but there are security measures you can put in place to ensure privacy, such as keys and passwords. There is also a new technology called MIMO, which stands for "multiple in, multiple out," and which uses multiple antennas to speed up large file transfer. However, there are also faster non-MIMO router being developed that simply use smarter antennae and better receiving devices. Linksys makes a line of wireless routers called the Wireless-G Series. Each offering in this Linksys wireless router series has unique features. Some are compact, some allow VoIP Internet telephony, and some are powerful enough for businesses to use. One of the routers in this series is ideal for wireless, multi-user gaming. The Linksys WCG200 has a cable modem function, and allows up to 32 devices to connect to your home network. Home users can also choose between Netgear wireless routers and D Link wireless routers. Netgear makes travel routers, routers with phone adapters, and firewall routers. The 54 Mbps Wireless Router offers a double firewall, takes you step-by-step through installation, and has speeds of up to five times faster than the 802.11b standard. There is also a shared key to prevent unauthorized access. |
