The Wireless Router

When setting up a network, a wireless router like the D-Link DIR-655 above, is the heart of the system. Everything connects to it in one way or another. Computers, printers, even some cameras and mobile phones - if it has a wireless access point or an Ethernet cable, it eventually meets up in the router.

When you plan to buy a router, you have to consider what kind of Internet connection you'll be hooking it up to. If you have a cable modem, you can get just a router, which connects to the modem via an Ethernet port. If you get your broadband via a phone line, it's recommended you get a wireless broadband router with an ADSL modem built-in. This would replace any modem you might already be using. The cost is not much more than a router without a modem, but it's easier to install into your network than trying to get the two devices to talk to each other.

Configuring a router is much easier than it used to be. The hardware can handle almost all of the initial setup chores automatically, with only minimal input from you. Generally, the default settings are the best choices. You may have to think up a password or two. It's a good idea to jot these down on the inside cover of the manual, in case you ever have to refer back to it at a later date.

There are several makes and models of routers available. Some of the best-known brands are Linksys, Belkin and Netgear. We will review some of their products and compare their features. However, we can't look in detail at every Linksys wireless g router, for example. Once you are familiar with some of the concepts, you can explore the full range in our online store to determine the best router for you.

There are several competing standards for wireless, and it's important that your router and the adapters on your computers, etc. can match each other. It's recommended you go with an 802.11 wireless g router, which we'll discuss in more detail in the next section.