Getting Started
When you are getting started with your wireless router, you need to make sure that you are in the best position to use one. There are many people who actually do not have the capacity to use a wireless router because of the Internet connection they have in the house. Also, there are some Internet service providers whose signals will not pass through a router. You want to make sure you are ready to use the router once you get it. Also, you need to make sure that you really need a wireless router. If you are only running one or two devices in the house, you can put those two devices in the same room as your modem or DSL box. However, a home that is running multiple devices at once must have a wireless router to make sure that you will have connectivity everywhere. The router allows you to connect phones, tablets, entertainment devices, TVs and computers all at once. Your connectivity is often dependent on these routers every day.
The Types Of Routers
Wireless routers come in a few styles. Most people use a wireless router that is a small box you plug wires into. These small routers have enough range to meet your needs in the house. They often do not have an antenna because one is not needed. Also, these routers only have one button. You can turn on a special broadcast that is encrypted, or you can turn it off with this one button. There are even stronger routers that you can use in the house or office if you have a large space to cover. Your router should have an antenna if you need this much coverage, and you must make sure that router is rated to cover the square footage you need. You can read this rating on the box, and you need to make sure you actually get a long range router. There are also powerful routers that are designed to work with T-1 lines and powerful business connections. When you are trying to work with these large signals, you must make sure you use an advanced router made for these connections. The units will not work properly if they are not rated for use with these powerful connections.
Basic
When you get your router, you will receive the router, a cable and often a power cable. You simply need to plug in the router to the wall, plug in the power and make sure that the lights come on. You connect your Ethernet cable to the Internet jack on the router, and you will connect the other end to your modem or DSL box. The router settings are most often accessed by using the IP address 192.168.1.1. When you type this address into your address bar, you will be able to see all the settings for the router. This works any time your router is broadcasting, and it allows you to change many settings that will help make the unit more useful.
Advanced
When you need to get a router for your business, you need to make sure that the router comes with more advanced equipment. You want to get a router that comes with the right antenna, a special Ethernet cable and a power cable that will support the unit. These units often come with much longer cables so that they can be put in the right place in the office or home. You will also receive special software that accompanies the router. These software packages will help you set up the router properly, and they will help you get connected when you are using especially strong Internet signals. You need to make sure that you use the software so that there are no problems when you start using the router.
Typical Features
The typical features of a router include all the items above. Also, you will find that you can get specialized customer service to go along with the router. You need to purchase a router made by a company that has a customer service line you can call. You also want to make sure that the router comes with a stand so that it can broadcast properly.
The Brands
You can get routers from Cisco, Netgear, Western Digital and Linksys. There are other names in the industry, but there are the ones you will find when you visit most stores. You need to be sure that you are only buying approved brands. If you meet a salesman who tells you not to buy an obscure brand of router, you need to heed their advice.
Shopping Tips
Generic routers are simply not expensive. You can replace the one in your home for a small amount of money, and you need to make sure that you are only getting routers that are rated for your space. You do not need a powerful router for your small home, but you need a powerful router for your office. The router you choose should suit the setting before you ever look at the price tag, and you need to make sure it has the accessories you need.
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