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| Wireless Routers 101 |
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March 1, 2010
• Vol.7 Issue 3 Page(s) 27 in print issue | |
Wireless Routers 101 What You Need To Know Before You Make A Purchase | |
 Implementing a wireless home network lets you surf the Web from anywhere in your home using a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, or any other wirelessly connected device. The ins and outs of purchasing a wireless router for your home network might leave you perplexed, but understanding your options will lead to success in finding the perfect wireless router for your needs.  The ABCs Of Wireless Standards When you’re shopping for a wireless router, you will notice that each model is compatible with certain standards, such as 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. Of these, the 802.11b standard is the oldest but is still supported by some devices. Its transfer rate (11Mbps) is slower than 802.11g (54Mbps), a newer standard. The most recent standard is 802.11n, which offers a throughput of up to 300Mbps. Most wireless routers are backward-compatible, meaning they can support older wireless standards. If you have devices that use different standards, look for an 802.11b/g/n router, which will be compatible with all of your devices and other Wi-Fi peripherals. Note that some routers might list compatibility with Draft N, which was an early version of the 802.11n standard that works with current 802.11n devices. The speed you should look for depends on your needs. For example, the 802.11n standard is necessary for streaming music and movies or for online gaming. The speed of this standard will also shorten download time and ensure strong performance. Other Features Both 802.11g and 802.11n can use MIMO (Multiple Input/Multiple Output) technology, which utilizes multiple antennas to enhance range and performance. This allows you to enjoy quicker wireless speeds at a greater distance from your wireless router. However, not all models will offer this feature. Some routers also feature dual-band frequencies. These models broadcast Wi-Fi over two frequencies, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, instead of just one. This essentially creates two wireless networks, giving you the flexibility to change over to the other frequency if one is busy. Finally, be sure the router you purchase has extra Ethernet ports. This will let you make a wired connection to devices in addition to wireless connections. Stay Safe The security features of your wireless router are also important. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), which encrypts data from your computer and implements user authentication, is the strongest and most common encryption configuration in wireless routers. Firewalls block unauthorized users from accessing a network, therefore blocking cyber criminals from getting to your data. And some networks come with parental controls that block access to certain Web sites (either by URL or keywords). Wireless routers all come with an assortment of these types of security features, so you can choose the best combination for your family. By Tessa Warner Breneman |
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