Buying a Networking Router

What is a router? A device that connects two or more networks is known as a router. The router is the device that helps by managing traffic between these networks. A router will make sure that the data sent from a particular computer located in computer network A is sent to the right computer located in network B, and vice versa. For this task to be rightfully accomplished, the router will use a set of data forwarding and communication rules, which are also called the ‘routing protocol’.

For home computers, networking routers are generally used to distribute a single Internet connection amongst multiple computers. This kind of a router will be located anywhere between the home network and the ISP’s (Internet Service Provider) network.

Tips for Buying a Networking Router
Routers are indeed very diverse and come with a wide range of features that might or might not be needed. Here are a couple of tips to help you select the right networking router:

• Wireless router or cabled router? – Before buying a router, you need to first decide whether or not you want a wireless connection to your network. Wireless connections are pretty useful if your network is made up of portable laptops. By default, wireless connections less secure than the cables connections. However, if you still want to go the wireless way, then read up on wireless network security beforehand. Buying a networking router with strong encryption codes like AES or WPA, superior features like the MAC address filtering and strong control over the SSID broadcast is recommendable. Nevertheless, most home networking routers are already equipped with these features today. Apart from security, range and stability of the router are also very important.
• Cable Connections – Broadband connections or routers generally come fully equipped with a built-in switch. This switch is actually a network device, which has several different connection plugs that allow for the connection of a UTP network cable. Most broadband routers come with either a 4 port or 5 port built-in switch. If at all you require more connection points, then don’t buy a router that provides more switch ports. Instead, buy a standalone switch and connect it to your routers built-in switch – this works out cheaper in the bargain. Similarly, wireless access points can also be connected to the built-in switch of the router as well. So, there is no dire need to buy a wireless router. You could always go ahead and connect a standalone, even though buying these devices separately can be a bit expensive.
• Router Modems (Wireless) – From a modem and a network router to a network switch and wireless access point – the router modem has it all! If you are planning on buying the router modem, then you must first determine whether or not your network layout will allow it. For instance, if your Internet line comes into your house from the garage or the basement and you want to go to the top floor and use your laptop, where will you place a wireless router modem? Preferably, your modem will be placed in a spot where your laptop on the topmost floor will reach the wireless access point.
• Firewalls – All home networking routers have a built-in firewall these days. However, take into consideration the different configuration options before you buy your router. Port forwarding is a very important feature and is used for making ftp or web servers within a network available to the world outside. However, some routers are only able to forward a single port while the others can forward a whole range of ports. Another important consideration to make is the total number of ports that can be forwarded.
• Firmware – Every networking router will be controlled by a specific software, which is called the ‘firmware’ and is usually stored within the router on a ROM chip. Manufacturers of routers often provide new and updated versions of firmware to add to the features of the error and to patch errors.
• Print Server – If you happen to be sharing a printer with other computers, then opt for a networking router with a built-in server. These routers will allow you to connect directly to a printer.

If networking and all things pertaining to it like networking hardware confuse you, then the tips given above should be easy to follow. Follow these tips carefully and shouldn’t have a problem when buying your networking router.