Wireless Routers

A wireless router is simply a router with a wireless interface that incorporates a wireless access point’s utilities. It is generally used to permit access to the Internet or a local computer network without using a wired connection. It can work in a cabled LAN (local area network), only wireless network, or a combination of both.

Wireless Router Characteristics

• LAN ports –  They work similar to the ports on a network switch
• WAN port –  It connects to WAN (wider area network)
• Wireless antennae – The antennae allow the router to link up with other wireless devices for communication

A wireless router could be a regular IP router with an 802.11 interface card and antenna added or it could be a router specifically designed for wireless use. Most wireless routers also act as firewalls or switches, and provide Network Address Translation (NAT).

If network speed is important to the user, he/she should purchase an 802.11a or 802.11g wireless router. If comfortable with 11Mbps, he/she can save money by purchasing an older 802.11b wireless router. In order to increase the wireless router’s range, upgrade it with a better wireless antenna.

In the 802.11 Wi-Fi era, most people refer to wireless routers as “Access Points.” A few foremost wireless router manufacturers are Buffalo Technology, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, 3Com, TP-Link, and Belkin.