Most readers will already know what a
router is, but if you're new to computing, you may be more than a little
confused by all of the jargon surrounding networking. A router takes a
broadband internet connection and shares it across Ethernet or wireless
networks. It differs from a modem in that the latter only provides an internet
connection to a single device. If you can think of a router as a little
computer in its own right whose sole purpose is to distribute the network
around your house, you're halfway there!
Most internet service providers (ISPs) will
give you a router as part of your broadband package. If you've been on the same
contract for a long time, however, they are unlikely to replace your hardware
unless you ask for it. Because of this, a frightening proportion of the UK
population still struggles by using arcane hardware that delivers only a
fraction of the speed and features of a more contemporary alternative. An easy
way of finding out if you're in living in the dark ages is to look at the kind
of connectivity between the PC and your modem or router. If you're using a
USB-powered modem for your ADSL connection, it's time to upgrade, either by
asking for a new one from your ISP (which will normally be free, but will mean
signing up to another 12 to 18 month contract), or by buying one yourself. If
you plan on upgrading your own PC soon, this is particularly important, as most
USB modems are so old that drivers for Windows 7 don't exist!
An easy way of determining if you have a
router or a modem is to look at the back. If it has multiple network ports,
it's a router. If it only has one, it's a modem. Almost all modern routers also
have one or more antennas attached, providing wireless connectivity. Devices
with these are called wireless routers.
ADSL Or Cable?
TP-Link
TD-W8951ND
Before following any router buying advice,
it is critical that you find out what kind of router you need. If you use a
cable service such as that provided by Virgin Media or BT Infinity, a router
with a built-in ADSL modem won't work for you. Instead you'll need a cable
router with a network input. This then plugs into your ISP-provided cable modem
and distributes its services throughout your home. If you're on an ADSL
connection, a suitable router will completely replace the box provided by your
internet service provider. If you've acquired a spare router for a friend or
relative, it's easy to find out what kind of model it is just by looking on the
back. An ADSL router will lack the 'input' Ethernet connection and will have a
telephone cable socket instead.
Free Routers
D-Link
DSL-2680
If your contract is up with your internet
service provider, you are no longer under any commitment to stay with it. An
easy way to get a new router is to therefore leave your existing provider and
join up with a new one, or if you are happy with the service you receive, phone
and request an upgrade. This will, of course, result in another contract
period, but it's a great way of making use of any introductory offers that
happen to be available. If your existing supplier tries to charge you for a new
router or tells you that you're not eligible for an upgrade to its latest
model, ask to speak to the customer retentions department. They will invariably
do their best to keep you as a customer and know that the cost of a router
relative to 12 to 18 months of regular income is a worthwhile trade-off.
Although this is an easy way of getting a
free router, an ISP provided model will rarely provide you with the features
and flexibility of one you buy yourself. For novice users this is probably a
good thing; enthusiast grade routers ship with a dizzying array of
configuration options, many of which you need a degree in networking to
understand. It does, however, prevent you from accessing really useful
features, such as those that allow you to monitor the quality and noise level
on your line, configure your firewall and port forwarding settings, or change
the security modes and passwords on your network.
