Router buying tips

The router buying tips discussed in this article can help you find the right router for your needs. The tips are aimed at home users that want to create a network.

A router is a device that sits between two or more networks. It manages traffic between those networks. Routers make sure that data sent from a computer in network A arrives at the correct computer in network B and vice versa. In order to accomplish this task a router uses a set of data forwarding and communication rules that are called a 'routing protocol'.

At home, routers are typically used to share a single internet connection among multiple computers. The router is located between your home network and the network of your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Routers come with various features that you might or might not need. The router buying tips below can help you decide on what router to buy.

Wireless or cabled?

Before you decide on buying a specific router ask yourself if you want computers to be able to connect wirelessly to your network. Wireless access is pretty handy if your network comprises laptops that move around the house. Wireless networks are by default less secure than cable-only networks, because anyone within range of your network will be able to launch an attack. If you decide to go wireless be prepared to read something about wireless network security. Buying a router that offers strong encryption (WPA, possibly AES) and features like MAC address filtering and control over SSID broadcast is advised. Most home routers are equipped with such features today.

Beside security, the range and stability of the wireless router are important. You can find out about known issues and the range of a router by searching the web for revieuws and discussions. Searching sites like practicallynetworked.com and anandtech.com can help you find information about a router's common issues.

Cable connections

Broadband routers are usually equipped with a built in switch. A switch is a network device that has multiple connection plugs that allow the connection of an UTP network cable . Most routers come with a 4 or 5 port built-in switch. Should you require more connection points, don't search for a router that offers more switch ports. Buying a standalone switch and connecting that to the router's built-in switch is usually cheaper.

Please note that like switches, wireless access points can be connected to a router's built in switch too. This means there is no need for buying a wireless router just because you might one day want to use wireless. You can always connect a standalone access point later, although buying separate devices is usually slightly more expensive.

(Wireless) router modems

Some devices have it all. A modem, network router, network switch and a wireless access point in one. Such all-in-one devices exist and they are usually a relatively cheap solution. If you plan on buying such a router, you must consider if your network layout allows for it. If your internet line enters your house in the basement and you want to use a laptop on the top floor, where are you going to place a wireless modem router? Preferably in a location where the laptops on the top floor can reach the wireless access point. But that is not the basement and that is where your internet connection is. Especially with ADSL2 connections a long phone line between the spot where it enters your home and the modem router can cause signal loss. In this case it may be wise to buy separate devices.

Here are some general rules that may help you.

1. Keep the connection between the entrance point of your phone line or cable and the modem device as short as possible.
2. Design your network using the smallest amount of cabling. If you have to cover a large distance between your router use one long cable and place a standalone switch at the end.

Firewall

>Home routers allways have a built-in firewall today. The configuration options of the firewall may be a consideration when buying a router. Especially port forwarding is an important feature that many people use in order to make web or ftp servers within their network available to the outside world. Some routers can only forward individual ports while others allow you to forward a range of ports at once. The total number of ports that can be forwarded is another consideration to make.

Firmware

Routers are controlled by software. This operating software is called 'firmware' and is stored in the router on a ROM chip. Router manufacturers often publish new firmware versions to add additional features to the router and to patch errors. New firmware versions are usually discussed on a lot of online forums and can shed light on weak and strong points of a router.

Some routers, for example the popular Linksys WRT54G allows software developers to upoald their own firmware. The open nature of the WRT54G has spawned a large number of individual and orginazed efforts to create new and better software.

Print server

If you want to share a printer with other network computers consider buying a router with a built-in print server. Such a router allows you to directly connect a printer and share it. If your printer has it's own print server built in, you don't need a router with a print server.

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