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Routers |
  
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Routers |
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Overview
We highly recommend that all computers connected to a High Bandwidth connection (DSL & Cable) use a router. These devices can hide your computer from the internet while allowing you to access the internet services that you want. Without a router, your computer can be seen by anyone on the internet and could easily be targeted by hackers. These hackers typically steal data from your computer for personal gain. They may also hijack your computer to hack into other computers. This makes the trail back to them harder to follow.
The price and capabilities of routers vary. $50 – 400. Brands that we have had good experiences with are.
Belkin, Cisco, D-Link, NetGear, LinkSys, SMC
There seems to be more returns on the Belkin brand than the others. Other failure factors seem to center around specific models rather than a brand.
Routers can be purchased from many places on the internet as well as retail stores link MicroCenter, CompUSA, OfficeDepot, OfficeMAX, etc…
What is a Router?
A router is a device that forwards traffic between networks based on network layer information in the data and on routing tables maintained by the router. In these routing tables, a router builds up a logical picture of the overall network by gathering and exchanging information with other routers in the network. Using this information, the router chooses the best path for forwarding network traffic. Routers vary in performance and scale, number of routing protocols supported, and types of physical WAN connection they support.
Most small office routers route the IP protocol over a single-user broadband connection.
Routing Information Protocol
One of the protocols used by a router to build and maintain a picture of the network is the Routing Information Protocol (RIP). Using RIP, routers periodically update one another and check for changes to add to the routing table.
Most small office routers support both the older RIP-1 and the newer RIP-2 protocols. Among other improvements, RIP-2 supports subnet and multicast protocols. RIP is not required for most home applications.
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Page url:
http://www.tje.net/PCSupport/index.html?routers_chapter.htm
Page content was last updated: 4/24/2009
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