Wireless Routers - The "Download" on Finding a Wireless Router
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN PURCHASING A WIRELESS ROUTER
Let's start with the basics, namely what a wireless router is and what it does.
A wireless router is a network device that takes the input from a cable modem or DSL and using the NAT (Network Address Translation) protocol allows a public IP address (64.208.12.34) to be used by a private network (IP address 192.168.32.2) The router then acts as a gateway to the Internet for other computers on the private network. Computers on the private network communicate with the router via a wireless frequency, normally @ 2.4GHz, using any number of different wireless protocols.
Most if not all of the wireless routers on the market today are not simply routers, but combine the functionality or three network devices into one; i.e. router, Wireless Access Point (WAP) and network switch. Here is a technical definition of both a WAP and network switch: (SKIP THIS IF YOU THINK IT IS TOO TECHNICAL)
WAP:
Network Switch:Is a network device that is used to connect wireless communication devices together to form a wireless network. The WAP is used traditionally to connect to a wired network, relaying data between wireless computers and wired computers. By linking several WAPs together you can form a larger (infrastructure) network that allows "roaming" from WAP -to -WAP. By contract, an (AD-Hoc) wireless network does not depend on a WAP(s), but communicates between wireless devices directly. WAPs must have an assigned IP addresses for configuration.
There has long been a debate among neophytes as to the primary difference between a hub and a switch. Here it is: a hub, no matter how many ports, shares its throughput between those ports, so no matter the line speed it will be segmented depending on how many computers are live on the network at any given time. A switch on the other hand, dedicates full bandwidth to each port; in other words each port transmits and receives data at whatever the NIC installed in the computer is rated at; i.e. 10Mbps (10BaseT), 100Mbps (100BaseTX), or 1000Mbps (1000Base T).
In addition most switches feature auto-sensing technology that allows it to automatically configure the port for 10, 100, or 1000Mbps operations depending on the NIC. Auto-sensing features also allow 1OBaseT, 100BaseTX, 1000BaseT hardware speeds to run alongside each other eliminates the need to purchase new hardware. In addition switches feature full duplex transfer modes. A full duplex port is capable of transmitting and receiving over the same channel simultaneously, in effect doubling the speed of the port. In practical terms this means that a port can transmit and receive data at it rated line speed; e.g. a port rated at 100Mbps actually transferring data at 200Mbps (100Mbps transmit, 100Mbps receive). For instance, if you connect five computers to an EtherFast 10/100 Switch, each computer will get a dedicated bandwidth of 200Mbps at full duplex transfer. If you run five computers from a 100Mbps hub, then each computer would only share a part of the 100Mbps bandwidth; i.e. segmenting, which translates to degraded performance.
A network without a switch is called a shared network because every node on the network competes for a fraction of the total bandwidth via a hub. In a shared network, data packets are randomly broadcasted to all stations until they discover their intended destination. Consequently, considerable time and bandwidth is wasted on data packets running along network lines before they find their correct address. A switch, on the other hand, features a store-and-forward function, which retains the address for each data packet and forwards them straight to the correct destination.
Wireless Protocols:
Wireless-G (802.11g) is now the standard in wireless networking technology, but even as I type 802.11n is waiting in the wings to become the new top dog. The 802.11n specification-now in draft-promise wireless equipment with speeds as high as 150Mbps. Some manufactures-Linksys, Belkin and Zyxel, to name a few-are already offering the equipment, before the specifications reach final release hopefully in the summer of this year. However, almost all notebook manufactures are including the new protocol with their newest laptops.
Wireless-G WAP's, and Network Interface Cards (NIC's) are capable of transmitting and receiving data at speeds of up to 54Mbps, almost five times faster than the fast fading, but still widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. Wireless-G devices can utilize either the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz band, and some can utilize both bands.
Those Wireless-G devices that share the 2.4GHz radio band, can also work with existing 11Mbps Wireless-B equipment, while those which utilize the 5.0 GHz band will interoperate only with Wireless-G (802.11a, 54Mbps) equipment. Dual-band Wireless-G equipment are capable of interoperating with all three protocols; i.e. 802.11a (54Mbps), 802.11b (11 Mbps), and 802.11g (11Mbps & 54Mbps).
Recommendation: Stick with wireless routers that offer 802.11g/n protocols if you do not need to "speak" to wireless devices still slogging it out at 11Mbps. And do purchase a 3-n-1 device; that is a unit that bundles router/switch/WAP in one sweet package. The flexibility offered by these units is hard to beat.
BEST WIRELESS ROUTERS
A large cross-section of manufactures market wireless routers at all price-points and for all three principle markets; i.e. home, small & medium sized business, and large (enterprise) businesses. They include Apple, Linksys, (Cisco), D-Link, Belkin, NetGear, Hawkings Technology, TRENDNet, and Zyxel. Until recently the lines were clearly drawn between manufactures of home and large business devices. Then Cisco Systems, long synonymous with enterprise-class networking devices, bought Linksys long associated with affordable networking equipment for the home and small business market and the line has been blurred.
Price points for wireless routers varies widely even across manufactures based on what the unit brings to the table in term of performance, capability, and the level and type of routing offered. Of course the more capabilities the unit brings to the table to more expensive the price.
Inexpensive wireless routers- what to expect
These wireless routers most likely will not offer a switch in the unit, nor are you likely to see a robust firewall. NOTE: A firewall is a dedicated (hardware) appliance, or software running on consumer-class router that inspects network traffic passing through it, and denies or permits passage based on a set of predefined rules, or those rules set up by the end user. At a very basic level a firewall's job is to regulate some of the flow of traffic between the (private) computer network, and computers and the (public) Internet. Firewalls are designed to stop most malicious attacks that find their birth on the Internet, by closing off un-used pathway or ports.
More expense wireless routers- what to expect
Expensive wireless routers are those priced between approximately $75.00 and $200.00. They offer 3-n-1 functionality as well as very capable firewalls and support for a plethora of industry standard network protocols that home users would neither need nor understand. While it may be more than what you need, the functionality and flexibility of 3-n-1 units are a great deal.
High End Wireless Routers- what to expect
The priciest wireless routers become very complex and feature rich, offering users a very robust firewall as well as a dizzying array of industry standard networking protocols designed to lock-down the traffic coming through the unit, or route it in very specialized ways. Most home users will not need the power and functionality of a more expensive wireless router, so they are best avoided.
Recommended wirless routers:
ADDITIONAL SOURCES ON WIRELESS ROUTERS
There are number of places to gleam information on wireless routers. Most of these reside on the Internet, but we used off-line sources as well such as PC Magazine, PC World, Wired, and Network World magazines(s). Always do your research before heading to the local Best Buy or Circuit City to purchase your router. Chances are the sales representative will know just as much of not less than you about the wireless routers and only you can know what your particular situation is.
ONLINE SOURCES
Wikipedia.org: this a fine place to do general research on wireless routers and their functionality, as well as terms you might want to become familiar with.
CNET.com: a good place to find general knowledge on anything computer-related. And the site offers price comparisons as well as basic reviews.
PC Magazine.com: an excellent course for all things computer-related. The site, which is a reflection of the magazine, offers in-depth professional reviews on all manner of computer products and services as well as electronics.
PC World.com: another excellent source for professional reviews and information on computer-related products and services.
Do not forget to visit the manufactures websites; they are usually packed with very useful information on the specific product you are researching. For instance Linksys not only offers quick installation guides for all of it products in .PDF format, but, you can download complete manuals as well as updated software drivers and firmware updates.
