How To Have An Always On Network By Using Your Wireless Router

For those who are using a wireless network that has a Window’s built in connection sharing, it probably serves your needs fine. But there is a problem -- you have to have the computer with the modem turned on before any other computer can get any internet connection. This isn’t a big problem at first, but, after a while, it will become quite annoying.

What can you do about this?  A wireless router solves this problem.

What’s A Wireless Router Anyway?

A wireless router is a small, low powered computer device that is dedicated to providing access to the internet across your wireless network. When you have 1 in your home, you can connect any of the computers in your home to the internet. And, you don’t have to have any of them plugged in to allow this to happen. They usually don’t need any sort of configuration either.

How Should You Choose One?

Choosing a wireless router is the same as choosing other wireless equipment. You will need to carefully consider range, speed and standards. It is very important to consider the speed of the router, more so than you would for other equipment. That is because the router may be providing internet access to more than just 1 computer at one time. That means that it needs to have enough capacity for both computers. In standards and range, it is not important to get anything better than what your current wireless equipment already has because you will not likely see any improvement.

The Linksys WRT54G router is becoming the standard in use these days. That is due in part to the fact that it is the easiest to use. It is not as cheap as some models though, so you should still shop around. It is wise to read as many reviews of what you are buying as you can before making your choice.

Wireless Router Installation

Most wireless routers are easy to use right out of the box. 99% of the time all you need do is plug the router into the power supply and then connect it to your cable, DSL or other modem. Then, you’re ready to start using the internet.

One common problem is that your ISP uses special software to confirm who you are before it allows you to access the web. This is called PPPoE (point to point protocol over Ethernet). It allows you to gain broadband access while you are still required to enter username and password information. You need to go through the short process of PPPoE connection with your wireless router then.

What Problems Might I Have?

Most wireless routers will solve problems rather than cause them, but in some cases there are some things that may need to be worked out.

A problem that can arise is that of needing internet connection for some functions. The configuration to make it happen is sometimes difficult. These routers do have built in firewalls which only allow data through on certain ports, while keeping all other ports closed. Examples are the web port 80 and the email port 110. It is rare that you would need to open 2 ports, but if at some point you need to do this, the router’s manual will tell you how.