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Home > Message Board > Tips & Tech Support > Networking > Why Get A Cable/DSL Router/Gateway, And How To Set It All Up
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Why Get A Cable/DSL Router/Gateway, And How To Set It All Up
Started December 1, 2004 @ 2:18am by DCSun
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DCSun
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| Why Get A Cable/DSL Router/Gateway, And How To Set It All Up | December 1, 2004 @ 2:18am | So you're getting a high speed cable (through your cable company's network) or dsl (Digital Subscriber Line) connection. What is a router/gateway, and why do I need one?
A router/gateway is a device that sits between your computer(s) and cable/dsl modem. It will serve several useful purposes for you.
First, it will protect you from many external attacks by acting as a hardware firewall. Since your connection is always on, it's always open for anyone to try and get in, so a hardware firewall is highly recommended.
The second purpose this device serves is allowing you to share your connection between multiple computers (up to 255 for many models). The speed will be divided between the machines using it at any time, but for most connections and uses this won't be a problem or even noticable.
A third benefit comes for dsl connections. Most utilize a technology called PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) to verify your account with them, quite similar to dialup connections asking for a username and password. This technology requires that you install a software package on your computer, which you have to run and click a connect button when you wish to use the connection. A router capable of supporting PPPoE (most models will) will allow you to remove this annoyance and simply launch your internet applications as if the connection was already established, and the router does the rest.
And four, certain models will also serve as a wireless access point for any wireless clients you may wish to add to your network (hard to cable areas or laptops/notebooks).
As for how to set it all up, generally it's as simple as plugging in a few cables. The installation is as follows: Internet >> Cable or DSL modem >> Router/Gateway >> Computer(s).
Most models will require little or no configuration for cable connections, and simply inserting your assigned username and password for dsl connections. Some providers may require small settings tweaks to get everything working, but the provider, router maker, or a quick internet search should help get this all sorted out. Settings can be configured through a web browser pointed to the router's address, which will be described in the manual.
Routers from companies such as D-Link, Linksys, Microsoft, Belkin and others will offer the features you're looking for. I personally prefer D-Link models (DI-604 for cabled networks, and DI-614+ with wireless), but they all seem to have good and bad reviews so your mileage may vary! |
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Last Edit: December 1, 2004 @ 2:24am by DCSun | |
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