Ultimate broadband router buyers guide

Ultimate broadband router buyers guide

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Broadband Router Guide for the home and small office
The basic idea behind a broadband router is to allow two or more computers to share In internet connection using a technology called NAT - network address translation .  With only a single IP address on the Internet, all of the computers in your home can be on the Internet at the same time. Additionally, NAT naturally acts as a rudimentary router firewall by masking the true IP address of our computer - thus helping to keep your systems safe from hackers.
Broadband routers can be as easy or as complex as you want them to be. Available for less than $75 now , a basic model can extend your Internet to all the computers in your home. If all you do is surf and write e-mail, a simple broadband router is both easy to install and ZERO maintenance. For the more adventurous, manufacturers have added a myriad of options and features that can delight, confuse and confound us.
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  The Feature Database (incomplete)
 
Routers are not Perfect
Not all applications work well with broadband routers.  If hosting internet games is an integral part of your computing experience, a broadband router may sometimes get in your way.  Most broadband routers support the big games like HalfLife and Quake, but support for more esoteric games can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  In general you get what you pay for in broadband routers.
Other special network applications may also have problems across a broadband router.  Applications like NetMeeting may not work at all!  This should not keep you from purchasing a broadband router, just realize that applications other than web, ftp and other standards may need some work to get going.
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261 comments
Ultimate broadband router buyers guide
Plans for this guide by Chris Kaminski - 10/2/2001 2:46:00 PM
Re: Plans for this guide by Johnny Wells - 10/22/2001 4:24:00 PM
Re: Plans for this guide by Jeff Berry - 11/14/2001 11:01:00 PM
Re: Plans for this guide by shadowwy - 6/8/2005 9:18:00 AM
Re: Plans for this guide by Raja Zahid - 7/27/2005 8:35:00 AM
Re: Plans for this guide by Stu - 7/31/2002 9:57:00 AM
Re: Plans for this guide by norrby - 12/13/2003 8:46:00 AM
configuration of router by prasad - 2/4/2005 10:39:00 AM
configuration of router by prasad - 2/4/2005 10:39:00 AM
USB Modem (trying to rout it) by Knowee - 11/18/2001 5:55:00 AM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by teletester - 1/5/2002 9:02:00 PM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by Larry - 1/6/2002 9:09:00 PM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by long - 5/16/2004 4:41:00 AM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by Bob - 1/10/2002 7:28:00 PM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by Curtis - 7/13/2002 5:16:00 AM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by Mat128 - 8/27/2002 1:19:00 PM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by jay - 10/2/2002 1:42:00 PM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by Mike - 10/13/2002 1:22:00 PM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by Chris - 5/4/2003 5:25:00 AM
USB Modem (Multi User Solution) by JGC - 6/21/2003 3:01:00 PM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by olivier mujyambere - 9/13/2004 8:21:00 AM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by altheman - 12/4/2002 5:46:00 PM
Re: USB Modem (trying to rout it) by ojr - 9/16/2004 9:46:00 AM
USB Modem Router by Chris Kaminski - 1/15/2002 3:24:00 PM
Dump USB by nadegda - 2/10/2002 11:27:00 PM
Re: Dump USB by Kevin Evans - 8/15/2003 11:52:00 AM
Re: Dump USB by muckipup - 11/23/2003 8:16:00 AM
Re: Dump USB by muckipup - 11/23/2003 8:18:00 AM
AOL DSL by jd - 2/18/2002 11:45:00 AM
Re: AOL DSL by rulerpaw - 2/22/2002 3:09:00 PM
Re: AOL DSL by jsforbes - 4/22/2002 3:10:00 PM
AOL-DSL Multiple account setup by Rich A - 5/6/2002 7:29:00 AM
Re: AOL-DSL Multiple account setup by vorli - 5/11/2002 8:44:00 AM
Re: AOL-DSL Multiple account setup by Paladin - 7/3/2002 6:39:00 AM
Re: AOL-DSL Multiple account setup by vorli - 12/20/2003 9:25:00 AM
Re: AOL-DSL Multiple account setup by chandan - 7/26/2006 11:26:00 AM
AOL-DSL Multiple account setup by Rich A - 5/6/2002 7:29:00 AM
Re: AOL-DSL Multiple account setup by John - 5/14/2002 11:19:00 AM
AOL over RR over Cable Modem by TPO - 5/21/2002 6:59:00 PM
Re: AOL over RR over Cable Modem by cis4carl - 5/21/2002 9:00:00 PM
Re: AOL over RR over Cable Modem by TPO - 5/21/2002 10:43:00 PM
Re: AOL over RR over Cable Modem by TPO - 5/22/2002 4:45:00 AM
Re: AOL over RR over Cable Modem by TPO - 5/22/2002 4:45:00 AM
Re: AOL over RR over Cable Modem by Tim - 7/9/2002 3:40:00 PM
Re: AOL over RR over Cable Modem by Jeff - 12/7/2002 11:11:00 AM
Re: AOL over RR over Cable Modem by MoeStraDamus - 6/12/2004 1:07:00 PM
Sharing AOL over RR over Cable by TPO - 6/24/2002 1:42:00 PM
Re: Sharing AOL over RR over Cable by Tom Campbell - 7/26/2002 7:45:00 AM
Re: Sharing AOL over RR over Cable by Zach - 8/4/2002 7:54:00 PM
Re: Sharing AOL over RR over Cable by Hotpocket - 6/1/2004 11:55:00 PM
usb modem routing by Curtis - 7/13/2002 5:18:00 AM
d-link 604 can't retrieve e-mail by Dan - 7/28/2002 6:55:00 AM
Re: d-link 604 can't retrieve e-mail by Mick - 9/6/2002 5:38:00 PM
Re: d-link 604 can't retrieve e-mail by Pat - 10/22/2003 11:25:00 AM
Re: d-link 604 can't retrieve e-mail by Nick - 3/28/2006 5:24:00 AM
Wireless Internet Sharing by Jester - 8/22/2002 12:30:00 AM
Re: Wireless Internet Sharing by Bryan - 3/8/2004 7:46:00 PM
Wireless Internet Sharing by Jester - 8/22/2002 12:30:00 AM
Wireless Internet Sharing by Jester - 8/22/2002 12:31:00 AM
aol dsl and bad routers by Edward - 8/22/2002 3:47:00 PM
RCA cable modem by marty - 8/25/2002 7:06:00 AM
Re: RCA cable modem by Rick - 12/25/2004 7:24:00 PM
Setting up Broadband Router by Jack Thompson - 8/25/2002 6:04:00 PM
Re: Setting up Broadband Router by Stef - 9/2/2002 1:00:00 AM
Re: Setting up Broadband Router by Jack - 11/8/2002 11:05:00 AM
Re: Setting up Broadband Router by marc - 10/9/2002 7:47:00 PM
Re: Setting up Broadband Router by Jay - 10/27/2004 11:51:00 PM
Re: Setting up Broadband Router by Todd - 11/8/2002 8:32:00 AM
Printer sharing ? by Scott - 8/27/2002 10:44:00 PM
Re: Printer sharing ! by sTech85 - 8/28/2002 12:27:00 AM
sharing b'band connection by James - 9/6/2002 7:26:00 PM
DSL modem with ethernet connector by Chris - 9/8/2002 4:00:00 AM
Re: DSL modem with ethernet connector by Ralph - 9/8/2002 2:01:00 PM
Experienced Networkers Only Please by Quik930 - 9/9/2002 8:21:00 PM
Re: Experienced Networkers Only Please by Mary - 9/10/2002 7:43:00 PM
Re: Experienced Networkers Only Please by Mark - 9/13/2002 11:22:00 PM
Re: Experienced Networkers Only Please by Karl - 9/16/2002 6:31:00 PM
Thank You by Quik930 - 9/18/2002 10:45:00 AM
Which router for Networking AOL DSL by Tony - 9/17/2002 10:02:00 PM
Re: Which router for Networking AOL DSL by Luu - 9/22/2002 12:50:00 AM
Re: Which router for Networking AOL DSL by Ced - 10/21/2002 2:31:00 PM
Directv DSL & USRobo Router by cybersean - 9/20/2002 2:16:00 AM
Re: Directv DSL & USRobo Router by Jeff - 10/29/2002 6:31:00 PM
Re: Directv DSL & USRobo Router by Jim - 12/1/2002 1:44:00 AM
networking cable and wireless by chevysales - 9/22/2002 2:41:00 PM
AOL NOW SUPPORTED WITH LINKSYS by LinkTech - 9/25/2002 3:33:00 PM
HOW DO I ROUT AN AOL DSL USB MODEM ??? by XcLuSiVE - 9/27/2002 12:44:00 AM
Handlink router & wireless router by David Lin - 9/27/2002 2:31:00 AM
NAT, VPN, Cable by Robin Lovell - 10/9/2002 7:03:00 PM
Re: NAT, VPN, Cable by wild - 10/9/2002 10:44:00 PM
HELP on HOMEWORK by Cesar - 10/14/2002 11:01:00 AM
AOL DSL AND WIRELESS by CHERYL - 10/22/2002 6:56:00 PM
Re: AOL DSL AND WIRELESS by Chuck - 10/29/2002 11:46:00 AM
DI-614+ and RCA cable modem by JAW - 10/28/2002 7:10:00 AM
Re: DI-614+ and RCA cable modem by j.r - 11/15/2002 11:19:00 AM
Re: DI-614+ and RCA cable modem by Dlink tech - 10/21/2003 4:46:00 PM
how do i get my network running quicker? by Rob - 11/3/2002 8:38:00 AM
Slow Connection by Chris - 11/7/2002 11:24:00 PM
Re: Slow Connection by Aaron - 11/11/2002 11:00:00 PM
Re: Slow Connection by Jason - 11/25/2002 2:07:00 AM
Re: Slow Connection by Jason - 11/25/2002 2:07:00 AM
Re: Slow Connection by Marcos - 12/3/2002 5:04:00 PM
Re: Slow Connection by TheSolution - 5/14/2003 5:01:00 AM
Router with NO/disabled firewall by Charles - 11/14/2002 12:19:00 PM
Playing online by UnkPt - 11/15/2002 6:32:00 AM
Re: Playing online by Vasi - 2/2/2004 3:50:00 PM
Help the wife will leave me if I don't figure this out! by Edward Ash - 11/30/2002 2:42:00 PM
Cable model and router all-in-one by Velvel - 12/12/2002 5:02:00 PM
Re: Cable model and router all-in-one by VV - 1/2/2003 5:34:00 PM
Cabled and Wi-Fi through Linksys Wireless Router by Luke - 12/16/2002 3:22:00 AM
Re: Cabled and Wi-Fi through Linksys Wireless Router by Hawkeye - 12/16/2002 10:56:00 PM
Re: Cabled and Wi-Fi through Linksys Wireless Router by pigpants - 1/2/2003 11:24:00 AM
Internet Sharing w/ a PC and MAC by Jamie - 12/27/2002 1:31:00 PM
Connecting two wireless networks. by Kal - 1/2/2003 3:06:00 PM
Re: Connecting two wireless networks. by cliff - 5/9/2003 8:46:00 PM
Help me configurate the webramp 300fx by nthaibang - 1/5/2003 7:26:00 AM
Using a router do I have to pay more? by F.Garcia - 1/5/2003 3:08:00 PM
Re: Using a router do I have to pay more? by Sapulidi - 1/9/2003 3:36:00 PM
AOL Broadband and networking by Diane - 1/16/2003 5:07:00 PM
Re: AOL Broadband and networking by Jeff - 1/19/2003 12:48:00 AM
Re: AOL Broadband and networking by Deviant - 1/21/2003 10:19:00 AM
Re: AOL Broadband and networking by Diane - 1/21/2003 1:28:00 PM
Re: AOL Broadband and networking by Deviant - 1/21/2003 4:19:00 PM
Re: AOL Broadband and networking by Richard Thornton - 9/7/2006 1:59:00 PM
question about configuration by Lewis Crockett - 2/2/2003 10:46:00 PM
Re: question about configuration by Chris - 2/9/2003 9:20:00 AM
Re: question about configuration by Mikey - 2/18/2003 12:29:00 PM
sharing files while using adsl? by SimonJPA - 2/6/2003 4:20:00 AM
Cable Modem & Routers by elysee - 2/13/2003 8:42:00 PM
problem by Donna - 2/28/2003 2:24:00 PM
Re: problem by twantrd - 3/7/2003 1:07:00 AM
Problems to share Internet XP and 2000 by Blerta - 3/3/2003 11:14:00 PM
Re: Problems to share Internet XP and 2000 by twantrd - 3/7/2003 1:11:00 AM
Re: Direct Way Internet Sharing w/wireless SMC router by Harold Hudnall - 3/11/2003 10:52:00 PM
Re: Direct Way Internet Sharing w/wireless SMC router by Geezitron - 3/13/2005 11:49:00 PM
ROUTER HELP! by April Bunch - 3/18/2003 4:45:00 PM
Re: ROUTER HELP! by al - 3/23/2003 2:51:00 PM
Re: ROUTER HELP! by PS - 4/1/2003 9:31:00 PM
No Internet Connection by Michael - 4/15/2003 5:03:00 PM
Re: No Internet Connection by Gary - 4/16/2003 2:06:00 PM
mIRC DCC SEND not working by stormysoul - 4/28/2003 1:59:00 AM
Re: mIRC DCC SEND not working by Penguin - 5/1/2003 8:05:00 PM
Re: mIRC DCC SEND not working by EvilEden - 12/23/2003 7:55:00 PM
Re: mIRC DCC SEND not working by EvilEden - 5/15/2004 8:01:00 AM
AOL Broadband and Linksys, ICQ not working by David - 5/2/2003 12:19:00 PM
Re: AOL Broadband and Linksys, ICQ not working by Tony - 9/26/2004 1:50:00 PM
Re: AOL Broadband and Linksys, ICQ not working by name - 9/28/2004 10:04:00 AM
sharing with a cable router by Elijah - 5/4/2003 3:34:00 PM
USB Modem (male) to RJ45 Converter? by Jon - 5/16/2003 11:41:00 PM
Re: USB Modem (male) to RJ45 Converter? by Dlink tech - 10/24/2003 1:21:00 PM
Help setting up a home network win. 98 by Jason Garrison - 5/30/2003 7:48:00 AM
Netmeeting Behind Router by Network Newbie - 6/4/2003 6:04:00 AM
Re: Netmeeting Behind Router by Matt - 8/15/2003 1:13:00 PM
Wireless by king - 6/6/2003 12:37:00 PM
Re: Wireless by Matt - 8/15/2003 1:09:00 PM
internet sharing through dial up by saj - 7/14/2003 4:58:00 AM
Router with Cable AND DSL by mgeismar - 8/5/2003 10:44:00 AM
Re: Router with Cable AND DSL by Matt - 8/15/2003 1:06:00 PM
Using multiple routers by John Moore - 8/22/2003 9:10:00 PM
linksys Wrt 54g Problem--Help by DownunderTiger - 9/11/2003 9:28:00 PM
help me~~! by oteque - 9/26/2003 10:40:00 AM
aol and xbox by gary - 9/29/2003 4:30:00 AM
aol+DSL+ICS by trudy - 10/8/2003 10:49:00 PM
Re: aol+DSL+ICS by Al A. - 10/16/2003 12:35:00 PM
Re: aol+DSL+ICS by Dlink tech - 10/24/2003 1:50:00 PM
help to setup LAN with 2 routers by prashant - 10/29/2003 3:24:00 PM
router to router? by dg - 11/25/2003 7:21:00 PM
NATP Routers by Dogsbreth - 11/30/2003 7:07:00 PM
Pls Help! Sharing DSL with 2 wireless PCs by Eric - 12/5/2003 10:22:00 PM
Re: Pls Help! Sharing DSL with 2 wireless PCs by Nick - 12/5/2003 10:55:00 PM
Re: Pls Help! Sharing DSL with 2 wireless PCs by Eric - 12/5/2003 11:03:00 PM
Re: Pls Help! Sharing DSL with 2 wireless PCs by Nick - 12/6/2003 7:40:00 PM
any by hudlee - 12/24/2003 1:40:00 AM
help internet connection by Celina - 1/19/2004 5:31:00 AM
sharing internet by Rana - 1/28/2004 2:30:00 PM
Wireless Router by Nick - 2/18/2004 5:25:00 PM
Re: Wireless Router by Toddles - 2/26/2004 9:59:00 PM
DSL Sharing without Broadband Router by Sammy - 3/11/2004 3:06:00 PM
Re: DSL Sharing without Broadband Router - Update by Sammy - 3/11/2004 3:13:00 PM
DSL Sharing without Broadband Router by raj - 3/19/2004 3:53:00 PM
Making a remote connection by OvyHome - 3/24/2004 10:08:00 AM
All PCs have to be on for wireless? by Networker - 3/24/2004 10:56:00 AM
Broadband Router w/Ethernet, Phone, and USB by Tina - 4/6/2004 11:47:00 AM
Re: Broadband Router w/Ethernet, Phone, and USB by Mark - 12/12/2005 10:35:00 PM
Splitting Cat 5? by Ron - 4/12/2004 9:23:00 PM
Re: Splitting Cat 5? by Stu - 4/21/2004 5:38:00 AM
Re: Splitting Cat 5? by don - 7/21/2004 11:47:00 PM
6 PC's sharing Broadband by MB - 6/1/2004 7:59:00 AM
Re: 6 PC's sharing Broadband by Stu - 6/4/2004 5:11:00 AM
grayscale images by Andrew Sexton - 6/6/2004 2:52:00 AM
AOL Sharing ADSL connection by Dave - 7/18/2004 5:55:00 PM
Re: AOL Sharing ADSL connection by vijy - 7/20/2004 1:56:00 PM
Network config by joe danielewicz - 8/14/2004 2:53:00 PM
BelkinADSL Router by Shaun Edwards - 9/4/2004 12:58:00 PM
router configuration by Princess - 9/5/2004 7:14:00 PM
Network without internet connection sharing by Kristof - 9/6/2004 1:09:00 PM
Re: Network without internet connection sharing by hoffa - 9/10/2004 2:57:00 PM
Novice needs help!!!!! by David - 9/15/2004 5:01:00 AM
Re: Novice needs help!!!!! by PC Tech Guy - 9/21/2004 5:47:00 PM
Re: Novice needs help!!!!! by David - 9/23/2004 6:11:00 AM
wireless file share OK.- no internet?? by Nik parker - 9/19/2004 1:08:00 AM
MSN messenger by Brad - 10/10/2004 10:06:00 PM
switch on router by dan - 10/20/2004 1:06:00 PM
WIreless & wired router by Chris Sanders - 10/21/2004 7:27:00 PM
cable internet connection problem by Fom - 12/19/2004 7:57:00 PM
Re: cable internet connection problem by netguy - 12/24/2004 1:36:00 PM
no net w/ dsl modem/linksys by Mike - 1/2/2005 1:42:00 PM
Connecting 2 Di604 together by Dan - 3/5/2005 2:17:00 PM
Dynamic or Static IP ?? by Todd - 3/9/2005 7:48:00 PM
Can I turn router off at night? by Sabrina - 3/25/2005 9:53:00 AM
ADSL & connecting 2 computers via ethernet cable by Peter - 3/25/2005 11:34:00 PM
USB Internet Sharing by Bill - 3/26/2005 8:17:00 AM
Re: USB Internet Sharing by Hal Kent Fearey - 4/4/2005 8:00:00 AM
USB Internet Sharing by Shankar Acharya - 10/14/2006 10:03:00 AM
Conflict for connection via router? by Mizie - 4/2/2005 4:26:00 AM
Conflict for connection via router? by Mizie - 4/2/2005 4:27:00 AM
Re: Conflict for connection via router? by Stewy - 10/18/2005 8:06:00 PM
No Internet with Wireless Router by Raye - 4/5/2005 6:06:00 PM
online gaming by steve - 6/8/2005 5:49:00 PM
Basic Router / VPN Principles by Monty - 7/29/2005 9:08:00 AM
Broadband Router control by Robert - 9/26/2005 12:59:00 PM
Re: Broadband Router control by randommonkey - 11/7/2005 4:41:00 PM
wep by trish - 10/25/2005 11:54:00 AM
Re: wep by - 8/12/2006 10:40:00 PM
Weak connection by Tina - 11/18/2005 4:57:00 PM
Problem with F5D7230-4 Belkin Wireless Router by Xciting - 1/2/2006 6:22:00 AM
Re: wired router disconnect internet every 1 or 2 days by ### Lawrence - 2/24/2006 12:37:00 PM
Re: wired router disconnect internet every 1 or 2 days by Prashant Kedia - 4/6/2006 1:20:00 PM
wanna access my lan server from public area by om joshi - 3/7/2006 4:02:00 PM
Re: wanna access my lan server from public area by linuxian - 3/20/2006 6:06:00 PM
Belkin Wireless by JR - 4/18/2006 8:43:00 AM
Belkin Wireless by JR - 4/18/2006 8:45:00 AM
Connecting 2 comps on a Belkin F5D7230-4 by Joe - 5/28/2006 6:44:00 PM
Voyager 205 ADSL Router and AOE2 by Preet - 7/3/2006 4:30:00 AM
NETWORKING by SHERBAHADUR - 9/8/2006 6:32:00 AM
Re: [Title] by 203.177.134.187 - 10/11/2006 1:41:00 AM
connecting two computers by Renee - 10/3/2006 2:22:00 PM
Can't set up a LAN... by bv - 12/30/2006 6:04:00 PM
Re: Can't set up a LAN... by Newmony - 1/9/2007 3:03:00 AM
Posted by Newmony
1/9/2007 3:03:00 AM.
Re: Can't set up a LAN...
Yes what is happening is that try contacting ur ISP to make sure they give u the right IP addresses to use, so u just go to my Network Places on the desktop and right click to, and properties 4rm the drop down menu and, on the window, right click on the connection icon take properties, and on the next window that is where u configure ur lan settings, co u have to click on the TCP/IP and click on the properties tab then click the use the following IP addresses and put in the addreses as supplied by ur ISP
Note: Subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 always use this plz u can get back to me on xerxy04@yahoo.com or call 237 5529789
Posted by Newmony
1/9/2007 2:54:00 AM.
i need to know how to start with wireless internet connection sharing
hello can anyone help me with how to share and connect wireless router and sharing it to, how do wireless routers get their addresses, how to configure a wireless router, plz if u can help then rite 2 me @ xerxy04@yahoo.com
Posted by Debian
2/11/2007 10:32:00 PM.
Re: i need to know how to start with wireless internet connection sharing
Helo, you just buy a wireless router such Linksys, Dlink and connect it to the Internet. Your router will get IP address from your ISP, if there's no DHCP server in your network, you just enable DHCP services in your router (most router built this service), after that you just broacast your wireless networks name (SSID) and decided whether you want to 'open' or encrypt your wireless network. Open wireless network, means everyone around your wireless network can join to your wireless network and it's not good.

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