Why You Need A Computer Router

I love routers! Do you really know all of that your router are able to do? A modern router has multiple "cool" functions that numerous people don't realize? Consider the following:

1) A router "pure and simple" is really a device that passes data (such as websites and email) involving the home computer along with the cable or DSL modem which connects to the Internet (through your Internet Service Provider). A router makes things far more secure because all Internet data must first move through the routers firewall rather than going directly to the machine. The Internet can't initiate communication with all the computer - it's gotta feel the router first. A router is similar to having a lock on a door. Don't ever allow Internet to your machine without first passing through a router. A router might help prevent "malicious" information from entering your beloved computer! Great stuff!

2) A router also can function as Wireless Access Point. Modern routers use a integrated network adapter, antenna and radio transmitter. The router can relay data between wireless computers and printers as well as any wired devices around the network. The Kindle is a wireless device and the router allows it to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. Take your laptop in your home and connect with the Internet without wires. How awesome is the fact that?

Also plenty of watching movies presently has integrated networking. It's hard to buy a new flat screen television nowadays which doesn't use a wireless capability built-in. If your television can connect to your network and access the Internet, you can see movies (think Netflix) directly streamed online via your network, through your wireless, for your television. Now that is cool!

That's not all. Do you know that you can actually obtain a wireless wireless security camera that will connect to your router/Internet? This will let you check into your house on any computer wherever you may be when you're away. Amazing!

3) The router also can function as a Switch. Most modern routers have physical network ports about the back you could plug multiple systems into. Usually a home router may have four LAN (Local Area Network) ports about the back for wired connections. If you have eight systems it is possible to just add another Switch to one of the LAN ports and you may have eight computers wired into one router. In fact you are able to keep adding Switches until you have over 200 systems physically interconnected. How cool is that?