Even as you’re reading this, you are probably sitting at a computer that is confined to a particular part of your home, say your bedroom or living room. But, what if you want to use a laptop or computer from anywhere in your house? That’s where a wireless router comes into play.

A wireless router is basically a network device that lets you connect several computers to the internet without using a cable, but by using wireless access points, or WLAN. In essence, wireless routers allow the freedom of several users to be able to access the internet. Plus, wireless routers also free you from messy wires.

Basically, a wireless router works using signals that have the same radio frequency range as the wireless network card installed in the PC. The significant feature of this exchange of signal system is that both the router and the network card function on the same radio frequency range, thus allowing the transmission of data to and fro, between the devices.

In other words, the wireless router uses radio frequency range signals between devices instead of physical wiring connections to transmit signals. Being an intelligent device, a wireless router can determine whether a signal needs to be transmitted to a local computer on the internet or to the internet.

The signal’s strength is dependent on the manufacturer along with the internet signal strength that the ISP provides. A wireless network has the added functionality of providing security to the network with firewalls, security keys, and so on.

It is not difficult to set up a wireless network. All you need to do is connect the wireless router to your internet connection, and then just set up the drivers in your computer or laptop. You need not worry about anything, because the wireless router that you buy will come along with the drivers, manuals, and CDs, which will help you with the software and driver set up and the configurations.

Clearly, there are several advantages that a wireless router provides. The term ‘wireless’ is what it is all about. With a computer connected to a phone line or a cable, you get the sense of being tethered to a machine that is in turn tethered to a fixture or wall. This entails you sitting at one spot for a long time in order to do your work or access the internet.

But by fixing a wireless router, you can roam about all over your house, or even building, without having to remain connected to a cable modem or phone jack. This way, if for instance you prefer working outside, you will have the freedom to go out onto the deck, without needing to worry about setting up outdoor cables. If you feel like strolling down to your favorite café for a mug of latte, you can head straight there and surf the net while you wait for the brew to be made. These days, even airports allow you to surf the net without wires while waiting for your plane. Simply put, as long as you have a wireless router in place, especially a long range one, you can log on and surf the net practically from anywhere.

Not having to be tethered to a wall is particularly beneficial for employees or self-employed business people. Basically, any location can become your virtual office. With services and stores equipped with wireless routers, it’s easy to set up shop at any convenient restaurant like McDonalds or Panera. And in towns and cities with wireless facilities, access will spell freedom from the confines of a cubicle or tiny office. These days, more and more companies are allowing their employees the option of working from home.

Even as far as the sales force of a company is concerned, they can go from place to place without needing to return to the headquarters. Since the nearest Starbucks can be turned into a virtual office, business updates and sales reporting can be carried out via a laptop or PDA. This will mean more time being spent in the sales effort and less time being spent in the office.

The broadband router wireless VoIP technology is another great innovation. With this device, you can connect to the internet, using any ordinary phone device. You can then make calls to anybody in the world via your internet connection.

So do wireless communications have any drawbacks? Unfortunately, they do. Even though a great deal of flexibility and convenience is offered by this technology, some tradeoffs are there. A wireless network that is shared by all the users of a particular area has less bandwidth. This is felt most often where high-bandwidth multimedia applications or heavy file transfers are used. In addition, it is more difficult to secure wireless networks, plus, the installation of networking wiring to points of access requires coordination and long lead times with some combination of facilities maintenance and OIT. Hence, if you are thinking of going in for a wireless router you need to take the drawbacks into consideration.

Before buying a wireless router, it is best to check out the reviews about various brands in the market. There are many reliable and well-known brands such as Belkin wireless router, Netgear wireless router, and Linksys wireless router. Check out online to see which one will suit your needs, whether at home or in the office.

Wireless routers make life far more convenient and easier. You can go anywhere, without being restricted by wires and still be able to access the internet.

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