Maybe you’ve heard that having a router is a good idea. Perhaps you’ve even heard that you need one. But is it worth spending the money? Routers make a difference by enhancing performance using routing protocols and routing tables. In addition, routers improve security with an onboard packet filtering firewall. Also, routers allow you to …
Do Routers Make a Difference: Are they worth the money? Read More »
The internet is made from small networks built behind routers called LANs or Local Area Networks. For example, your network at home is a LAN. Other computers, including servers with webpages, are also on LANs. The internet connects these LANs so they can communicate. When connecting your device or LAN to the internet, it’s best …
When you get a new router, it comes with a boring predetermined SSID or signal name. Often something associated with the manufacturer. But, what should you change it to? It’s important to change your SSID or signal name to something that isn’t personally identifiable, but that’s memorable enough to pick it out from a list …
What to Name my Router: Have fun but protect your privacy Read More »
You’ve heard of routers, and you’ve heard of modems, but which one is better? Well, that’s not really the right question. Modems and routers are two different devices, so you can’t appropriately compare them. An exception is the modem and router combination. The modem router combo is better than a standalone modem. It offers security, …
You may have heard at some point that you need to have a router to access the internet. But, do you? Is it possible to connect your computer to the internet without a router? If you have an ethernet cable, you can connect your computer directly to your modem without a router, but it isn’t …
Can I Connect My Computer to the Internet Without a Router Read More »
It turns out that the humble computer router has many more uses than originally intended. Let’s take a look at the offering available today. Traditional Router Of course, it would make sense that a computer router could be used as a traditional router. However, what does that entail? A computer or network router’s intended use …
Choosing the cables you use for your router is a relatively simple process, but you must get the right one for your setup. If you make the wrong choice, you can end up having lower network speeds than you expect or overpaying for cables. Computer router network cables include Cat 5, Cat 5e, and Cat …
Computer Router Basics: What type of cable do I need? Read More »
When you buy network equipment, a feature that sometimes gets touted by the vendor is the bandwidth or data transfer rate. Sometimes bandwidth is referred to as speed, and in other cases, it’s called capacity. That is because the measurement units are the same, but it’s actually how you use the metric that counts. Bandwidth …
At some point, you’ve probably heard the word ethernet and wondered what that means. In science, ether was a made-up material that physicists used in thought experiments. It was hypothesized to fill all space, and it provided a hypothetical medium for heat and light to travel through, like how sound travels through water. Ethernet is …
The computing term ‘firewall’ originated from using a continuous wall between buildings built close together to prevent a fire from spreading from one to another. It was then used in the construction of vehicles to protect the cabin from the engine compartment. A network firewall is a barrier that protects a network you trust from …
Computer Router Basics: Network Firewalls for the Beginner Read More »
