Cable/DSL Router

High speed internet access is becoming less expensive at a rapid rate, with some prices starting to rival those of dial-up ISP's. Many high speed services, though they won't tell you it can be done, can be networked. The device that can network your high speed Cable or DSL internet connection is known as the Cable/DSL router.

Two common Cable/DSL routers made by Netgear and Linksys

 

What It Does

The Cable/DSL router allows you to share your high speed internet connection to many computers, using only one IP (internet protocol) address. Many high speed internet services charge additional fees for two or more IP addresses, so using a router can save a lot of money, especially if you are a small business with many computers that need internet access.

The most basic router has two connections on it. One is where you plug in your cable/DSL connection, the other is where you hook up your network. More advanced units can include 4 or 8 port switches, and some can even function as wireless access points as well.

 

Next: How It Works