Wireless Routers

A wireless router is simply a router with a wireless interface and incorporates the utilities of a wireless access point. It is generally used to permit access to the Internet or a local computer network without the necessity for a wired connection. It can work in a cabled LAN (local area network), only wireless network, or a combination of both.

Characteristics of Wireless Router

• LAN ports -  They work exactly similar to the ports on a network switch
• WAN port -  It connects to WAN (wider area network)
• Wireless antennae – The antennae allows the router to link up with other wireless devices for communication

A wireless router could be a regular IP router with an 802.11 interface card and antenna added, or it could be a router specifically designed for wireless use. Most wireless routers also act as firewalls, switches, and provide Network Address Translation (NAT).

If network speed is important to you, be sure to purchase an 802.11a or 802.11g wireless router. If you are comfortable with 11Mbps then save money by purchasing an older 802.11b wireless router. If you need to increase the range of your wireless router, consider upgrading it with a better wireless antenna.

In the 802.11 Wi-Fi era, most people refer to wireless routers as "Access Points". Few foremost wireless router manufacturers are Buffalo Technology, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, 3Com, TP-Link and Belkin.