What is a Broadband Router

A broadband router is a basic device to set up aBroadband Router Categories
wired or wireless network. Broadband routers ensureIf broadband is classified into two types in major then
that all the computers on a network can send andthe routers also has to be of two types. ADSL
receive data to each other and across the Internet.modem routers for ADSL broadband users and cable
These routers are of both wired and wireless but theirrouters for cable broadband users are that two.
features are very similar.Both type of broadband router perform the same
A router actually transfers data packets alongfunction of being an interface between your network
networks. It requires at least two networks for aand the internet and enabling you to share your
router to connect, commonly it connects two LANs orinternet connection among other computers. The main
WANs or a LAN and its ISP's network. As adissimilarity between these two broadband routers is
connecter device, routers are positioned at gateways,the way in which they connect to the internet.
where two or more networks are connected.Actually, ADSL broadband is accomplished by
Key Role of Broadband Routersupgrading your existing telephone line for high-speed
Routers enable sharing your broadband internetinternet services. Here ADSL modem routers work by
among computers or laptops in your office or homejust plugging directly into the upgraded telephone line
network. It directs data to travel along the computersand thus avoids the need of a separate modem. Once
on your network and out over the internet to distantconnected, the ADSL modem router is automatically
computers and to networks located elsewhere.able to share the broadband internet with all the
Routers are first to face any possible outside viruses,computers in your network.
hacking threats and so they are vital in a network. ButCable broadband users connect to the internet via
most internet user may not know this, practiced usingcable modem that is plugged into the cable socket.
anti-virus softwares only. A router safeguards yourCable routers work by plugging it into the provided
network by working as a filter between the outsidecable modem's in-built networking port. This is also
internet world and your computers. In general,known as Ethernet port or RJ-45 connection and you
broadband modems don't usually have sophisticatedneed this to share your cable internet with in your
built-in security features, so having a network without anetwork. Once connected to the modem, which in turn
router can leave the door open to hackers and otheris connected to the cable socket, the cable router
online threatens. Using a router with an in-built firewallshares the broadband internet with all the computers in
makes your wired or wireless network safer andyour network.
secure, without being vulnerable for internet threats.