I know this is slightly not on subject but I am finally ready to "jump" into the broadband connect world. In my area 2 local cable companies offer 4-6mbps of broadband for about 45 dollars a month. I hear so much that you need a router and other things to get optimal results? What exactly is needed to get online with broadband get optimal and secure results? I maily plan to get online for scientific research, some online gaming, and lots of downloading-wink wink. I don't know much about this so any real useful advice is definitely appreciated.
A router is a definite possibility if you want faster speeds. I have a 7-8 mbit cable connection, and with the router it is over 9 mbit. I use a Netgear router (remember to use at least WEP connection to avoid leechers of your connection) You can also, open your RWIN by going to http://broadbandreports.com and using the tweak test.
Optimal would be without a router - that is directly connected to your modem. However, a slight increase in speed from bypassing any overheads generated from a router is not worth the drop in security and functionality.
For some, setting up a router maybe a daunting task, but once setup, you can;
* Share the internet with other users connected to the router
* Gain a level of security in that your machine IP address is different to that of your internet IP address (modem's ip).
* Permit/Deny traffic - here lies of a lot of options
* Share a printer (some routers)
SO yeah, a router is fast becoming a defacto standard when it comes to broadband.
You know that rare phenonomon when after hours and hours and hours of troubleshooting, things just just magically work and you have no idea why? Just gotta love it! ;-)
Thanks for all the replies. I am still not in the loop completely but I can understand why having a router is definitely desired for increase security reasons. I will definitely employ you two advice.
To DVD Back23: Can I just access my comcast or Cox cable internet service using a router or do I have to both purchase a router and a cable modem? Also do I have to have a wi-fi adapter along with router to access home network? As you can tell I am a newb. Also what type of netgear router do you have and how much was it. I am building my computer and I am truly trying to keep the cost as low as I possibly can. Hopefully under 850-930 dollars.
