Broadband router with ADSL

[malibu4u]

When you have a good source of information you should stick with it and that's what I am doing now as I am totally confused. When in dought, ask iboat members. Can someone help me in Layman's language about the Pros and Cons, does and dont's for a broadband router. I recently got DSL and whoever I ask gives me different answears each time. Even the computer shops here can't seem to agree or have the same answear other than they want to sell you one. I will never be networking and it's a single home computer. I am running 98SE with a good virus program and firewall(ZA). Some have said running 98SE you don't need a router but if you run XPHome for an example, you need it. I have talked to my ISP and when I ask there(2 different times) I get different responces each time. I am getting the drift that I don't really need one but the added security won't hurt. Is that right or am I really out in left field? Cost is also not the facter but I want to do what is right for security sake. Any constructive information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[chuckz]

Re: Broadband router with ADSL

The purpose of a router is to allow multiple computers on the user side share one IP address on the service provider side. You have one computer and one IP address, you do not need a router.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Broadband router with ADSL

A router is like a signal splitter as stated above if you want to add more computers on the same address ,get a wireless one since it comes with added firewall protection but you have to manually set the fire proteck on or it will not work

 

[fullsize_chevy]

Re: Broadband router with ADSL

Let me simplify it for you...It all depends on what you want to do. If you examine your current setup, you have a cable coming out of a wall into a box called a modem (short for "modulator/demodulator"). Another cable comes out of the modem and plugs into your computer. With this basic setup, you should be able to access the internet. Now, you can also add a router to the setup if you would like. The router would be placed between the modem and your computer. The router will allow you to do several things. Let's address the security aspect first. Most routers come with what is called a "firewall". A firewall is a "digital" wall preventing unwanted intruders from accessing your home network (or your single computer in your case). Some operating systems, like Windows XP, come with a firewall. Now, having mentioned a home network brings us to the next advantage. This would be that a router will allow you to connect more than one computer (called hosts on a network) to the internet. Your network will be the computers, most likely within the confines of your own home, connected to the router. The router will allow each computer to be assigned a private IP address that they can communicate with each other with. For example, you can place all your music files on a single computer and play them on another. There are many uses, but addressing each would be impossible. I'm sure you've gotten the ticket. As far as this long-winded entry is concerned, there is one other major advantage to a router. Many routers now come wireless. I, personally, enjoy the "luxury" of using a laptop with a wireless network card, vice a card which accepts a network cable. I can bring my laptop anywhere in my home and still use the internet. Now, what does all this mean??? If you want more than one computer on your home network, I would recommend the use of a router. Furthermore, the increased cost of a wirelss router over a wired router is minimal if you decide to take that route. I hope this was helpful.

 

[AK_Chappy]

Re: Broadband router with ADSL

I agree with the consensus so far. A router is like a splitter. You may not need it for what you have right now, but what if you decide to get a second computer? I used to take my computer over to a buddies house and do all my windows updates from his cable modem, before I got mine. We used to also use it to transfer files back and forth very quickly. If you wanted to do some stuff like that, having a pre-positioned router makes it much easier.<br />If you don't foresee ever doing these, then you do not need a router.<br /><br />AK Chappy

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Broadband router with ADSL

A router would be very easy to add in the future, if needed. If it is a wireless router, however, you will need a wireless adapter in each computer that communicates with it. Not a big expense for the convenience. Basics for 1 computer are ADSL (or cable) connection, ADSL modem, and computer.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Broadband router with ADSL

I also agree with everyone here. The only other advantage of having a router is they have built in hardware firewalls. It adds protection that you probably dont need. If your computer has a LAN card slot you are set to go. Look in the back of your computer for what looks like a phone jack but is bigger. If you have this you have a LAN card and that is all you need for broad band.

 

[tomatolord]

Re: Broadband router with ADSL

You dont need a router unless you plan to have multiple computers...<br /><br />As for the added security - you already have a firewall and antivirus so the router is not going to add much if any more security.<br /><br />Now you can use XP professional to make your computer into a router 98 does not support that feature, but that slows down the computer that is being used as a router with routers being only $30 it would be just as easy cheap to buy a real router<br /><br />1 caveat that no one has mentioned is that if you plan on using the router to attach your work computer to (like I have a work laptop) get the router that your support dept knows about...<br /><br />The tech guys at work will support 1 type of home router. <br /><br />I have a linksys, which my work supports, my brother bought a dlink ( a good router) but it would not work with his work computer and they answer he got from his support was buy a linksys.

 

[malibu4u]

Re: Broadband router with ADSL

Thanks people for all your responces to my ADSL broadband router question. As I said before, ask iboats when you need help. I am now finally clear in my own mind what to do now.