However, most homes have many networked devices, and you need a way to manage their connections to each other as well as to the internet. That's where a router comes in.
A router is focused on local area networking. It performs the following functions for devices in a home network:. Your home network requires a device that translates the signals of your cable provider or phone company into the Ethernet most networking equipment understands.
Unless you have only one device in your home connected to the modem over Ethernet , you need something to manage local IP addresses and maybe provide wireless coverage. Modems and routers don't need to be separate physical devices. Some modems support built-in routing capability. A single device takes up a single power outlet. You only need to learn how to use one interface to configure and manage your home network.
Furthermore, a single device may be less expensive than buying a modem and router separately. Using a separate modem and standalone router is the most prudent choice in a few specific use cases:. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. You should secure your router with a password with the latest available encryption standard, which is probably WPA2 or WPA3, depending on the age of your router.
Read here for more on router security best practices. If you need more LAN ports than the router has, you can expand the number available by adding an Ethernet switch, which is sort of like a power strip that adds open Ethernet ports. Quality of Service QoS Also called media prioritization or traffic control. For example, you can change the settings to work best for streaming videos, making Skype calls, playing games, or streaming music. App-Based Management Accompanying almost every new router are apps meant to simplify the task of setting up and making adjustments to your WiFi network.
The apps make it easier than before to monitor which devices are connected to your network and adjust which devices get priority. These apps can also alert you when an update is available for your router. We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me. Wi-Fi Direct lets devices form an ad-hoc network with each other to transfer information.
Wi-Fi Direct is not a replacement for a network; instead, it is a direct connection between two devices; a third device would have to directly connect with both other devices in what is called a Wi-Fi Direct Group to communicate with them.
Only one device needs to support Wi-Fi Direct for the connection to work; the technology is often used to sync devices, transfer files, print documents and play games. Wi-Fi direct is designed for instances when there isn't an available Wi-Fi router to form a network, but it is not designed for sharing Internet connections.
Consumer Wi-Fi routers typically contain a Wi-Fi access point and a network switch, the two devices needed to build a Wi-Fi network. If you were to connect a standalone Wi-Fi access point to a standalone network switch, you could build a Wi-Fi network that behaves like the one made by a Wi-Fi router for all the devices that are connected to it. The network switch will host the local network and direct traffic between computers and the Wi-Fi access point will connect all the Wi-Fi devices to the network switch.
In addition to accessing the internet on your smartphone, tablet or computer, you can also use your router to connect Wi-Fi capable devices in order to stream and download digital TV. This is done in order to offer heightened security and protect your network from being used by others illegally.
Some routers have removable cards with all your log-in details written on them to save you from having to crouch around your router as you type in your password and details. It should be as simple as that — your device will then connect to your wireless broadband automatically when in range. Check out the best wireless broadband deals available to you. Typically, a small device that you plug into an electrical outlet, it pulls in an existing Wi-Fi signal, amplifies it, and then broadcasts the stronger signal.
This is an efficient and affordable way to increase the range of your Wi-Fi router without the need for cables throughout your home or multiple Wi-Fi routers with separate passwords.
If you have a few areas of your home that struggle to get a decent Wi-Fi signal, then a booster could be an ideal solution. This is especially common for houses on multiple floors.
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