2006-06-12 11:32:45 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
In packet-switched networks such as the Internet, a router is a device or, in some cases, software in a computer, that determines the next network point to which a packet should be forwarded toward its destination. The router is connected to at least two networks and decides which way to send each information packet based on its current understanding of the state of the networks it is connected to. A router is located at any gateway (where one network meets another), including each point-of-presence on the Internet. A router is often included as part of a network switch.
A router may create or maintain a table of the available routes and their conditions and use this information along with distance and cost algorithms to determine the best route for a given packet. Typically, a packet may travel through a number of network points with routers before arriving at its destination. Routing is a function associated with the Network layer (layer 3) in the standard model of network programming, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. A layer-3 switch is a switch that can perform routing functions.
An edge router is a router that interfaces with an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. A brouter is a network bridge combined with a router.
For home and business computer users who have high-speed Internet connections such as cable, satellite, or DSL, a router can act as a hardware firewall. This is true even if the home or business has only one computer. Many engineers believe that the use of a router provides better protection against hacking than a software firewall, because no computer Internet Protocol address are directly exposed to the Internet. This makes port scans (a technique for exploring weaknesses) essentially impossible. In addition, a router does not consume computer resources as a software firewall does. Commercially manufactured routers are easy to install, reasonably priced, and available for hard-wired or wireless networks.
2006-06-12 11:37:23 · answer #1 · answered by Frost Gothic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am doing just that with a Linksys router. It works great, both computers can be online at the same time, there is no weakening of the signal. You may need some help with configuring the router to work with your dsl modem. My dsl company helped me. I have our his and hers computers setup as a small network, I can see and move files from one computer to another, works great! Good luck.
2006-06-12 12:23:18 · answer #2 · answered by pms240 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a wireless router.....I have a linksys router and it works great!You can get them at Office Depot, Office Max and Comp USA also Best Buy and places like that. They are about $70-$100 and you also have to buy the wireless adapter card for the computer that is not directly connected to the router. That runs around $50-$70. Its kind a lot to get started but you'll thank yourself for not having all the wires. Also the set up is very easy. Hope that helps!
2006-06-12 11:37:59 · answer #3 · answered by jrschulz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah then you have to run a cat5 cable from each computer to the router or hub depending on which provider you have. but yes the "modem" you have will split out the cnnection to up to 4 computers you can split it more but why do you need more than 4 on a home dsl network
2006-06-12 11:39:29 · answer #4 · answered by gsschulte 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most routers have a built-in switch to support several computers. I have two wired and two wireless on mine. However, the DSL provider might have a DSL modem with that switch function built-in.
2006-06-12 11:35:02 · answer #5 · answered by Wilton P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, use a router but you will end up with some connection problems sometimes where one computer is connected but not another, and if you call your internet company then they will tell you to contact the router co for further help.
2006-06-12 11:35:13 · answer #6 · answered by Sunny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOUR DSL SHOULD HAVE MULTIPLE PORTS ON THE BACK OF YOUR ROUTER THE MODEM THING, PLUG ANOTHER ETHERNET CABLE IN BACK TO THE OTHER COMPUTER AND WAH LAH. YOUR DONE.
2006-06-12 11:37:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can do it.
You will need a router. A good one to get is Linksys. You will find them at Walmart or Best Buy.
2006-06-12 11:35:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. in the back of your modem look to see how many ethernet jacks you have. if theres more than one then you can have that many unless you buy a hub or a switch.
2006-06-12 11:34:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Set either one or BOTH computers as wireless
2006-06-12 11:58:00 · answer #10 · answered by fed-up 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋