Wireless router
Encyclopedia
A Wireless router is a device that performs the functions of a router but also includes the functions of a wireless access point
and a network switch
. They are commonly used to allow access to the Internet
or a computer network
without the need for a cabled connection. It can function in a wired LAN (local area network
), a wireless only LAN (WLAN), or a mixed wired/wireless network. Most current wireless routers have the following characteristics:
Some wireless routers also include a DSL or cable modem
in addition to their other components.
Wireless access point
In computer networking, a wireless access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or related standards...
and a network switch
Network switch
A network switch or switching hub is a computer networking device that connects network segments.The term commonly refers to a multi-port network bridge that processes and routes data at the data link layer of the OSI model...
. They are commonly used to allow access to the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
or a computer network
Computer network
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....
without the need for a cabled connection. It can function in a wired LAN (local area network
Local area network
A local area network is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building...
), a wireless only LAN (WLAN), or a mixed wired/wireless network. Most current wireless routers have the following characteristics:
- LAN ports which function in the same manner as the ports of a network switch
- A WAN port to connect to a wide area networkWide area networkA wide area network is a telecommunication network that covers a broad area . Business and government entities utilize WANs to relay data among employees, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various geographical locations...
, typically one with Internet access. External destinations are accessed using this port. If it is not used, many functions of the router will be bypassed. - A wireless antenna allows connections from other wireless devices (NICs (network interface cards), wireless repeaterRepeaterA repeater is an electronic device that receives asignal and retransmits it at a higher level and/or higher power, or onto the other side of an obstruction, so that the signal can cover longer distances.-Description:...
s, wireless access points, and wireless bridges, for example), usually using the Wi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
standard.
Some wireless routers also include a DSL or cable modem
Cable modem
A cable modem is a type of network bridge and modem that provides bi-directional data communication via radio frequency channels on a HFC and RFoG infrastructure. Cable modems are primarily used to deliver broadband Internet access in the form of cable Internet, taking advantage of the high...
in addition to their other components.
Major manufacturers
- 3Com3Com3Com was a pioneering digital electronics manufacturer best known for its computer network infrastructure products. The company was co-founded in 1979 by Robert Metcalfe, Howard Charney, Bruce Borden, and Greg Shaw...
- Apple Inc.
- AsusASUSASUSTeK Computer Incorporated is a multinational computer technology and consumer electronics product manufacturer headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. Its product range includes motherboards, desktops, laptops, monitors, tablet PCs, servers and mobile phones...
- BelkinBelkinBelkin International, Inc., is a Californian manufacturer of computer hardware that specializes in connectivity devices, headquartered in Playa Vista, Los Angeles, California...
- Buffalo Technology
- D-LinkD-LinkD-Link Corporation was founded in June 1986 in Taipei as Datex Systems Inc. It began as a network adapter vendor and has gone on to become a designer, developer, and manufacturer of networking solutions for both the consumer and business markets.In 2007, it was the leading networking company in...
- LinksysLinksysLinksys by Cisco, commonly known as Linksys, is a brand of home and small office networking products now produced by Cisco Systems, though once a separate company founded in 1995 before being acquired by Cisco in 2003...
- MotorolaMotorolaMotorola, Inc. was an American multinational telecommunications company based in Schaumburg, Illinois, which was eventually divided into two independent public companies, Motorola Mobility and Motorola Solutions on January 4, 2011, after losing $4.3 billion from 2007 to 2009...
- NetgearNetgearNetgear is a U.S. manufacturer of computer networking equipment and other computer hardware....
- MikrotikMikrotikMikrotīkls Ltd., known internationally as MikroTik, is a Latvian manufacturer of computer networking equipment. It sells wireless products and routers. The company was founded in 1995, with the intent to sell in the emerging wireless technology market. As of 2007, the company had more than 70...
- Steele Inc.
- TP-LinkTP-LinkTP-LINK Technologies CO., LTD. founded in 1996 in Shenzhen, is a manufacturer of computer networking products based in China. Products include routers, switches, wireless equipment, ADSL modems, and network adapters for PCs...
- ZyXEL Communications Corp.ZyXELZyXEL Communications Corp. , located in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of DSL and other networking devices. . With headquarters in Taiwan, ZyXEL maintains branch offices in North America, Europe, and Asia...