In the past 10 years, high-speed wireless data transmission technology has become widespread. The Wi-Fi standard has become one of the most popular means for wireless Internet access. To work with Wi-Fi, such well-known devices as routers are used today.
Router device
A router is a small adapter that consists of a case, a network adapter and an antenna. Some modern devices have a built-in antenna. The device consists of a case and a board, which is responsible for converting a wired signal to a wireless one. A router can also act as a splitter for a wired connection (router). Thus, several computers can be connected to the router (on average, up to 4) and all of them can use one wired Internet connection. The most expensive and advanced models of routers also support USB technologies for the ability to work with data storage devices and convert signals from USB 3G modems, which can be useful in an office environment. Some routers can be used as file servers for storing and sharing files over an Internet connection.
Router Standards
Routers differ in the number of supported standards and implemented functions. Today, most modern devices support work in the 802.11n standard, which is the most advanced and fast one today. However, there are still models that work in the already outdated 802.11b and 802.11g networks, which, unlike 802.11n, have a lower data transfer rate and radio coverage area.
Price
You can buy a router at any computer store or electronics supermarket. Try to buy devices from well-known manufacturers of network equipment (for example, D-Link, TP Link, ASUS, Zyxel, etc.). The starting price for an ordinary router can start at $ 15 for the simplest models, which are quite suitable for home use or small office use. Depending on the requirements for the device, its cost will also increase. As a rule, the key characteristic when buying a router is the coverage area, which is determined by the presence of amplifiers in the antenna and the number of additional antennas that will provide wider signal broadcasting. Some devices have the ability to work in VPN client mode.
The speed of modern routers, while ensuring ideal conditions, cannot exceed 600 Mbit / s, however, in the conditions of operation of modern wired networks, the use of routers that provide speeds above 150 Mbit / s is justified, because most often the speed of 600 Mbit / s cannot be achieved due to restrictions on both the radio signal and the wired networks of modern Russian providers.
