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An ADSL wireless router allows multiple computers to share a single Internet connection. Considerations when choosing include compatibility with cable service, support for multiple wireless protocols, VOIP capabilities, and QoS for gamers. Configuration can be accessed through the router’s menus. Quality models cost around $75-$100 USD.
An ADSL wireless router creates a local area network (LAN) that allows all computers in a broadcasting distance to share a single Internet connection. The ADSL router also has a built-in modem for connecting to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). With just a few considerations in mind, it’s easy to choose the best wireless ADSL router for your needs.
ADSL stands for Asynchronous (or Asymmetrical) Digital Subscriber Line, which describes a type of Internet service that runs over standard copper telephone lines. Most ADSL routers are only compatible with ADSL service. However, some are made to work with cable service as well. If there’s a chance you could switch to cable Internet, you can future-proof your investment by choosing an ADSL wireless router that’s also cable-ready.
Wireless network components communicate using a common language or protocol. These protocols are defined by the 802.11 standard, with a final letter designating the specific protocol, such as 802.11g or 802.11n. An ADSL wireless router may only support one protocol or it may support multiple protocols. The advantage of the latter model is that it will be able to communicate with all computers, regardless of the type of wireless network card or adapter used by the computer. If the router supports only one protocol, all computers it connects to must have a wireless network card or adapter that matches the standard supported by the router.
For example, computers manufactured before the 802.11n standard was released will have wireless network adapters that support 802.11g, the older standard. An ADSL wireless router that supports both 802.11g and 802.11n will be able to communicate with old and new computers. A router that supports only 802.11n requires that older computers with 802.11g cards have 802.11n wireless network adapters.
Another consideration when choosing the best wireless ADSL router is Voice Over IP (VOIP). Services like Skype® that allow subscribers to make free and unlimited video calls to other subscribers using the Internet have become quite popular. A VOIP phone number is similar to a standard phone number, but works over the Internet. Any wireless ADSL router will host VOIP services, but a model made specifically for VOIP goes further. These routers administer the VOIP service separately from other duties, and the router itself has a port on the back for plugging in a standard telephone to receive VOIP telephone calls.
Gamers should look for an ADSL wireless router that lists quality of service (QoS) in its specifications. QoS ensures that user-chosen applications and processes receive priority status. This prevents potential interruptions, lags or hiccups in your online gaming experience by prioritizing the game application over other data. The hosting server, hardware, and user connection speed also contribute to the overall experience.
The configuration menus on a router can be accessed by entering 10.0.0.2 in the URL field of any web browser. Typically this requires a username and password, provided by the router’s documentation, which the user can configure later. From these menus you can administer your LAN by naming it, enabling encryption, checking status, opening or closing ports for specific applications, and so on. You can also manually enter the parameters needed to connect to the desired ISP. Your ISP itself may provide these parameters or they may be available in the documentation included with your router.
Wireless ADSL routers are available wherever computer electronics are sold. Quality models with QoS and VOIP that support multiple protocols can be had for around $75 to $100 US Dollars (USD) depending on the model.
