A USB router shares a broadband internet connection between multiple computers, often used with cable services where the modem lacks an Ethernet connection. It can also be used with mobile broadband devices. If a cable modem only offers a USB connection, a USB router is needed to provide internet access to multiple machines. Some routers with a USB socket can be connected to a mobile broadband “dongle” to share the connection with multiple machines.
A USB router is a device used to share a broadband internet connection between multiple computers. It is designed primarily for use with cable services where the modem does not have an Ethernet connection. You can also use a USB router for mobile broadband devices.
The most common setup where a USB router is used is where a home user gets their broadband services from a cable company. In such a situation, they will get access to the Internet through the main fiber optic cable instead of a standard telephone line. This requires a cable modem, which connects and transfers data between your computer and fiber-optic cable, often filtering data from the cable TV signal.
In most cases this cable modem will have an Ethernet port. This can be connected directly to a computer or to a router which can then provide internet access to multiple machines. In most cases this will include wireless connections.
In some cases, however, the cable modem will only offer a USB connection. This will work fine if the user only wants to connect one computer and is happy with a wired-only connection. If the user wants to use multiple machines or needs a wireless connection, a USB-only cable modem will not suffice.
The solution is a USB router. This is simply a router that connects to your cable modem via USB rather than Ethernet. Once set up, it works just like a standard router. The downside is that fewer companies make USB routers, which means there is less price competition.
There may also be situations where a broadband provider will provide a USB modem even when service is provided over a standard telephone line. Such a configuration has become somewhat obsolete. Even when the USB modem is the standard option, your broadband provider usually offers an Ethernet router for an extra cost.
The term “USB router” can also be used for a device that connects to an Internet-enabled computer and shares its connection with other machines wirelessly. This is often known as an ad hoc connection. It is much less flexible than a traditional router setup as it requires the main computer to be on and connected to the internet at all times. If the main computer is turned off, the other machines cannot be online.
Some routers with a USB socket can be connected to a mobile broadband “dongle” and can then share this connection with multiple machines. This could be useful if, for example, two people are traveling together and want to share the same mobile broadband connection on their laptops. In practice, the relatively slow connection speeds and monthly data limits on mobile broadband mean that sharing a connection is usually not desirable.
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