Broadband Users:

Add a Router (LAN) to make your computer(s) more secure.

Routers:

There are very good inexpensive Routers available.

E.g. D-Link, Linksys, Netgear and Belkin to name a few.

Connections:

Router connects to Cable Modem or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) by Ethernet or USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable usually.

Router connects to PC(s) by Ethernet Cable only.

Wi-Fi (Wireless) Router connects to PC(s) by Ethernet Cable and/or Wi-Fi.

USB:

Direct cable connection between the Router and Cable Modem or DSL.

Click image to enlarge

Transfer Rate:

USB 1.1 - 1.5/12 Mbps (Megabits per second).

USB 2.0 - 1.5/12/480 Mbps, compatible with USB 1.1.

USB 3.0 - 4.8 Gbps (Gigabits per second), compatible with USB 2.0.

Ethernet LAN:

Direct cable connection between the Router and Cable Modem or DSL. There can also be a direct cable connection between the Router and PC(s).

If not internal, PC(s) require an Ethernet PCI card (desktop) or Ethernet PCMCIA card (laptop).

Transfer Rate:

Cable:

CAT5 - 10/100 Mbps

CAT6 - 1000 Mbps

CAT7 - 10000 Mbps

Wi-Fi LAN:

Wireless connection between Router and PC(s).

If not internal, PC(s) require a Wi-Fi PCI card (desktop) or Wi-Fi PCMCIA card (laptop) .

Wi-Fi USB connects to desktop or laptop (requires USB port).

Click image to enlarge

Transfer Rate:

802.11a - 54 Mbps [5 Ghz (Gigahertz) frequency].

802.11b - 11 Mbps (2.4 Ghz frequency).

802.11g - 54 Mbps/Super or Xtreme-g 108 Mbps (2.4 Ghz frequency), compatible with 802.11b.

Final standard 802.11n - up to 300 Mbps and compatible with 802.11a/b/g - [5 Ghz and 2.4 Ghz frequency]

Warning, The older Draft 2.0 802.11n products are still available, but may not be compatible with the final standard.

If you buy equipment from multiple vendors that is n Draft 2.0 the WiFi Alliance announced 802.11n 2.0 draft-certified products to insure vendor compatibility.

WEP (Wire Equivalent Privacy).

WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) newer and more secure.