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.

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 2.0 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.

802.11n - up to 300 Mbps and compatible with 802.11a/b/g - (WARNING: standard not ratified yet). The standard is still being negotiated and may not be ratified until '08 or '09.

Meanwhile, Draft 2.0 802.11n products are now available, but may not be compatible with the final standard.

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

WEP (Wire Equivalent Privacy).

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