Why Do I Need a Router When I Already Have an Internet Connection?

A router has advantages for almost every Internet user:

• Routers let computers to share a cable, DSL, or satellite Internet connection. (NETGEAR routers are not for dial-up connections.)
• Routers generally offload burden from your computers, leaving more performance for your applications.
• Routers have filtering that stop local users — such as children — from accessing sites you do not want them to see.
• All computers connected to the Internet are subject to attack. You need router security features to be safe.
• Some routers support advanced security such as VPN, which allow home users to safely log in to their businesses remotely.
• Some routers have firewalls providing considerable protection against hacking into your computers.
• Routers monitor network usage, and can send email alarms when abnormal things happen.
• Many NETGEAR wireless routers support WPA — extremely strong encryption for your wireless data.

NETGEAR makes home and business routers. Business routers are more expensive, but they have more features. See What is the Difference Between NETGEAR Home and Business Products? For a comparison of Home Routers, see this page. Higher end alternatives are shown here: Business Routers.

If you're curious about basic security features, see: Security: Comparing NAT, Static Content Filtering, SPI, and Firewalls. For a more "hands-on" approach to implementing security, see How Do I Decide What Security to Use?

Of course, routers add some network complexity, but here NETGEAR routers have an advantage. With Install Assistants, Smart Wizards, and simple installation guides, router configuration is made much easier. The estimated basic installation time for popular routers is only 30 minutes!

Then, when you're ready to use other features or to grow your network, you'll find many changes can be made on just a few Web pages.

Doc: N100703.asp Aor. 8, 2003