Connecting Router to a Computer - Essay Example

Connecting Router to a Computer Modern organizations find it inevitable to use computers. Large institutions have hundreds, if not, thousands of PC’s that are networked to one another. This is where the importance of routers do come in. According to US Robotics, a router is similar to a switch that performs a number of useful networking functions. Furthermore, a router is defined by Webopedia as a device that forwards data packets along networks; more so, it is connected to at least two networks such as LANS, WANs or ISPs (Webopedia ). For this reason, many technicians commonly interchange routers with switches. To clarify this issue, it is helpful to also define a switch .According to Webopedia , a switch is a device that filters and forwards packets between Local Area Network (LAN). Thus, a switch exists within a network and is responsible for forwarding information between segments in the LAN. In article published in Business Communications Review, routers were compared to switches. It was stated that : “Routers have more mature operational features based on their high availability, modular hardware and mature software. In particular, they offer more complete packet buffering and queuing support, as well as more mature routing protocol and router management implementations” (Parente, 1998, p.33 ) It is implied then that routers have greater capability in performing different tasks. At the same time, it can perform complex tasks which is a present need of large companies where network systems are complicated. Presently, competition is tough in the technology industry, so more companies produce faster and cheaper routers thereby making routers more superior to switches. Switches are now commonly used in home set-up or in organizations where PCs need to be shared only by few users. Routers can perform many things. First, it can create a home network enabling one to connect more two or more computers. Another useful value of the router is that it can allow printer access from any computer on the network. Thus, regardless if your location is on another room or another floor of a building, it is possible to print documents. This eliminates the cumbersome task of walking to and fro the printer especially when its location is relatively far. However, for printing confidential and sensitive documents, the aforementioned idea is not applicable. In having a network, one of the concerns is security. It is a good fact that most routers have built-in firewall since this beefs up the security measures of the whole network. Webopedia also stated that”… the firewall capabilities ( of routers ) can range from the very basic to quite sophisticated devices Among the capabilities found on leading routers are those that permit configuring TCP/UDP ports for games, chat services, and the like, on the LAN behind the firewall” ( Webopedia , n.d. ).This statement shows us the immense capacity of the router to fortify the existing firewall of any system. Thus, it goes without saying that routers are popular to network administrators. In fact, newly-developed routers always make it to the headlines of Information Technology journals and trade magazines. Among the popular brand of routers are the ones developed by CISCO which is the leader in router technology. For this research, Linksys software was used since it is a reliable brand of router. Indeed , routers seem to perform like PCs since they have their own processors, memory and I/O ports. Routers are also handy in sharing broadband connection. In a home set-up, one can have a laptop or desktop in certain rooms of the house and yet gain internet access. There is no need to purchase an extra IP address so this actually saves the user some money( US robotics 2008 ). This is possible by using a wireless broadband router. This set-up is familiar to us who bring our laptop in Starbucks and do some browsing. Routers literally get all the PC’s connected in a discrete but effective manner. Procedure in Connecting a Router to a Computer Although there are many types of routers, the procedure in connecting it to a computer is basically the same. For this research, we used the procedure for connecting a wireless broadband router. The first step is to unplug the power connected to your modem ( Hayes, 2003,p.53 ) Afterwards, make sure to disconnect the cable that connects the modem to your computer. This cable will also be used in connecting to another source as illustrated by the succeeding instruction. Now, plug the cable that you have just disconnected from your computer into the router’s internet port. Check the plug ensuring that it is firmly in place. Shortly, you can now plug in the power to your modem. Thus, it is possible to plug the other end of the network cable into one of the router’s ports numbered 1 to 4 ( Wireless G ver.07 ). Please take note that any of the four ports can be used for a certain PC or switch hub ( Eckels , 1996 p.27). For clarification, a hub is similar to a switch though it has a lower performance in making computers communicate with one another (Mitchell 1999). After plugging the other end of the network cable to the ports, you can now plug the power adapter into the router’s power port then plug the other end into an electrical outlet. However, in order to be sure that the connection you made works , you must see one of the numbered LEDS (1,2,3,4) lit. At the same time, the router’s front panel, the panel, and internet must have their signal light lit. On the router’s front panel, the panel, internet, and at least one of the numbered LEDS (1,2,3,4) LEDS should be lit. In case one of these indicators fail, check all the cables in the computer, modem and router. It is important that they are powered on. The important thing in this procedure is to be able to identify from the very start the parts or components of a router. This will prevent any wrong connection that will make the router function improperly. Lastly, please browse over the Manual that is usually included when purchasing a router. In cases where one has followed all the steps clearly and still encounters problems, bring the unit to the shop where they can check for any hardware defect. WORKS CITED Bradley, Mitchell.( 2008 )About.com/Wireless Networking. http://compnetworking. about.com. /od/hardware networkgear/l/aa012801a.htm Eckel, George. ( 1996) Windows NT Workstation Study Guide. New Riders Publishing. Indiana.p.53 Hayes, B., Tesar, B., & Zuraw, K. (2003). OTSoft: Optimality Theory Software (Version 2.1) [Software]. Available from http://www.linguistics.ucla.edu/people/hayes/otsoft/ Parente, Victor R. ( august 1998 ) Switch Back to Routers. Business Communications Review. Volume: 28. Issue: 8. Page 33. What is a Router? (November 2008 )US Robotics Education. http://www.usr.com /education /net7.asp. Wireless- G Broadband Router with Speedbooster. Model No. WRT54GS Set UP Wizard and Documentation. Ver. 7.0 EU/LA Read More