The Compatibility Of DSL Wireless Router
The use wireless Internet connection means mobility and flexibility in the way you access the world wide web. DSL stands for digital subscriber line and it defines a type of Internet connection service that can be contracted by a user using cable modem and wireless router. In case you have a pre-configured DSL wireless modem, you have to buy a DSL wireless router too, meaning that the connection has to be the same. A DSL Internet connection cannot match a router designed for cable connection. There are wireless routers designed for both cable and DSL connection. You just have to check this feature carefully when buying such a device.
A pretty common design of DSL wireless router includes four LAN ports that allow the connection of four wired hosts such as desktops, peripherals, laptops and handhelds. A switch will be required for the connection of more wired devices. In order for the computers to be connected without cables to the DSL wireless router they have to include wireless LAN cards, either external or built-in. The DSL wireless router sends radio signals to the PC LAN card with its antenna and the computer converts the waves into data that can be then decoded.
Before you purchase a router, you need to find out the wireless standard that corresponds to the data transfer speed of the network. The normal data transfer rate standards are 802.11a and 802.11g, which you may already know by the name of Wi-Fi, and they provide 54 Mbps. 801.11n is the newest standard, and it has a huge transfer rate of 540 Mbps. The maximum speed can only be achieved if the computer’s wireless network card and the DSL wireless router follow the same wireless networking standard.
Data security is another issue that should concern you for wireless network compatibility. The security of your data should be the primary concern when purchasing routers. Thus, the device should follow the Wired Equivalent Privacy features which enable Wi-Fi Protected Access or WPA. Thus the data transmitted over radio signals gets encrypted following a protocol that keeps it totally safe.
The DSL wireless router comes with an external or an internal antenna, depending on the model. Modifications are possible if the antenna is detachable or if you have the possibility to attach another one. Check the other functions of the wireless router before making a purchase; determine whether the device can also work as a hub or switch and see if it has additional firewalls.