Wireless Network Devices

One of the advantages to setting up a wireless network is that you won't have to worry about running cables to your various devices and all around your house. All of your computers, tablets and smartphones can use the internet connection from anywhere in the home or office, with ease.

What is wireless?

Wireless refers to any electronic device which communicates with other devices wirelessly - ie. meaning there is no physical connection between the devices. Wireless means technologies which rely on a non-physical signal to send data rather than using a physical medium (ie. a wire). In wireless transmission electromagnetic, radio and microwave signals are passed through the air. Wireless technologies can be applied to devices which comprise 'the internet of things' (ie. a series of 'smart-connected devices') within an environment.

When the word 'wireless' is mentioned, people most often mean wireless computer networking as in computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones which use Wi-Fi or cellular, the backbone of personal communications.

Is a wireless network important?

Undoubtedly one of the best things to have happened in the last few decades is the internet - and with it eventually came wireless technology for the home and professional environment. The impact on the way this has changed our relationships with the world is huge. It is now possible to carry a small device in your pocket (a smartphone) and be in constant communication with the world, as well as being able to access the internet.

But wireless has also completely changed the way we live, at home and at work, and it's almost impossible to conceive of a home or work life without wireless. So what are the important things to know?

Router

The router is, basically a box. But it's a very important box. It's the hub of your wireless network as it shares the internet between computers, tablets, game consoles and every other device which requires Wi-Fi, and it does so without the need for connecting cables. Routers guide and direct network data, using 'packets' which contain various pieces of data (files, communications and web interactions). The data packets have several sections, one of which carries identifying information (sender, data type, size, and the destination IP address. The router reads the identifying information layer, prioritises the data, and chooses the best route to use for each transmission.

Routers for business

Routers connect employees to networks, both local and the Internet, and therefore almost every essential business activity. Without routers, staff in a workplace wouldn't be able to use the Internet or be able to collaborate and communicate. Routers can also provide a business with some digital security. Embedded firewall and content filtering software offer additional protection to ensure that your business is protected from unwanted content or malicious websites. A router isn't just for data transmission or Internet connections, though. With many routers it is possible to connect hard drives and use them as file-sharing servers. It's also possible to connect printers to your wireless network so that anyone in your business and on the network can access a particular printer at any time.

Routers at Ebuyer

We stock different types of routers, so there are plenty to choose from including cable, fibre and ADSL. Many have USB sharing ports to allow multiple computers to share devices such as printers.

Range and performance of routers

When choosing a router you should be aware that the performance does differ between models, and that the connection speed and range will vary.