Building a wireless network at home would be easier if you know the components you need such as Cable or DSL modem, a wireless access point device, a network switch, and the network adapters that will be used to connect the computers to the network. Basic device that some people might already have is a modem either DSL or Cable modem. Now, you need a wireless router. My recommendation is WRT320N Wireless -N router. See also New lines of Linksys E-Series Wireless routers.
This Linksys Wireless Router (WRT320N) is powered with dual-band wireless-N technology that will provide you a high performance both for wireless and wired devices. The wireless network is powered by the future wireless technology draft 802.11n while for wired connection the router is powered with Gigabit Switch (four ports).
This Linksys Wireless Router (WRT320N) is powered by Intelligent MIMO Technology for wider range coverage and reduces dead spots. Streaming High Definition Video is not the problem anymore, no jitter, no lag, you can be satisfied enjoying the HD Video on your wide screen LCD in the comfort of your living room with your Media center extender, less lag and degradation of performance.
With dual-band feature this Linksys Wireless Router supports, you can download HD video using 5 GHz frequency band for clear and better performance with less interference. On the other hand, you can enjoy making unlimited call with your Skype phone with 2.4 GHz.
Configuration Diagram
Connect the router to the cable or DSL modem to share the broadband internet to the computers in your house. Unlike WRT160N Linksys wireless router, this WRT320N Linksys Wireless Router has 4 ports Gigabit Switch, all ports support Gigabit speed and auto crossover (MDI/MDI-X)—no need for crossover cables, and you need Cat 5e UTP cable. You can utilize these Gigabit ports for connecting the desktops / laptops; or share printer that have Gigabit NIC for high-speed reliable connection applications. If you need a simple wireless router with built-in DSL modem check this link. For wireless router with built-in Cable modem, check the link.
For more detail how to configure and setup the Linksys wireless router – click the link.
Advanced Security
WRT320N Linksys Wireless Router featuring advanced wireless security connection using WPA/WPA2 encryption and dual firewall features (NAT and SPI) designed to help your network protected from most Internet threats. The good thing is that this router is also includes 30 day free trial of Home Network Defender, which is designed to help you and your family protect against cybercriminals and online predators by stopping those threats before they get into your home network.
WRT320N Linksys Wireless Router Diagram
You can also protect you computers at home with sophisticated BitDefender Internet Security Software 2009. BitDefender Internet Security 2009 is superior proactive protection from viruses, spyware, hackers, and other e-threats that won’t slow you down.
The WRT320N Linksys wireless router supports VPN Pass-through which allows you to enable VPN tunnels using IPSec (Internet Protocol Security), PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling protocol), or L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocols) protocols to pass through the Router’s firewall.
Applications and Gaming – DMZ
WRT320N Linksys wireless router also supports DMZ host. The DMZ feature allows one network computer to be exposed to the Internet for use of a special-purpose service such as Internet gaming or videoconferencing. DMZ hosting forwards all the ports at the same time to one PC. The Port Range Forwarding feature is more secure because it only opens the ports you want to have opened, while DMZ hosting opens all the ports of one computer, exposing the computer to the Internet.
Having a wireless network at home you should secure your connection with the latest wireless encryption WPA/WPA2 and make sure that all the computers are protected by anti-virus software with regular data signature updates.
The other family for this is WRT310N Linksys but this one is not dual-band router.
See also:
- How to choose the best wireless network
- Wireless adapters for XBOX compatible
- Wireless routers with XBOX compatible
- New product – Netgear WNDR37AV wireless gigabit router for video and gaming
- New high speed up to 450 Mbps TEW691GR by Trendnet wireless router
