Tech Savvy - Rooting for the right router

Payton H. Wilmott, Gleaner Writer

Many persons have never heard the word 'router', much less to know exactly what one does. This week, I bring to you my top three picks for residential-use routers.

What The Heck Is That?

My aunt refers to a wireless router as "that thingy with the antenna and flashing lights". Well, that UFO in your house which gives you Internet service is a router. And if it has an antenna, it's a wireless router.

What's The Purpose?

A router is a networking device whose software and hardware are customised to the tasks of routing and forwarding information. A router has two or more network interfaces ... hhhmmm, wait. I think I should rephrase that to make it simpler, because I feel myself going into technological curse words (that's what my aunt calls 'em).

Here goes. A router is a device that shares up network and Internet access for multiple devices. On the other hand, a wireless device performs the functions of a router but includes the activity of a wireless access point. It is commonly used to allow access to the Internet or a computer network without the need for a cabled connection.

Enough! Show me the Goods

When it comes down to electronic items that are going to be displayed in my house, I hate ugly. I can't stand to see an ugly router with an antenna sticking out, because now my aunt is going to say, "What's that ugly thingy with the antenna and the flashing lights?"

My best-three routers' claim to fame is their beauty and functionality. So let's see if I have good taste.

• Wireless-N Pico Broadband Router

This router is small and very compact. I had to pull out my DVD. If you look closely, you'll see that Mr DVD and the router are the same height and width, which makes this device extremely portable because of its size. It's also an N class router, which means it has a wide signal range and a fast transfer speeds.

Conclusion

It's small, but has one disadvantage: it lacks local area network (LAN ) ports. You only get one LAN port. The wireless-N Pico Broadband Router retails for around $4,000.

• Encore Electronics - 802.11N Wireless Router

This is your standard-looking router, with a bit more horsepower under the housing. This device comes with two antennas and is an N2 class router, which makes it better because it gives you greater range.

Conclusion

This is the best of the three routers I'm reviewing, because it has enough LAN ports to feed the needy and has a wider signal range and a faster transfer speed than the rest of the routers. The Encore Electronics 802.11N Wireless Router retails for around $5,000.

• Cnet Wireless N Broadband Router

This router is just simply beautiful, and is a great piece of equipment to stare at when your lonely. To show the real size and true beauty of this device, I have brought back Mr DVD into the spotlight for comparison.

Conclusion

The Cnet Wireless N Broadband Router is great, but if you want more power, I would advise you to go with the Encore Electronics 802.11N Wireless Router. The Cnet Wireless N Broadband Router retails for around $7,000.

Final thoughts

I have said it all, and now the rest is up to you to choose the right route.

The products mentioned in this article were provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories; telephone#: 906-1067, 906-1068, or 754-5048. Email feedback on this review to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.