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#Best small business routers on the market how to#
The router always takes the IP address into account to make decisions on how to forward (i.e., route) the packet whereas, access points generally ignore the IP address and forward all packets. The main thing to remember is that access points allow wireless clients access to a single network, while WLAN routers allow clients to browse a number of different networks. There may be some confusion over the difference between WLAN routers and access points. 802.11g routers are also starting to hit the market. 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11b/a combo WLAN routers are now available from several vendors such as Netgear, D-Link and Actiontec. This gives wireless users the same ability as wired users to send and receive packets over multiple networks.
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A typical WLAN router includes four Ethernet ports, an 802.11 access point, and sometimes a parallel port so it can be a print server. This combines multiple Ethernet networks with wireless connections as well. Most routers connect a local area network ( LAN), like the one in your home office or small business, to a wide area network ( WAN), like the cable system connecting a cable modem, by interfacing a broadband modem to the network within the small business or home office.Ī wireless local area network ( WLAN) router adds a built-in access point ( AP) function to a multi-port Ethernet router. Routers use Internet Protocol ( IP) packet headers and routing tables, as well as internal protocols to determine the best path for each packet. The router chooses the next best link to send packets on in order to reach closer to the final destination. By definition, a router transfers packets between networks.
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