Researching Routers

The number of households that have more than one computer is increasing, and families want to share resources among them. One of these resources is the internet connection. Although newer versions of Microsoft Windows offer software that enables two computers to share an internet connection, consumers with high-speed connections such as cable or DSL also can use a router to share internet access. You are to go to a local computer store and investigate cable/DSL routers.
1. How many ports do these devices have?
A DSL/cable router typically has four ports.

2. How much do they cost?
According to , these routers cost something in the price range of $47.84 and $75.

3. What physical medium is used to connect the devices to the router?
The physical medium used to connect your devices to the router is the RJ45 cable.

4. Can a printer be shared using a router?
Since a router is a switch which has additional features, and a switch allows communication of computers and devices across a network, then a printer can be shared using a router.



5. What type of network topology is used?
The network topology used in this case is a star network. Therefore, if a device or computer goes down, then the entire network will not go down.

6. What additional hardware is needed to network the computers to the router?
In order to connect computers to a router, apart from the RJ45 line, you also need each computer to have a network interface card. This enables access to the network.

7. If you had a high-speed connection and multiple computers, would you purchase a router?
No I would not.

8. Why or why not?
This is due the fact that a high speed broadband internet connection allows multiple computers to connect to a network with little or no noticeable loss of speed. Hence there is no need to buy a router for the purpose of sharing devices and communication on a network.