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ADSL Modem or Wireless Router
Home > Broadband FAQ's > General Broadband FAQ's > ADSL Modem or Wireless Router
ADSL Modem or Wireless Router
Most broadband suppliers will supply you with a modem, either free of charge or at an additional cost (often with a discount).
You can also buy your own modem or router if you are planning to connect multiple computers together to form a home network which is able to connect to broadband, allowing more than one user to connect at once.
If you are business user who requires access to the broadband network via your broadband provider, for more than one computer, it is more than likely you will wish to purchase your own router since this provides additional computer security options.
Connection equipment can be broken down into 3 general categories:
PCI ADSL Modem
The cheapest type of connection device, a PCI modem is what is known as an 'internal device' and therefore requires a knowledge of how to install it into your computer or having someone else install it for you (paradoxically, this can make it the more expensive option). A PCI modem is generally priced at, or around, the £40 mark.
If you are primarily interested in online gaming, a PCI modem can prove to be your best choice since it delivers the fastest response times; however, it also consumes CPU cycles, so make certain your processor is up to the job!
USB ADSL Modem
By far and away, one of the easiest methods of getting online with broadband is with a USB ADSL modem.
As the name suggests, this type of ADSL modem connects to your computer via a USB port. Like any other device which uses a USB port, such as a printer, scanner or joystick; a USB ADSL modem is a plug-in device.
Simply pop in the CD which comes with the modem and contains the modem drivers, plug your modem into a USB port and you're off! It's that easy!
Do note, that USB ADSL modems, on the whole, do not like to be unplugged once they are connected. Doing so may require you to reinstall the device, so make certain the USB port you choose to connect can be left in place. A USB ADSL modem generally prices around the £50 - £60 mark.
Unsurprisingly, because of the ease of installation, this is the most popular method among home users for connecting their computer to broadband.
Wireless Router (Ethernet)
If you are planning on using broadband for business, or you are an enthusiast who wishes to connect multiple computers together to form a home network, a Wireless router is probably the best option, saving you time and trouble by taking care of the network for you.
A Wireless router is a standalone device, which is permanently connected to the internet and maintains the connection for you. One of the main advantages of using such a device, apart from being able to connect multiple computers together (and to the internet), is in terms of security as this type of connection device typically comes with its own, built-in firewall, allowing you to specify exactly what is, and what isn't, allowed to connect to your network, giving you great security and therefore peace of mind.