Networking / Beginners

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Access Points with Built-In Routers

Unless you already own a router, you should seriously consider purchasing an access point with a built-in router. An access point alone can't share Internet access, so a built-in router will make your life considerably easier for just a bit more money than an access point alone.

If you choose to install an access point, you can always plug it into a wired (Ethernet) router, which is quite inexpensive, but will add one more connection and more bulk to your setup.

It should also be mentioned that routers are sometimes called gateways. A gateway is a broader term that refers to hardware or software that provides Internet access to the computers on your network.

Most routers, once plugged into your network, are configured using your Web browser. You simply enter an address, often 192.168.0.1.

Your router should have a feature called NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT allows you to share one IP address provided to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). NAT creates a series of subaddresses for use on your network. These IP addresses (192.168.0.1-192.168.0.253) do not appear on the Internet. This is handy for two reasons:

1. Your computers are hidden from hackers who might want to access the computers on your system.
2. You can make use of one IP address to put as many computers on the Internet as you want. To your ISP, it appears that just one computer is using the Internet. You don't have to pay for multiple IP addresses.

So once you plug in your router, you can open up your Web browser and configure the device. You might be instructed by your ISP to adjust settings, such as entering your user name and password so that you won't have to on each machine you connect. Your ISP, or your hardware manufacturer, will need to provide you with specific instructions. In many instances your router will be set to connect, using the default settings, right when you plug it in.

Here are the basic steps for setting up a router.

1. Open your Web browser.
2. Enter the IP address of your router.
3. Follow the directions from your ISP. You might be told to enter in an IP address, or more likely, you'll use the default setting, which is to allow the ISP to assign an IP address.

Later in these tutorials we'll discuss some other features that are likely offered by your router, such as the capability to allow only network adapters you choose to access the network (and keep anyone else from joining it).

NOTE: Some ISPs, especially some cable Internet access providers, will want to charge you for each computer that connects to the Internet. Find out before you sign up for broadband Internet access whether your ISP will allow you to use a router. If your ISP prohibits use of a router to share your ISP address, avoid that provider. For instance, if the local cable company won't allow you to use a router, check out the price for DSL access.