A Router?

[woodelf]

Hi, it's techno-duffer again. In one of my telephone sockets, I've got a Speed Touch ADHL (I think) filter which, I guess, is for my access to broadband, but is this what is called a router? If not, what is a router?...the phone socket is nowhere near my pc tower, if that's any use either. Ta Muchly.

[squarebear]

A filter is a small box that reduces the noise on the telephone line to make your connection more reliable. A router is a much larger box with flashing lights that allows a computer to connect to the internet via a phone line.

[woodelf]

Many Thanks Square Bear, but then is my modem the same thing as a router?

[ChuckFickens]

No, A modem is for connecting one computer to the Internet, a router is for connecting several computers at the same time.

[Rodge2]

Sometimes your modem and router are both combined - like.. in the same box.

[woodelf]

Many Thanks for that Chuck, but then Rodge goes and makes it even more difficult for this 'ere techno-duffer...smile...so how would I know Rodge if modem and router are all in one?

[defenstrate]

if your can only fit 1 ethernet cable ( cable from computer to modem) into your modem the chance are it just a modem, there may also be the option for a usb connection however it would probably still be just a modem.

[ChuckFickens]

I didn't bother to mention what rodge said because it can be taken as granted that an ADSL router has a Modem built into it.

The simple way to tell if you have a router or a modem is a router will generally have at least 4 or 5 ethernet ports on it whereas a modem will have none (if it's a USB modem) or just one.

[woodelf]

Okay Def...so if I aint got a router and needed one for, say, to erm erm activate a laptop, where would I get a router and would it have to be a specific one...my main desktop pc is Windows XP Professional SP3....it's a case of putting the broadband I use or its erm connection onto/into the laptop for someone else to use...just dunner ask me any techno questions is all...smile.

[Rodge2]

Try amazon for router/ modems. Advantage is that you can read other people's reviews and hopefully avoid the duff ones. I bought a 'Zoom' there.