| As download speeds continue to increase a | | | | for unsightly cables running between each |
| greater number of broadband users are | | | | device.Apart from the obvious advantage of |
| downloading heavy content items such as entire | | | | improving the look of your home or office by not |
| films. This is because the time it takes to | | | | having cables running between devices, wireless |
| complete such tasks are shortened. It is also the | | | | routers have other useful features as well. As the |
| case that several computers sharing the same | | | | router is a stand-alone device, it does not require |
| broadband connection may accessing the Internet | | | | a computer to be switched on for it to operate. |
| simultaneously, therefore creating a situation in | | | | Therefore machines that are not being used may |
| which these machine must be connected to the | | | | be turned off while the broadband connection |
| point at which broadband enters the premises.In | | | | remains active for other devices to use.Wireless |
| the past this was achieved by using cables and | | | | routers also provide an extra layer of security |
| wires. More recently, wireless routers have | | | | against malicious programs such as viruses which |
| become popular amongst broadband enthusiasts | | | | can infect your computers via the Internet |
| as they allow for the connection of multiple | | | | connection. Routers have built-in security features |
| devices to the same broadband connection, as | | | | such as firewalls and the ability to protect your |
| well as the ability to connect peripherals such as | | | | wireless network by making it accessible through |
| printers and cameras together, without the need | | | | a password. |