Wireless Router

There are two different types of wireless routers out there.  Those for a home, business or school based wifi network as well and those that are used to connect multiple laptop or notebooks to a cellular based internet connection. 

Wifi Wireless Routers

Wifi wireless routers allow your notebook, laptop or desktop computer to wirelessly connect to the internet from your home.  There are several different wifi, also known as 802.11 standards out there.  There are referred to as 802.11 n, 802.11 b, and 802.11g.  There are also devices that cover multiple platforms, the most common of which are 802.11 b/g and 802.11 b/g/n.  These devices allow the listed standards to connect to wireless based router.  Your best bet is to get one of the combination devices even if all your devices are one standard.  The reasoning behind this is if you decide to purchase a new computer of if a friend comes over and needs access to your wireless network.  Wifi Wireless routers are usually well under fifty dollars and often go for around thirty dollars.

Cellular Based Wireless Routers

Cellular based wireless routers are used to connect multiple wireless devices via 802.11 Wifi or Bluetooth to a internet connection on a cellular network.  In the United States these are often referred to Mifis or Cellular hotspots.  Some high end smart phones also can act as cellular based wireless routers.  When looking to set up a cellular based wireless router its important that you know what your data cap is and the quality of the cellular service in the area that you plan on using the wireless network. 

Data Caps are often as low as 2 Giga Bytes a month but are more typically five to ten gigabytes a month.  If you go over your cap data is often charged at a much as 10 cents a megabyte.  If you are above your cap watching a five minute YouTube video can cost you as much as twenty dollars so its important that you pay attention to and know your cap.

Before purchasing a wireless router you should know the quality of the wireless networks in your area.  There are many different wireless networks to choose from.  All of them typically offer a coverage map, and these maps should not be trusted.  Your best bet is to ask around, find out what your friends use and if they get good coverage.

You should also make sure the plan you intend on getting offers enough data for your needs.  Cellular plans often charge ten cents to a dollar per megabyte that you go over so its important that you watch your data usage on your cell phone plans.  Make sure that you do not update software on your computer or run windows update on your computer when you are on your cellular network as these often will put you over your data usage limits by yourself.  Knowing your data usage and the limits is important in making sure that you do not get charged for overages.