Choosing the Right Router for Your Cable Internet Plans

Cable high-speed internet plans provide a single connection for your home. If you want more connections, that is not a problem at all, but obviously you will have to pay extra money. Such situations usually occur when you have more than one computer in your home that needs a cable Internet connection. Whether you have a family or a roommate, ideally you should share the connection, rather than just interfering one with each other and getting conflicts over the Internet.

For all these situations, the routers are the perfect solution. A router is a device used to "split" the cable Internet connection in more directions. In order to choose the right device, you need to know first how it works. The cable Internet goes in the router, while at least two other cables go from the router to the computers. In order to start your search, you must first ask yourself how many computers you will have to connect. Each model has more "outs", but the most common ones come with 4 of them, which is normally enough.

Once you install the router - normally in the middle of your house - it is time to set it up. You will get a CD or a DVD with the software and a manual of instructions or just a read-me file to follow some steps. The cable Internet connection should have no problems going through the router, since the configuration is very easy and can be done within minutes. Once you got it all ready, get some extra wires and connect the other computers as well. The router will not affect your cable Internet connection. The only problem you may consider is sharing the connection. If two of your roommates download a game for instance at the same time, the overall download speed will obviously be smaller.

If you own more laptops than desktops in your house, then perhaps you should split your cable Internet connection with a wireless router. A wireless router is similar to a regular one, just that you won't have to bother with cable Internet wires going out from the router to the other computers. Everything is done wireless, therefore your cable Internet connection is up wherever you decide to place your laptop. Make sure you protect your router with a password, to avoid intruders. Obviously the signal will go farther than your home. Also, place the router in an open area, not under your desk.

Before opting for a router, make sure you contact your cable high-speed Internet provider. Although such cases are very rare, there are cable Internet plans that precisely forbid routers through their contracts. Finding such a device may lead to a suspension of your service or a fee.

As long as you ask your cable high-speed Internet provider if you are allowed first or you just check the contract from the first to the last paragraph, a router shouldn't give you too much headache. It is easy to install, fast to set up, provides the same service and you also lose some of the cable Internet wires in your home if it is wireless.