Routers

Routers are networking devices that forward data packets between networks using headers and forwarding tables to determine the best path to forward the packets. Routers work at the network layer of the TCP/IP model or layer 3 of the OSI model. Routers also provide interconnectivity between like and unlike media (RFC 1812). This is accomplished by examining the Header of a data packet, and making a decision on the next hop to which it should be sent (RFC 1812) They

use preconfigured static routes, status of their hardware interfaces, and routing protocols to select the best route between any two subnets. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP's network. Some DSL and cable modems, for home (and even office) use, have been integrated with routers to allow multiple home/office computers to access the Internet through the same connection. Many of these new devices also consist of wireless access points (waps) or wireless routers to allow for IEEE 802.11b/g wireless enabled devices to connect to the network without the need for a cabled connection it has some new Wi-Fi products on the market as part of the new LinkSys RangePlus family which promises to increase the range of your home wireless network at affordable prices. The new products include a wireless router (WRT100), notebook adapter (WPC100), PCI adapter (WMP100) and USB Notebook adapter (WUSB100).
The WRT100 router  has dropped the Linksys blue color and has taken the flat black look more common of its Cisco parent. The family of RangePlus products uses Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology to provide better coverage in a larger area with fewer dead spots. Although Linksys would like you to buy all the products as they are designed to work together, they will likely support the standard 802.11 b/g. The products do however feature some added

features unique to Linksys that make setup a little easier.
The Linksys Easy Link Advisor on the WRT100 router is a software-based “wizard” that steps users through illustrated instructions for setting up a home network. Also, something called WiFi Protected Setup which simply comes down to a button on the different devices that can be pressed to automatically connect them together.
The WRT100 router and WPC100 notebook adapter are both available now for $99.99 each, and the other RangePlus pricing and products will be coming shortly with availability before the end of the year.