Hybrid Ethernet Router / Wireless Access Point Network Diagram

Common layout for hybrid home networks

This diagram illustrates use of a hybrid wired network router / wireless access point home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

Key Considerations - Most (but not all) wired network routers allow up to four devices to be connected via Ethernet cable. A wireless access point consumes one of these available ports, but it then enables many (dozens of) WiFi devices to join the network.

Nearly any home network wireless access point will have no issue managing to support the number of wireless devices there. However, if all WiFi computers attempt to use the network at the same time, performance slowdowns can result.

All devices connecting to an Ethernet router must possess a working Ethernet network adapter. All devices connecting a wireless access point must possess a working WiFi network adapter.

Optional Components - Networking of Internet access, printers, game consoles and other entertainment devices is not required for either the router or access point to function. Simply omit any of these components shown that do not exist in your layout.

You can choose which devices to connect to the router and which to the wireless access point. Additional network adapters may be needed to convert some Ethernet devices, particularly printers and game consoles, to work wirelessly.

Limitations - The WiFi portion of the network will function only to the limit of the wireless access point's range. The range of WiFi equipment varies depending on many factors including layout of the home and any radio interference that may be present.

If the wireless router does not support enough Ethernet connections, add a secondary device like a network switch to expand the wired portion of the layout.

Ethernet Router Network Diagram

Common layout for Ethernet-based home networks

This diagram illustrates use of a wired network router as the central device of a home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

Key Considerations - Many (but not all) wired network routers allow up to four devices to be connected via Ethernet cable. All devices connecting to an Ethernet router must possess a working Ethernet network adapter.

Optional Components - Networking the router for Internet access, printers, game consoles and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of the home network to function. Simply omit any of these components shown that do not exist in your layout.

Limitations - If the Ethernet router does not support enough Ethernet connections, add a secondary device like a network switch to expand the layout.

Wireless Router Network Diagram

This diagram illustrates use of a Wi-Fi wireless network router as the central device of a home network. See below for a detailed description of this layout.

Key Considerations -

All devices connecting to a wireless router must possess a working network adapter. As illustrated in the diagram, connecting to the router a broadband modem (that has one or more built-in adapters) enables sharing of a high-speed Internet connection.

Wireless routers technically allow dozens of computers to connect over WiFi links. Nearly any residential wireless router will have no trouble supporting the number of wireless devices found in typical homes. However, if all WiFi computers attempt to use the network at the same time, slowdowns in performance should be expected.

Many (but not all) wireless network routers also allow up to four wired devices to be connected via Ethernet cable. When first installing this kind of home network, one computer should be cabled to the wireless router temporarily to allow initial configuration of the wireless features. Employing Ethernet connections after that is optional. Using permanent Ethernet connections make sense when the computer, printer or other device lacks WiFi capability or cannot receive an adequate wireless radio signal from the router.

Optional Components - Networking the router for Internet access, printers, game consoles and other entertainment devices is not required for the rest of the home network to function. Simply omit any of these components shown that do not exist in your layout.

Limitations - The WiFi portion of the network will function only to the limit of the wireless router's range. The range of WiFi equipment varies depending on many factors including layout of the home and any radio interference that may be present.

If the wireless router does not support enough Ethernet connections for you needs, add a secondary device like a network switch to expand the wired portion of the layout.

Top 802.11n Wireless N Broadband Routers

802.11n is the third-generation Wi-Fi standard for wireless home networking. 802.11n equipment is backward compatible with older 802.11g or 802.11b gear, and it supports much faster wireless connections over longer distances.

So-called Wireless N or Draft N routers available today are based on a preliminary version of the 802.11n industry specification. They are not guaranteed to fully interoperate with future 802.11n products.

All products listed in this category feature three MIMO radios and antennas that are the key feature of Wireless N routers, plus four-port 10/100 Ethernet switches for wired connections.

Belkin N1 Wireless Router

Introduced in 2006, the N1 (F5D8231-4) improves on Belkin's earlier pre-N wireless broadband router (the F5D8320-4). The Belkin N1 supports 300 Mbps maximum network bandwidth per the Draft N standard and a range up to 1,400 feet (450 m) using its 3 built-in antennas. Belkin supplies its limited lifetime warranty for the N1. They also offer matching 802.11n-capable network adapters (necessary to achieve the router's full speed and range).

Not to be confused with its cousin the N1 Vision, the Belkin N1 Wireless Router supports 802.11n ("Wireless N") networking. Besides supplying a performance boost over older 802.11g routers, the Belkin N1 offers several features to simplify home network setup as well as some higher-end capabilities often needed on business networks. The stylish design of this unit appeals to many of its owners.