Ethernet routers serve as the central hub of your wired network. Your broadband internet connection, be it cable, DSL or a dedicated line, connects to the router, which splits off the connection, allowing for multiple computers to connect to the same network. For people running an office with only a few computers placed close together, the added expense and security risk of a wireless network is unnecessary, and a wired network ethernet router will provide all of your computers with a speedy, secure and reliable connection.

Shopping for computer ethernet routers can be both simple and challenging at the same time. Ethernet routers tend too be similar, with only a narrow difference in features between them. At the same time, there are many ethernet broadband router manufacturers, so it's important to compare several and choose a model that is known to be reliable. When researching ethernet routers, you will need to consider:

1. The number of computers that will be connecting to your network using computer ethernet routers.

2. What security features, if any, must be present on your ethernet router.

3. Whether or not you need wireless networking capabilities on top of your wired network.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Contrast the features of different ethernet routers

Your first step should be to understand what role a network ethernet router will play in setting up your connections. The diagram below will illustrate how an ethernet router serves as a gateway for multiple connections to the Internet. After that, begin looking generally at different ethernet router models to help figure out which features are most important to you.

I recommend: Digital Trends has specifications and reviews of a wide range of ethernet network routers. About.com offers a great diagram that illustrates how an ethernet router will fit in with your network.

Examine different ethernet network routers from top manufacturers

There are plenty of companies producing ethernet routers, so it is important that you make sure yours will come from a good manufacturer with a solid service plan. The 3 companies below are a good place to start, and be sure to look at Linksys routers as well. In addition, computer manufacturers such as Dell and HP sometimes sell routers as well, and their offerings are certainly worth looking into.

I recommend: Netgear is a quality manufacturer of networking products that offers a great ethernet broadband router. D-Link has several wired and wireless ethernet routers and Belkin has a solid ethernet broadband router as well.

Compare and shop online for computer ethernet routers

Just as there are many ethernet router manufacturers, there is also an almost endless list of ethernet router distributors and retailers. When you are ready to buy your new router, make sure you are buying it from a dealer with a reputation for quality service, and make sure they have good return, warranty and service policies.

I recommend: TigerDirect and Newegg.com are 2 reputable ethernet router distributors. Both offer a wide selection of models to choose from.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Decide whether or not you need wireless connectivity as well. If you do wish to set up a wireless network on top of your wired system, there are many ethernet wireless router models you can choose from that offer the best of both worlds.