If you're not sure what a router is for, it offers flexibility and security for a DSL or cable modem user. Flexibility as combined with a LAN setup (Ethernet cards on your computers + an ethernet hub or one of those wireless or phone network systems) it allows you to share your fast network connection to multiple computers at the same time. (even if your ISP only gives you an IP address). Security, as the default configuration protects your network from external hacking attempts. The router hides your networked machines from the outside world, so an outside hacker can only see the router (which he can't do anything with). If you're using a home network with file or printer sharing and your computers connect directly to the Internet, you absolutely need to get such a product or turn off all your file and printer sharing. This product gives you a lot of flexibility. You can either use the web browser-like interface to set up and manage your router, or you can connect directly to the router and use a simple but powerful text-based interface. I work with computers, but I'm by no means a hardware or network expert. The manual that came with the router (on CD) was relatively easy to follow, and reading it gave me confidence that I could use the direct telnet interface. As I said in the title of this review, it only took me one try to get absolutely everything working properly.
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