|
If you are the only one using the cable modem, a router is not needed. Just hook the cable modem directly up to your Network Interface Card.
Im not familiar with the purchasing of a cable modem, rental of mine is included with the service from the cable company.
If you would like to share the cable modem among several computers, then you would need a router. Now depending on what your needs are, a cheap router may be just as good as the best ones out there for you.
For basic home networking they come in two flavours, 10mbit and 10/100 mbit. Price difference isnt much, you wont see a difference in either if you are just using the internet, but once you start transfering files from Pc to Pc, thats when you see the extra speed of the 10/100mbit.
But anyways, ive found NetGear and LinkSys hubs/routers to be of good quality. Yes you can buy an awesome router, but if you cant utilize all its functions, its basically a waste of money.
|