Wireless networking technology allows for your office to no longer be tethered down by a wired network. Especially useful in home offices, or for situations where your employees use laptops in and out of the office, a wireless network is accessible to any computer with wireless capabilities. To maintain a wireless network, you must purchase a quality wireless networking router.

Wireless network routers come in a wide variety of speeds and features, so it is important to choose a wireless router that fits the needs of your network. Features include security settings, such as built-in firewalls, coverage ranges, and bandwidth capacity. The price of your wireless computer router will reflect the speed and included options. As a result, when shopping for wireless routers, you must consider:

1. What speeds computers connecting to your network via wireless need.

2. What degree of security you need on your wireless network.

3. The number of computers that will typically be connected to your network, and how much bandwidth needs to be available to them.

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

Find a wireless computer router that fits your network's specifications

There are a wide variety of applications for a wireless Internet router. Those of you in a home office may simply need a unit that provides decent speed and is secure from outside users and hackers. Others trying to run a small office wireless network will need a wireless router that is equipped to handle many simultaneous connections, have a fully manageable firewall, and connect easily with your office's server. The good news is that there are many options out there, and finding a wireless network router that fits the bill for your business won't be that daunting of a task.

I recommend: Firewallguide.com has a great guide to the differences between wireless network routers, along with links to several comparative reviews. Or check the wireless router reviews on CNET.

Choose a dependable wireless networking router from a well-known manufacturer

Now that you know what features you need, the next step is to find a model that fits the bill. There are several manufacturers with great reputations for producing quality wireless routers, and all of them have options that will satisfy almost any business' requirements. When browsing for routers, make sure you are aware of the level of technical support offered by the manufacturers, as routers may react to certain network settings differently.

I recommend: Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link are all reputable wireless router manufacturers that offer a wide range of networking products.

Comparison shop for the best deal on your wireless router

Once you have chosen the ideal wireless broadband router, it's time to find the best deal. There are an almost endless amount of online retailers who offer wireless networking products, and sales and rebates on wireless routers are frequent. Make sure you choose a retailer with a good reputation, and one that offers some level of warranty on your product.

I recommend: TigerDirect and Newegg.com are two of the best online retailers around, and either one would be a great place to buy wireless router equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure of your speed, security and bandwidth requirements before you buy wireless router equipment. A router that fulfills all of your network's needs should be a piece of hardware that will last a long time.