A wireless router allows you to access the internet from your computer without the need for cables to connect your computer to the broadband router or modem.
Traditionally, if you wanted to access the Internet, you would have to physically connect your computer to the telephone line or cable line. Wireless routers allow you to go on-line from any room in your house, or even in the garden! This brings tremendous freedom.
Most laptops have a wireless receiver built into them. This simple means that they have the ability to "receive" the signal from the wireless router. A desktop may not have this built in, but you can buy a wireless dongle that connects to your desktops USB port.
Multiple computers with Wireless Routers
Another huge advantage of a wireless router is the ability to connect to the internet from more then one computer. You can surf online from more then one laptop or desktop from a single broadband connection at the same time. So your children can be doing research online for their home work, and you can be watching something on the BBC iPlayer, at the same time from a single broadband connection!
Major manufacturers of wireless routers
Wireless routers are made by a variety of manufacturers. These include: Linksys, Netgear, Belkin and D-Link.