Choosing a Router
Your cable carrier and/or ISP probably provide you with a cable modem router to allow them ease of cable modem router setup and to make sure that all the equipment works together. That said, you can buy your own modem router, just as you can buy your own approved cable modem. In many cases you might opt for an all-in-one broadband cable modem router that combines the modem with the router.

If you want control over whether you can have VPN access and more advanced security features, or additional bells and whistles—especially if you're a DIY techie—buying your own modem router is for you, and many companies, such as Linksys and US Robotics, provide excellent technical support. However, in the event of router problems, it might provide peace of mind to deal with a cable Internet technician who knows your equipment.

Bluetooth and Wireless Cable Modem Routers
Most every wireless cable modem router you encounter is 802.11b-compatible, in other words, WiFi-compatible. Bluetooth technology offers its own modem router designed to be compatible with the Bluetooth PC Card and USB Adapter, also with cable modems. The Bluetooth Access Point and Router is an ideal modem router for those who want Bluetooth devices. The drawback is that Bluetooth is not compatible with the wireless standard, 802.11b. That's something to consider in your cable modem router setup. Bluetooth is a cable replacement system with not as much power as WiFi, so your cable Internet might not have the speed you desire. Learn about cable modem routers at ispbuyingguide.com.

Problems with Wireless Routers
Wireless connections are iffy, and cable modem routers are only one of the reasons your wireless connection disappears. One thing to note about your wireless cable modem routers: If your cable internet connection goes out for even fifteen seconds, say if the cat knocks out a plug somewhere, your cable modem router won't be able to talk to your modem and computer. You can fix the problem by rebooting your computer, a step that assigns a new IP address. So in your cable modem router setup, make sure your cable modem is in a protected spot where pets, kids, and you can't interfere with it.

Sometimes the problem may not be with the modem router, but may actually be with the adapter. If you've moved your wireless adapter, you may need to test moving it to different places until you find a stronger signal.

Modem Router Firewalls
You've protected your computer with a firewall, but in the case of always-on cable Internet, you need to protect the trapdoor, i.e. the modem router, as well as the backdoor. A cable modem router such as LinkSys' EtherFast automatically creates a firewall to double-protect your computer. Of course, if you opt for the equipment your cable Internet service, such as Road Runner, provides, you skip all the guesswork of choosing a modem router firewall. The likelihood that in your cable modem router setup you'll have to install your own firewall is nil. You can however configure your cable modem router firewall to allow faster data download.

Router Hardware
Beyond your cable modem router setup, like any other computer device, there is physical maintenance. You may be reluctant to tinker with your modem router beyond checking to make sure that the cables between the cable modem router and the cable modem aren't damaged or disconnected. Some hassle-free tips:

• Always upgrade to the latest firmware for the cable modem router or wireless cable modem router in question. Your modem router manufacturer should tell you how to do this.
• Read the specs on your cable modem router.
• Make sure you update the chipset drivers of your modem router hardware, even if the chipset consists of a single chip, to make sure that the chipset works properly and delivers your data packets from the modem to the computer

Router Troubleshooting
Common cable modem router problems include:

• Wireless cable modem router not carrying signals
• Network adapter not installed properly
• Network connection from server to modem router not working or not properly installed
• Correct ports not forwarded to the computer and IP number
• Cable damaged between the cable modem and the cable modem router

Make sure your cable modem router setup, whether performed by the cable Internet provider technician or by you, includes a double-check of all the cords and network connections. Also, make sure your network adapter is installed properly and that your wireless adapter isn't in a place where other signals can interfere with your wireless connection.

Replace any damaged or faulty cords as soon as you become aware of the problem.

Always check the information the cable modem router sends to the modem and make sure you know which modem router ports (especially port 80) carry data. At the very least, port 80 should be open.

Installing a Cable Modem Router
A highly recommended cable modem router is the Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router. Here's a thumbnail sketch of this cable modem router setup:

1) Connect a CAT5 Ethernet cable to the home computer, and a similar cable to each of the four computers on the home LAN the router supports.
2) Follow the neatly organized built-in Web pages to configure your cable modem router. You can also use the Windows configuration tool.

Macintosh and Modem Routers
Any modem router that connects solely via USB won't work with a Macintosh, since Macintosh uses Ethernet rather than USB. Check your cable modem router setup carefully to make sure your cable modem router connects via an Ethernet and not a USB port.

Fortunately most modem routers have at least one Ethernet port. A good example of a router with both Ethernet and USB ports is US Robotics' USR8200 Firewall/VPN.

Getting the Best from Your Router
There's a lot you can learn about cable modem routers. If you want to download greater amounts of data (or packets) faster, or if you want to keep your wireless cable modem router from cutting out when the cable signal temporarily vanishes, the best solution is as always to read the documentation, since every cable modem router is different. Also, make sure your network connections are housed separately and cables connected so that nothing can damage them. Your router itself should also be protected.

In your cable modem router setup, especially for a wireless cable modem router, configure your router so that your network timer doesn't time out. This will increase the “on” time of your modem router and keep your connection,smooth.

If you have a modem router and someone else in your home has a router, you may want to change the channel that your router broadcasts on, since two routers on the same channel interfere with each other, cutting out connection and at the very least slowing performance.

The Best Broadband Cable Modem Routers
Broadband cable modem routers combine the functions of a cable modem, a hub or switch, and a firewall all in one neat package. About.com listed the cream of the modem router crop, factoring in ease of cable modem router setup among other considerations (such as supporting VPNs or virtual private networks):

• SMC 7004ABR Barricade™
• Netgear® RT314
• MultiTech RouteFinder™ RF102S
• Asanté FriendlyNET FR3004
• Nexland ISB SOHO
• 2Wire™ HomePortal 180
• US Robotics® USR8000
• D-Link DI804-HV
• Linksys EtherFast® BEFRS41

N.B.: There's no mention of a cable modem wireless router for broadband.

This should give you a starting point to shop for your broadband cable modem router.