How does establishing an internet connection usually work, not just in the U.S. but around the world?
I’m currently studying in China, in the previous year, I was able to simply connect a cable from the internet port in the wall to my laptop. After that I would have to enter an account name and password, PPPOE.
Which makes me wonder about what a router actually does. The place I’m currently living in has just been built, the major internet line hasn’t been set up yet. I’m curious as to how I would go about setting up the connection.
Previously it seemed I had to buy these cards w/ the account name and pass from specialty stores, the cards were affiliated with the school. As the “dorm” i’m currently living in has no affiliation with the school it seems I have to go register something…not too sure on the details.
So, what does a router? Would I need one? Where does that “internet port” in the wall actually lead o.0?
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Do I Need A Router To Connect To The Internet?
Posted on September 7, 2010.
Simply, router is just to split up the internet. You can’t just buy a router for internet. The sequence is internet line to modem then modem to router. The port in the wall may actually lead to hub or switch which can be also used to split the internet or network.
If your question is: How do I set up new internet service in my new “non” school dorm?
If the building does not already have a “network” connection for you, you will probably have to set it up through a local ISP (internet Service Provider). It’s like phone service, except they come and install the network jack or “port in the wall”. You might have to ask around to find out how others get their service.
If your question is: Do I need a router for Internet service? The answer could be “no”.
When the ISP gives you a network port, you will probably get a public IP address, which will basically give you access to the whole internet with out security. You will be subject every kind of attach known to computer. Most ISP’s in the US provide a router to their customers.
However, advice is, you will probably want to use a Router whether personal or ISP provided.. Typically the consumer router has a WAN port, which connects to the Internet, then it has LAN ports that you connect your PC to. These routers do NAT’ing and have some firewall feature to help protect you.
Your dorm obtains the internet from an internet service provider (ISP). It could be cable or DSL. The dorm admin has a modem that connects to that service but that modem only provides ONE connection and that is provided by the ISP assigning an external IP address. To serve all the students the admin runs that one wire to a router. This router allows more than one connection by giving each connection and internal IP address. The router keeps track of all the traffic making sure that each user gets his own traffic and it does not get mixed up with all the others. The connections are distributed through the building with “switches”. Ask around. Somewhere in the building is a cupboard with a stack of equipment and lots of wires. Very impressive.
When you get out of the dorm your situation will be very similar but a lot smaller. The ISP will give you just one connection. If you need more than one connection or to use wireless (aka wifi) in your house you would need to get a router. If you only need one connection you just use the modem connection.
Hope that helps.