The introduction of routers in the market to share broadband Internet connection had made home networking very simple. Prior to routers, what people have are network hubs and switches. And using those for connecting two or more computers together in order to share Internet connection is never easy. Only real computer experts and network technicians can do the job.

The reason for that is the fact that network hubs and switches don't have built-in firmware like routers do. To setup a router, all you have to do is to connect it to your computer, run the disk, connect to the modem, and off you go. With hubs, it is never as easy as that. So if you are to apply the good old basic principles of networking, you will realize that don't really need a router to share Internet access. And if you are going to connect only two computers together, three networking cards and a couple of Ethernet cables are all you need.

Without a router, you have to rely on your operating system to network the computers. If you run the Windows platform, the programs used are called ICS, or Internet connection sharing and File and Printer Sharing, which both works using the TCP/IP protocol. These features, although built-in to Windows, are not yet activated. For you to make Internet sharing work, you have to configure these according to your network structure, framework, and requirements.

And the whole process is never easy. At that, we have a lot to thank for routers. It's a good thing that most of UK broadband providers support the use of these devices. Some of them are even willing to help out in setting it up. So if it is Internet sharing that you truly require out of your broadband connection, scout for a good, reliable, and durable router. Better yet, get a wireless router and experience the freedom from cables that you've always wanted all along.