Routers act as the gateway between your broadband connection and your home network. Wireless routers come in various configurations, but most are amalgamations of a four-port wired Ethernet switch and a wireless access point. As the name implies, these devices route traffic around your network and onto the Internet by assigning addresses to each computer on your network and steering them to the actual static or dynamic Internet address given by your ISP. Most routers also have firewall capabilities, and some include more advanced security features. Some routers even have an integrated cable or DSL modem, eliminating your need for two separate devices.

The access point is the hub of a wireless network and the central transit point for all of the data flowing between your wireless network and the Internet. There are as many types of access points as there are networking standards -- 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, dual band, and Bluetooth. Wireless access points do not offer the rich feature set and the high configurability of most routers because they are designed to add a wireless extension to your network and not to play the role of a central gateway. Nevertheless, access points do typically include some security features, such as encryption.

An adapter connects your computer or your PDA to a network. If your computer doesn't already have the adapter that you need built in, you can add one. As with access points, there are as many types of adapters as there are networking standards -- 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, dual band, and Bluetooth -- and each type comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including PC Cards, PCI and mini-PCI, USB, and CompactFlash. Some wireless adapters are decked out with special features, such as retractable or removable antennae, encryption support, or connection-monitoring software. Before making your purchase, always confirm that the adapter is compatible with your operating system. If you plan to use an adapter at work, you should also check to ensure that it is compatible with any security protocols in use, such as LEAP or WPA.

Ethernet is the glue that holds together most networks. It's fast and cheap, and it is integrated into just about everything. If you need to expand your network, an Ethernet hub or switch can come in very handy since most desktops and notebooks include a built-in Ethernet adapter. Accordingly, most wireless broadband routers come with a three- or four-port Ethernet switch built in, allowing you to connect to the router via a fast, wired Ethernet connection. Switches and hubs perform similar functions, but switches can handle multiple simultaneous users without any significant decrease in network throughput.