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INTRODUCTION
With the explosive growth of the Internet, accessing information and
services at any time, day or night, has become a standard requirement for
most people. The era of the standalone PC is waning. Networking
technology is moving out of the exclusive domain of corporations and
into homes with at least two computers.
This integrated access device combines Internet gateway functions with
wireless LAN and Fast Ethernet switch. Designed for the business and
home, it saves you the cost of installing a separate modem and ISP line
for each computer, while providing ready connection for the users, with or
without network cables.
Broadband network access is also gaining ground. However, allowing
more than two computers to access the Internet at the same time means
higher costs. Thus, there is a need to share one legal IP address over a
single Internet connection to link each computer with the Internet.
The scarcity of IP addresses and using a shared Internet connection
through an Internet sharing device can solve high network access costs.
All linked computers can make full use of broadband capabilities over
such a device.
This device not only comes equipped with a wide range of features, but
also comes installed and configured right out of the box. This device
supports a simple local area network and Internet access sharing, offering
great cost savings.
The local area network connects home computers while also allowing any
of the computers to access the Internet, share resources, or play online
gamesthe basis of the family computing lifestyle.