Building a Home NetworkThe

two most popular home network types are wireless and Ethernet networks. In both of these types, the router does most of the work by directing the traffic between the connected devices. By connecting a router to your dial-up, DSL or cable modem, you can also allow multiple computers to share one connection to the Internet. Many new routers combine wireless and Ethernet technology and include a hardware firewall. For more information on routers, see How Routers Work.
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If you're going to connect your network to the Internet, you'll need a firewall. A firewall is simply a program or hardware device that protects your network from malicious users and offensive Web sites. Many software firewalls block all incoming information by default and prompt you for permission to allow the information to pass. In this way, a software firewall can learn which types of information you want to allow into your network. For more information on firewalls, see How Firewalls Work.
A router connects your computers to one another. If you connect it to your modem, it will also connect your network to the Internet.