Fortunately,

a new technology that can simultaneously deliver secure, high-speed Internet

access to multiple users in the home is becoming increasingly popular.

That solution

a broadband router lets a single broadband connection be used by all PCs

in the home, and at the same time, allows common PC add-on devices, such

as printers and backup storage systems be shared or networked throughout

the home.

Although the

thought of creating a home network that offers these benefits may seem

daunting to all but the most experienced home computer users, these routers

can be set up in less than 15 minutes-with no technical experience or

training whatsoever.

A case in point

is the newly released family of SpeedStream broadband router products

from Efficient Networks Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens.

With wired

and wireless models that can support from one to four PCs, or more, these

devices were developed with the home PC user in mind.

"We understand

that most home PC users are not technically inclined and are more focused

on using their PCs than in figuring out how they work," says Patrick

Fitzgerald, director of product marketing for Efficient Networks Inc.

"That's why every member of our SpeedStream broadband router family

comes pre-configured, letting the homeowner link all PCs in the home to

a broadband modem with fewer than four mouse clicks. And for some installations,

the auto-detect features of these devices eliminate the need for any mouse

clicks at all-simply plug the device in, connect it to the broadband modem,

and you're ready to roll, or, more accurately, to surf."

To prevent

unauthorized access to the home network, broadband routers offer integrated

security features that can be easily set up, again with fewer than four

mouse clicks. In addition, before making a purchase, be sure the router

under consideration supports the interactive games, music download systems

and SOHO applications (such as NetMeeting and MSN Messenger) you use.

"The more

PCs a home contains, the more cost-effective broadband routers become

because they let computer users in the home share a secure broadband Internet

connection," Fitzgerald says. "With a SpeedStream broadband

router, the end user can minimize the costs and hassles of keeping everyone

in the home satisfied with easy access to applications they want, such

as Web surfing, e-mail, gaming or downloading music."

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