A device that provides access to the Internet for multiple computers. It typically includes a network switch with four or more Ethernet ports for wired connections to desktop and laptop computers. "Wireless" broadband routers include an 802.11g access point.

The device switches Internet traffic between the computers and a cable or DSL modem and non-Internet traffic between machines. It combines a router, network switch and DHCP server (to assign IP addresses to stations). The router also provides network address translation (NAT), which allows multiple users to reach the Internet with one public IP address assigned by the cable or telephone company to the service.

Following are the various configurations in which broadband routers are installed. See NAT, DHCP, wireless LAN, cable modem, DSL, broadband and router.