U.S. Robotics ships router device

U.S. Robotics on Tuesday began shipping a new router device that will allow up to four computers to share a broadband Internet connection.

U.S. Robotics' Broadband Router allows up to four PCs or Macintosh machines to share a single DSL (digital subscriber line) or cable modem connection. The router also allows the computers to share files, share a printer and participate in multiplayer games. It includes a firewall to block unwanted incoming network traffic and an analog modem for backup Internet access. An additional 10/100 uplink Ethernet port allows connection to an Ethernet hub. Ethernet hubs can be used to allow up to 249 more computers to share the connection, the company said. The router, available now, will cost about $150 in stores.