HANNOVER: It wasn't long ago that the humble router led an uneventful existence. Its task was to distribute incoming data packets to attached computers.

It was also entrusted with blocking the occasional packet off the Internet if it hadn't been ordered by one of the PCs.

But in recent years the diminutive network boxes have morphed into tidy little communication hubs combining network connectivity, a WLAN access point, and often even a telephone system as well. "That saves a lot of electricity and jumble of cables," says Johannes Endres from Hanover-based computer magazine c't.

Routers offer many other unexpected functions as well. Here's a rundown of a few.

An analogue phone connection has typically meant being stuck with just one phone line. One cost-effective way to work with multiple lines using your own phone number is to use a router with a built-in Internet telephony function (VoIP) and a corresponding switching box.

Source: DPA

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