function of adsl router

To explain everything that a router can and cannot do would take a long time and probably go way over your head if you don't have a networking background. I'll explain some.

WPA, WEP = WPA (Wireless Protected Access) and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) Are forms of Wireless security. When you are asked for a security key or phrase from a wireless network it is using one of these two forms of encrypted security. You should always use WPA. Wep has known vulnerabilities and anyone with knowledge can easily gain access to your network.

Mac Cloning = Basically what this does is you can limit the access to your network by mac address. Mac address's are unique to individual pieces of hardware. So you can go into your router and set the individual mac address, so that only certain devices are allow to connect. This is NOT a end all form of security. Again here people are able to change their mac address and could clone a device you have and gain access. You should still use WPA. Not just mac cloning alone.

DMZ = known as the demilitarized zone. Typically this is a perimeter network (network outside of your home or business network) that directly faces an untrusted or outside network. Typically the internet. Probably not something your going to need to know about on a simple SOHO (small office home office network) A dmz is typically something a larger business would use. It is basically used to keep things separated from your internal network to help with keeping it more secure.

PVC mapping = I'm not even sure how to explain this without getting technical. IT stands for Permanent Virtual Circuit and mapping is basically talking about how you would route packets or network traffic.

If you are truly interested in learning more I'd suggest start by learning what networking is and how it works. Check out freeaplus.com and on the right hand side you'll see videos for net + certification. This will help you understand the basics of networking, the osi model etc.

A router is a very smart device that can do many many things. The typical home user is mostly interested in the WPA, WEP, SSID broadcasting (turning on and off) settings and that's about it. Maybe some port forwarding etc for certain apps but usually not.

Hope that explained some of it. I tried not to get to confusing.