Modems and routers are both essential devices for connecting to the internet. Many people mistake the two because they both have blinking lights on the front and Ethernet ports on the back. However, modems and routers perform very different functions. Here’s everything you need to know about the difference between a modem and a router, what each device does, and if you really need a modem and a router.
Modem vs Router: What’s the Difference?
A modem connects you to a Wide Area Network (WAN) or the Internet. On the other hand, a router connects your devices to your Local Area Network (LAN) or WiFi network, and it lets your devices communicate with each other wirelessly.
Basically, a Modem is your gateway to the Internet, while a Router emotes a WIFI signal so your devices can connect wirelessly to the Internet.
What Is a Modem and What Does it Do?
A modem is a device that receives an analog signal from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and translates it into a digital signal that your devices can understand and vice versa. This allows your devices to send and receive data over the internet.
The term modem derives from the words “modulation” and “demodulation.” When the internet was first created, modems were used to modulate (or convert) the analog signal that telephone lines use into a digital signal that computers and other devices can understand. While more advanced technology is now used, the term modem has stuck.
Most modems only have three ports, one that connects to the internet, one that connects to a router, and one that connects to a power source. Modems will also have at least one Ethernet port to connect to a router or computer.
When you sign up for an internet plan with your ISP, they will usually provide you with a modem. However, your internet provider will often charge you a monthly fee for, and purchasing your own modem will usually save you money after only six months or so.
What Is a Router and What Does It Do?
A router is a networking device that distributes (or routes) your Internet connection from your modem to the devices in your network. This allows you to connect to the Internet from your computer, mobile phone, smart TV, and other wired or wireless devices.
There are many different types of routers, but the two most common ones are wired and wireless routers. Wired (or hard-lined) routers need to be connected to your computers and other devices with a wired Ethernet connection. WiFi routers use built-in antennas to transmit your network’s internet signal wirelessly.
A router needs to be connected to the modem in order for it to distribute the Internet connection to your devices.
Most routers have several Ethernet ports that allow you to connect to your devices via an Ethernet cable. They also have one Ethernet port that needs to be connected to a modem, so it can send and receive information from the internet.
A router creates your local network and lets you manage its settings. With a router, you can enable security settings, prioritize traffic to certain devices, and more. A router also lets your devices communicate with one another over the network.
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