Most people do not know the difference between a modem and one router, and it’s no surprise. You see, these devices are the backbone of our home broadband Internet connection. They go hand in hand at all times, hence their immense importance in ensuring that you can read this article and watch cat videos on YouTube.
Each device plays a role, therefore, we decided to explain what these devices are and how they differ because they are not the same, as some might summarize.
Difference between a modem and a router
Modems and routers, for the most part, are two different things. If you want to know more about them, keep reading.
- What is a modem
- What is a router
- Modem and router combined
1]What is a modem
OK, so regarding the differences between a modem and a router, we should clarify that a modem is designed to read data from your ISP. From there, the data is converted into a format that your computer and other devices will understand.
It should be noted that computer information is stored digitally, while data carried over telephone lines is broadcast in the form of analog waves. A modem will then convert between these two forms.
Now, typically, an Ethernet cable is used to connect the modem and the router to provide a wired or wireless Internet connection to a home. It’s pretty simple if you ask us, and the technology won’t change anytime soon, unless 5G becomes something capable of dethroning home broadband.
2]What is a router
As for the router, well, it acts like a distributor because it collects data from the modem and sends it to your Windows 10 computer and other devices. Not only that, but the router is also capable of receiving information from connected devices and sending everything back to the modem, which in turn goes to the ISP.
Most routers contain multiple switches that allow you to connect multiple devices that will share the Internet connection provided by the modem. In addition, routers are now equipped with Wi-Fi technology to provide wireless Internet connection throughout the home or business.
Now, for the best experience, most connected devices in your home will use both the modem and the router. Indeed, the modem manages the connection between your home and the ISP, while the router manages the communication between your home and the connected devices located there.
Sure, there are some exceptions to the rule, but in most cases, this is how people around the world connect to the web.
3]Modem and router combined
In some cases, an ISP can provide a single box that acts as a modem and all-in-one router. This is becoming very common as it uses less space in a house or an office. However, having the modem and the router as separate devices can provide more flexibility for those who want to do more with their network.
Overall, we prefer the idea of having separate devices, which is why we suggest that if your ISP offers you combined modem and router hardware, make sure you have a third-party router on hand. The majority of Internet users will agree with what their ISP has given them, but for us who have a little freedom, this is simply not enough.
