![]() However, with today’s technology, you don't need a separate modem and separate router necessarily, as new combination modem and router units merge the two devices’ functions into one powerful gadget. Routers and modems have traditionally been two separate devices that worked together to form your home network. Remember that the modem is your network’s translator, while the router is more like an air-traffic controller, communicating with the “planes,” keeping order, and making sure everyone is safe. Creates a firewall to prevent security breaches.Assigns a local IP address to each device on the network.You can choose to create a LAN without Internet access. However, a router doesn’t need to connect to a modem to function. The router manages all the information going to and from each device and the modem and makes sure it all ends up safely in the right spot. The router creates a local area network (LAN) within your house, allowing your devices to share files and peripherals like printers. The router connects to your modem and then to your devices (laptops, smart TVs, printers, etc.) via either an Ethernet cable or, in the case of a wireless router, WiFi signal. ![]() Routers bring the Internet to your devicesĪ router connects your devices to each other and, in hard-wired connection setups, to the modem. Each modem has an assigned public IP address that identifies it on the Internet. The connection between your house and the Internet is known as a wide area network (WAN). The modem takes signals from your ISP and translates them into signals your local devices can use, and vice versa. Short take: what’s the difference between a modem and a router?Ī modem is a device that connects your home, usually through a coax cable connection, to your Internet service provider (ISP), like Xfinity. Knowing how the blinking boxes plugged into your wall work can help you to get the Internet up and running again the next time there’s a power outage or connection disruption. Can you tell the difference between a modem and router? Have you ever asked, "do I need a modem and router?" To put it simply, the modem connects your home to the Internet, while a router creates the network inside your house. Since gateways and modem routers combine the functionality of a modem and a router, only one device is required to achieve the same result.Most people use their home network to access the Internet, but many have no idea how these networks work. When your home network uses a modem-router combination device or a gateway, it talks directly to the Internet Service Provider to connect you to the internet and enable a Wi-Fi connection. ![]() A modem will give local Internet access to a single device, but requires a router to connect multiple devices via Wi-Fi. In the traditional home network chain of command, the router talks to the modem which talks to the internet service provider, resulting in an internet connection and Wi-Fi. The primary benefit to using a modem router or gateway is the simplicity of only having a single device to set up. Modems and routers can be combined into a single box, and gateway is another term for a combined modem router. The router’s main function is to create and send out the Internet Wi-Fi signal in your home. RouterĪ router is works with your modem to join networks together and allow multiple devices like phones, tablets and computers to use a single network through a wired or wireless connection. ![]() It acts as a digital translator, taking an information signal (Internet data) from your cable or phone lines and making it accessible to your computer. Before we get into the differences between modems, routers, gateways and modem routers, let’s review what each device does.Ī modem is a small box that connects your household to the Internet using cables. Have you ever fallen down the research rabbit hole as you look into all your home networking options? It can be confusing to navigate what all the terminology means and how it will work for you. ![]()
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