![]() ![]() While this is inconvenient, high-quality cables and wired routers can produce fast, uninterrupted speeds with very little fluctuation. For instance, to connect a TV, computer, and game console, they’d have to run three separate cables plugged into three separate ports behind the router. ![]() Wired routers have multiple ethernet ports in the back, and users can run cables from these ports to their devices. All routers must connect to a modem with an ethernet cable, so don’t expect a wireless router to simply work on its own. The distinction is how devices connect to the router, not how the router connects to the modem. There are two different types of routers: wired or wireless. Some ISPs rent routers, but more typically customers must purchase their own. A router attaches to the modem in the same manner (with a cable), but allows multiple devices to access the internet by creating a local area network, also known as an LAN. ![]() For instance, a standard modem can only connect to one device, such as a computer, and it will do so with a cable stretching from the computer to the modem. What is a router?Ī router is a device that takes the signal a modem provides and distributes it to multiple devices. The Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem pairs with any router, works with cable plans up to 900 Mbps, and is compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum. Our Recommendation: Motorola MB7621 Cable Modem This allows users to update their modem whenever they’d like and save money. ![]() The customer pays monthly for the device, but it’s covered under a service contract and upgrades may be free at certain intervals.Īlternatively, internet customers can purchase their own modem and skip the monthly fee. In many cases, an internet service provider will rent a modem to their customers. The ports that connect devices accept ethernet cables, which is a type of cable designed to carry broadband signals between internet-capable devices. The WAN (wide area network) port is for the cable coming from the internet service provider (also called an ISP), while the other port connects the modem to the router or electronic device. However, they’re not nearly as common as DSL and cable. There are other modem types, as well, such as fiber optic. These modems are very common and offer more speed than DSL. Cable connections use a coaxial cable (the type that screws into the back of a TV set, with a single wire protruding from the center of the cable).DSL (digital subscriber line) also uses a phone line, but these modems offer much faster connection speeds than dial-up.Their technology is outdated and they’re pretty much obsolete, though some internet service providers still offer dial-up service. A dial-up device connects to a home’s phone line, and these were some of the first modems invented.There are three common types of modems: dial-up, DSL, and cable: This device takes digital signals and converts or translates them into signals that a computing device like a desktop, laptop, or smartphone can use and understand. Since gateways and modem routers combine the functionality of a modem and a router, only one device is required to achieve the same result.A modem is a device that provides a home with access to the internet. 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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