A modem and a router are two separate but complementary devices that are essential for a functioning home network setup. Here are the key differences between a modem and a router:
Modem
- A modem connects your home network to your internet service provider (ISP) through a physical connection.
- It translates the data from your ISP into a format that your home network devices can use.
- There are three common types of modem connections: dial-up, DSL, and cable.
- Most standalone modems have just two ports: one that connects to the outside world, and an Ethernet jack that connects to a computer or a router.
Router
- A router creates a local area network (LAN) within your house or office.
- It allows all your wired and wireless devices to use the internet connection simultaneously and communicate with each other.
- The router connects to your modem and then to your devices.
- It may do this with either an Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi signals, or both.
- 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 place.
In summary, a modem connects your home network to the internet, while a router creates the network inside your house and allows all your devices to use that internet connection at once and communicate with each other.
