Modem vs Router
Still use Modem and Router as a synonym?
Still don’t know whether they are same or different?
Still don’t know how they are connecting your home/office network to the internet?
Don’t worry folks, all your doubts are going to get clear in the next 2–3 min read.
Firstly, let me tell you that Modems and Routers are completely different entities having different purpose.
Modems
A modem, short form for modulator-demodulator, is a device which connects & talks to your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) network. Typical ISP’s like Airtel, Vodafone, Verizon, AT&T, etc.
Computer information is stored digitally, whereas information transmitted over telephone/cable lines is transmitted in the form of analog waves. A Modem converts between these two forms of data.
An ISP provide either a cable (coaxial) or DSL Internet service, based upon which the modems are categorized into 2 types :-
1. Cable Modems
2. DSL Modems
Cable modems
They have a coaxial connection, such as those found on cable TV boxes.
Example: Cisco DPC3010 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
DSL modems
They have a telephone connection, the same that are used for a telephone line.
Routers
A router allows computers or devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. to connect to the modem and to each other in a network. It selectively delivers packets of information to multiple destinations, and allows multiple devices to connect to the Internet via the modem.
The digitally converted signals from the Modem are fed into the Router.
Routers and Modems goes hand in hand. They basically connects with each other via Ethernet cable.
The Ethernet cable from your Modem is connected to the WAN/Internet Port of your Router.
Therefore, we need to purchase a Modem and a Router to connect our devices at home/office to the Internet.
Wait…..!!!!!!!!!! 2 Separate Devices necessary????????
Answer:- No
Nowadays, Modem/Router combo are offered by various company. In which Modem and Router is combined and sold as a single unit.
I hope that things are bit clear to you now. And you won’t get confused between a Modem & a Router. :)
