What’s the Difference Between Modem and Router? – Explained in Detailed for Beginners

A modem and a router always confuse people. A major class of people considers the modem and router both as one and the same, while numerous people aren’t clear of the roles that both these devices come alongside by any means.

So, what’s the difference between modem and router? How are these both devices absolutely necessary for you, and what are their roles? Keep reading further on to get your answers.

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What is a Modem?

So, what does a modem mean? A modem modulates an analog signal to a piece of digital information. The carrier signals are decoded to transmit the information in digital form.

Modem primarily transmits the data in the digital form by retaining the original quality. In simple words, a Modem transforms digital information into analog signals that are transmitted through wires, and at the receiving end, the information is again converted into a digital form that the system understands.

Modem - What's the Difference Between Modem and Router? - Explained in Detailed for Beginners

Modems are connected to a router, or directly to the system, in some cases. The connection and the type of Modem depend on the type of services you require. Read more about the modem here.

What is a Router?

A router is a computer networking device. It simply creates and manages the data network. The primary job of the router is to route data at your premises. Routers connect smart devices like smartphones. Wireless routers can also help you with streaming content on platforms like Netflix.

What is Router? - What's the Difference Between Modem and Router? - Explained in Detailed for Beginners

Router primarily creates the local network that you can manage. When the communication of two devices is a requirement, the router comes into the picture. Read more about routers here.

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Differences Between Modem and Router

ModemRouter
A modem primarily is used to decode a signal.A router is used to create a local network.
The modem has no role in terms of taking care of Wi-Fi.The router takes care of and manages the Wi-Fi.
The modem doesn’t play a role in setting up the local network. It only deals with the ISP signal.The router only deals with creating the local network. It has absolutely nothing to do with the ISP signal.
The modem connects a device directly to the internet.The router requires a modem to connect the device to the internet, and it breaks the internet into several devices.
A modem can help you connect your device to the internet even when you don’t have a router.A router requires a modem to allow you to connect your devices to the internet.

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Modem Vs Router: What Do You Require?

A modem is a bit more important as compared to a router, as you won’t be able to connect to the internet without a modem. However, if you are looking to set up a Wi-Fi connection, you will require both of them.

Yes, modems do come with an Ethernet port, but it allows the connection of only one computer or laptop at a time.

What if you desire to connect multiple devices with your WiFi?

Moreover, a modem without a router is a massive compromise with data security.

A router is required if you desire to connect multiple devices to the internet.

However, a router without a modem won’t be of any use. You will be required to connect the router to the modem in order to ensure that the internet is distributed securely to all the connected devices.

Hence, the modem or router, what do you require? Both.

Also Read: How to Know Who is Connected to My WiFi?

Frequently Asked Questions About Modem and Router

Do I really require both, modem and router?

Yes. If you are setting up a WiFi connection, you will require both. As mentioned, a modem allows you to connect to the internet, while a router breaks the internet into several devices. Hence, to connect multiple devices to the WiFi securely, it’s essential to have both, a modem and a router.

How do I select the best modem and router?

There are several aspects you need to consider when selecting the best modem and router. Firstly, things like bandwidth, your requirements, the customer services, the plan pricing, etc. are some of them. Do some research, reach out to the top internet service provider, and select the best modem and router for yourself.

Is it possible to keep the modem and router together? Or is keeping them separate the only option?

Gateway is one solution here. It is a 2-in-1 device that incorporates both, a modem and a router. However, I am not too convinced about using it as it is quite expensive to repair if it goes down, and the security feature is compromised to some extent.

Hence, it’s better to keep a modem and a router separate. It will make recognizing the faults and solving them easy, along with maintaining the security of the network.

Does having multiple routers increase my internet speed?

No. Having multiple routers doesn’t impart any effect on your internet speed.

Are my router and modem compatible? How do I figure it out?

Checkout and verify that both, the modem and router, have an Ethernet port. In case, the Ethernet port is present in both of them, they are compatible.

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The Pro Review from TechReviewPro

You must be now clear with the difference between a router and a modem. To summarize, the modem connects you to the internet, while a router breaks the internet connection into various devices.

Hence, if you are a WiFi user, you simply require both of them. It’s necessary that you do some research before selecting a modem and a router to ensure that you don’t regret your decision later on.

So, what modem and router have you decided to go with? Or, are you still having doubts regarding the difference between modem and router? Do comment your questions below, and I will be quick to reply to them with a prompt solution.

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Meet Author

Rahul Dubey

Rahul is a tech geek, author, blogger, podcaster, YouTuber and a keen learner. Rahul enjoys learning, testing, and messing up with new tips and tricks, apps, and gadgets. He has been writing for several years and has even contributed to popular Magazines like Huffington Post. When he is not making this site better or shooting videos for TechReviewPro YouTube channel, you can find him helping people in groups, forums, and private communities. He is very down to earth person and believes in Karma, hence he never misses an opportunity to help others. Got a query? Ask him via Email: [email protected]

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