Most people use their home network to access the Internet, but many have no idea how these networks work. For example, can you tell the difference between a modem and a router? Have you ever wondered if you need a modem and a router together?
Simply put, the difference between a modem and a router is that the modem connects your home to the Internet, while the router or router creates the network inside your home.
1-The difference between a modem and a router, the modem brings the Internet to your home
A modem is a device that connects your home, usually through a coax cable connection, to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The modem takes signals from your ISP and translates them into signals that your local devices can use, and vice versa.
The connection between your home and the Internet is known as the Wide Area Network (WAN). Each modem has a dedicated public IP address that it identifies on the Internet.
2-The router brings the internet to your devices
A router or router connects your devices to each other and, in wired connection settings, to the modem.
The router connects to your modem and then to your devices (laptops, smart TVs, printers, etc.) via an Ethernet cable or, in the case of a wireless router, a WiFi signal.
The router creates a local area network (LAN) within your home, allowing your devices to share files and peripherals such as printers.
The router also manages all the information going to and from each device and modem and makes sure everything ends up safely in the right place.
However, the router does not need to be connected to a modem to function. You can choose to create a LAN without access to the Internet.
3-Do I need a router and modem together?
Remember, a modem is the translator of your network, while a router is much like an air traffic controller, communicating with “airplanes,” maintaining order, and making sure everyone is safe.
Routers and modems have traditionally been two separate devices that work together to configure your home network. However, with today's technology, you don't necessarily need a separate modem and a separate router, as the new modem and router modules combine the functions of the two devices into one powerful tool.
These multifunctional devices provide all the power you need to read your emails, stream your shows, and connect to your smart devices (without the hassle of dealing with two separate devices).
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