Modem vs Router: What's the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Modem vs Router: What's the Difference? ›

The modem is responsible for sending and receiving signals from the ISP, while the router disperses the signal to devices on the network. In a typical home network setup, the modem is connected to the router, which is then connected to each device on the network.

You need both a modem and router to connect to the Internet on multiple devices. Because most modems only have a single LAN Ethernet connector, you'll only be able to connect to one computer at a time with a single cable – which is not ideal for households with multiple people online at once.

Reduced Speeds and Reduced Connection Quality

If you feel that your internet speeds have decreased or you are seeing issues with increased buffering and lagging or breaking in the connection, it could be time for a new modem. You can easily test your internet speed with online tools like Speedtest.net.

Today, modems are ubiquitous and largely invisible, included in almost every mobile computing device in one form or another, and generally capable of speeds on the order of tens or hundreds of megabytes per second.

A modem on its own typically has an Ethernet connection port but no WiFi. However, in many cases, additional parts of the home network (such as a wireless router) are combined with the modem in the same package.

If you have multiple devices that need to connect to the Internet, you'll need a router. However, a router by itself will not allow you to connect to the Internet. A router must be connected to the modem to distribute the internet connection to your devices.

Is it better to have a separate modem and router? Yes, it's better to have separate devices due to its numerous advantages like more features, faster connectivity, better customization, and improved security.

Your modem or ONT has an internet port outputting speeds up to 2.5Gbps, but your router uses Gigabit Ethernet for internet, so the most speed you can get from it is 1Gbps—half your plan's speed. Overall, a router can be your chokepoint, not the internet connection itself.

Often, your internet service provider will give you a device typically referred to as a gateway, a single box that serves as both modem and router, but these are still different technologies.

In most cases, devices like modems and routers are situated in a central area of your house, such as a living room, home office, media closet, or utility room. Look around these areas to see if your equipment is there.

Is it better to have a router or modem? ›

If you opt for a separate modem and router, you'll get a more secure connection than a modem alone can offer. You'll be able to connect a variety of devices, and if the router is wireless, you can do so without cables. The router should also offer more security features than a standalone modem would.

The modem typically looks like a small box with a cable leading outside to connect to your cable, fixed wireless, satellite, or fiber internet service.

Routers bring the Internet to your devices

A router connects your devices to each other and, in hard-wired connection setups, to the modem. The router connects to your modem and then to your devices (laptops, smart TVs, printers, etc.) via either an Ethernet cable or, in the case of a wireless router, WiFi signal.

A router is a device that provides Wi-Fi and is typically connected to a modem. It sends information from the internet to personal devices like computers, phones, and tablets.

A router is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks or subnetworks. It serves two primary functions: managing traffic between these networks by forwarding data packets to their intended IP addresses, and allowing multiple devices to use the same Internet connection.

Connect the modem power cord to an electrical outlet, then connect the other end to the modem. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the back of the modem and the other end to the router's Wide Area Network (WAN) port. Connect the router power cord to an electrical outlet, then connect the other end to the router.

How much does an average Wi-Fi router cost? Entry-level Wi-Fi routers average around $75, but you can find some ultra-cheap models for under $50. Mesh systems start around $200, and it's not uncommon to see high-performance gaming routers in the $400-$500 range.