While they seem similar, modems and routers serve two completely different purposes. Let's go over how they differ so you choose the right one!
Modems vs Routers
What are the differences?
While they seem similar, modems and routers serve two completely different purposes.
___
published 15 April 2021 / written by Winston
What are routers?
What are modems?
How do they work?
What are Mesh routers?
It is very important to understand that modems and routers are not the same. Although they often come bundled together (in fact, you probably have one from your ISP), they serve entirely different purposes.
In simple terms:
It is very important to understand that modems and routers are not the same. Although they often come bundled together (in fact, you probably have one from your ISP), they serve entirely different purposes.
In simple terms:
Modems
Connect to the internet, but not your devices.
Modems
Modems are devices which provide access to the Internet. This might sound like what a router does, but they're not the same.
Without a modem, your router would not be able to connect to the Internet at all - unless it had one built-in.
The term modem refers to the fact that it modulates analog signals into digital information, such as binary (hence, it both modulates and demodulates signals - modem).
It's needed to interpret and translate the analog signals sent by your ISP into useful digital signals that can be used by your router and devices.
Essentially, you can think of a modem as the interface between your router and the actual Internet (the copper wires which transmit information to/from your ISP).
But remember, your modem won't connect to your devices! It only connects to the internet through your ISP.
Modems
Modems are devices which provide access to the Internet. This might sound like what a router does, but they're not the same.
Without a modem, your router would not be able to connect to the Internet at all - unless it had one built-in.
The term modem refers to the fact that it modulates analog signals into digital information, such as binary (hence, it both modulates and demodulates signals - modem).
It's needed to interpret and translate the analog signals sent by your ISP into useful digital signals that can be used by your router and devices.
Essentially, you can think of a modem as the interface between your router and the actual Internet (the copper wires which transmit information to/from your ISP).
But remember, your modem won't connect to your devices! It only connects to the internet through your ISP.
Routers
Create a network for devices to connect to your modem.
A router is what connects your devices to the same network, in order to send/receive information from the modem.
Think of it as like a bridge. Your devices want to connect to the internet, so they ask to join the router's network so that it can talk to the Internet for them (which happens through the modem).
The router is basically the bridge between your devices and the modem.
It can be confusing, because your router creates a LAN (local area network) that you connect to. For instance, you can connect to the router even without a modem. Some might mistake this for connection to the internet.
But without a modem, the most you can do on your router's local network is transfer files between your Wi-Fi devices. You won't actually have Internet access. It's also why you can still connect to the router, even if your ISP's internet service is down.
So basically, a router will route and connect data between your devices, but it needs a modem to transmit data to and from the Internet.
Routers
A router is what connects your devices to the same network, in order to send/receive information from the modem.
Think of it as like a bridge. Your devices want to connect to the internet, so they ask to join the router's network so that it can talk to the Internet for them (which happens through the modem).
The router is basically the bridge between your devices and the modem.
It can be confusing, because your router creates a LAN (local area network) that you connect to. For instance, you can connect to the router even without a modem. Some might mistake this for connection to the internet.
But without a modem, the most you can do on your router's local network is transfer files between your Wi-Fi devices. You won't actually have Internet access. It's also why you can still connect to the router, even if your ISP's internet service is down.
So basically, a router will route and connect data between your devices, but it needs a modem to transmit data to and from the Internet.
Here's what's involved in
Network Transmission
Device
Your devices connect to your router's Wi-Fi network.
Router
Creates a network and talks to your modem.
Modem
Receives data from the Internet through ISP.
ISP
Provide access to the Internet.
Internet
Where all the information is stored in servers.
What are mesh routers?
Home Mesh Wi-Fi routers are like ordinary routers that work together to increase your network coverage area.
They're particularly useful for scenarios where you can't find an optimal router placement, or if you have deadspots in your network. Sometimes a single router won't be able to provide a stable connection in all corners of the house.
Mesh routers solve this issue by placing multiple satellites, or nodes, throughout your home.
By simply connecting to the closest node, which happens automatically, you'll have a more stable and far-reaching connection than is typically possible.
What are mesh routers?
Home Mesh Wi-Fi routers are like ordinary routers that work together to increase your network coverage area.
They're particularly useful for scenarios where you can't find an optimal router placement, or if you have deadspots in your network. Sometimes a single router won't be able to provide a stable connection in all corners of the house.
Mesh routers solve this issue by placing multiple satellites, or nodes, throughout your home.
By simply connecting to the closest node, which happens automatically, you'll have a more stable and far-reaching connection than is typically possible.
Mesh routers extend your network for greater coverage.
Our Blog
LatestUpdates
Here are some related articles we think you'd be interested in.
Learn the differences between the Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 standards, including why you might want to upgrade.
Find out about the Wi-Fi 6E standard and how the 6Ghz band frequency will future-proof your network.
Never heard of gaming routers before? We'll explain their key features and how they're different from regular ones.
