Modem vs. Router: What’s the Difference?

You have probably heard of “modem” and “router” but may not be sure what they are. While they are both devices that give you Internet access, they are not the same. The line between the two can be difficult to distinguish at times, which is why so many people confuse them. This guide breaks down what both modems and routers do and offers some suggestions on which device is best for you.

What Is a Modem?

Modem stands for Modulator-demodulator. It is a home network device that converts a digital signal to an analog signal, and vice versa. The objective of the modem is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded reliably. Other than Internet signals, it can also be used to transmit any means of analog signals, like radio.

There are different types of modems to connect to the Internet. These include DSL, cable, satellite, and fiber optic modems.

Inside your home, the modem is usually supplied by your local Internet Service Provider (ISP), so you can be sure that it is the right device to connect to the Internet.

What Is a Router?

A modem only receives and transmits Internet signals. It has no awareness of the computers connected to it and can’t be used to route traffic to various computers. This is where a router comes in. A router is a piece of hardware that creates a local area network (LANs) and sends Internet traffic to various devices in your home. It acts as a bridge to link your computing devices to the Internet.

A router will have an Ethernet port (also known as the Wide Area Network, or WAN port) for your modem and multiple Ethernet ports for desktop computers or other devices to connect via an Ethernet cable. If it’s a wireless router, it will also let you set up a wireless network (also known as Wi-Fi) within your home. This is what lets you go online on your laptop, tablet, or other devices. In short, if you want to set up a Wi-Fi network, you need a wireless router.

In the past, the various wireless network standards were labeled with terms like 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. They have recently been renamed to Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7. Of course, the newer the standards, the faster the Wi-Fi signals travel.

A wireless router has a limited range when it comes to connections, so if you live in a large home, you may have some areas that don’t get a good connection. Mesh networks or mesh routers solve this problem by placing multiple devices that share the connection throughout your home, letting you always be in the range of one.

Home routers will often include multiple security features, like a firewall, to help keep devices on your network safe.

Modem vs. Router

Now that we’ve looked at the technical differences between a modem and a router, let’s look at the practical differences.

• Both devices look fairly similar: a device with blinking lights on the front and a few cables coming out the back. How do you tell them apart? Most routers will also have antennas for wireless connections, while a standalone modem will never have antennas.
• A modem will also have fewer cable connections: one for your ISP connection and one for your computer or router. A router, on the other hand, will usually have one port to connect to a modem, then four or more for devices inside your home.
• To connect to the Internet, you only need a modem – technically, anyway. Only one device at a time can connect to a modem. If you plug a router into a modem, multiple devices can use that modem. Don’t forget the extra security features of the router, either.

Note: a standalone modem does not broadcast the Internet connection wirelessly. You will need a router if you plan to connect wirelessly.

Gateways

A gateway is a modem that also includes a built-in router, making it a modem-router combo. Using a gateway saves you the trouble of having to set up and maintain two different devices just to connect to the Internet.

Most of the time, when you have a gateway, it’s supplied by your ISP. These are meant to work for almost every customer the ISP serves, but it often means that neither the modem nor the router inside the box is especially good.

If you intend to buy your own router and modem, it may make sense to opt for a 2-in-1. In this case, because you’re buying it for your own needs, you can make sure that both the modem and router sides of the device have the features and functionality you need.

Which Should You Buy?

If you’re looking for faster Internet speeds, you may be tempted to upgrade your modem, your router, or both. Which of these would provide the most benefit? Should you upgrade at all?

Buy a Modem If …

• Your ISP allows you to upgrade your modem.
• Your existing modem has a dated or substandard built-in router.
• You’re looking for a more flexible network setup.
• You want a standalone modem with no integrated router.

Buy a Router If …

• You want to plug more devices into your modem.
• You want to transfer data between devices in your home.
• You have devices with more modern Wi-Fi technologies than your existing router can handle.
• You want to upgrade the security of your home network.

Pay More Attention to Your Router

For most things we care about when it comes to security, Internet speed, and ease of use, your router is more important than your modem. Your modem connects to the Internet, but the router makes all the connections that matter to your devices.

If your router is giving you trouble, be sure to check out our guide to troubleshooting your router. If you decide you need a new router, ask these eight questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a new modem speed up my Internet connection?

Possibly. The ultimate arbiter of your Internet speed is your ISP. If your current modem is capable of reaching the maximum speed you’re paying for, a newer modem won’t change that. If you have a limited older modem, switching to a new one may allow faster Internet speeds.

If you’ve recently upgraded to a higher-tier Internet plan but are not seeing faster speeds, upgrading your modem may help.

Will a new modem speed up a slow Wi-Fi?

Unless your modem has a built-in Wi-Fi router, no. Wi-Fi speeds tend to cap out before your Internet speed does. You can check this by visiting a site like speedtest.net from a wired connection, then the wireless connection, to compare.

Will a new router speed up slow Wi-Fi?

Sometimes, yes. If you have a new tablet, but your router doesn’t support the latest Wi-Fi technologies, for example, your tablet will be stuck at the speed of the older Wi-Fi tech. Upgrading your router will let your device make use of the faster new technology.

Should I rent or buy a router?

While most ISPs have the option for you to rent a router from them for a small monthly fee, it is best to buy your router and constantly update it to take advantage of the constantly improving Wi-Fi technology.

Image credit: Group of engineers connecting fiber network cable by DepositPhotos