answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The difference between a router and a modem is that a modem connects you to the internet and a router connects you to a network. If you have 3 computer one modem and a router all computers would be able to connect to the internet because they are on a network.

User Avatar

Brandyn McClure

Lvl 10
2y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
Difference between a Modem and a Router

In simple terms, a modem is a device that converts, or modulates, analog signals into digital data, or vice versa.

In terms of computer networking, a modem takes a signal provided by your Internet Service Provider, or ISP (via power lines, coaxial, etc.) and converts it into data your computer can comprehend to be the Internet. A form of a modem is also often found within a computer, which allows it to connect to the network.

A router, on the other hand, often works within the network as a postal office, metaphorically speaking. In general terms, it allows an Internet connection to be shared by multiple connections within one Local Area Network, or LAN. The router, unlike switches or hubs, checks the destination of the packet and sends it accordingly. Many modern routers also contain a firewall, which generally blocks incoming port connections. Wireless routers still function similarly, but allow computers the ability to connect to the network through wireless means.

These two devices are often used together, or are even combined into one device. The modem supplies the Internet, while the router divides it among multiple computers. The modem also works as an external mask for each of the computers on the network, and the router allows the computers to transfer data between one another.

More explanations from our contributors:

  • A modem is generally used to convert one type of media to another - in order to form a bridge. There will always be 2 modems involved (one on either side of the bridge). For example, because it is impossible for your ISP to supply you with a 5-km-long ethernet cable due to various limitations, the ethernet connection is bridged by a telephone or cable wire with modems on either end.
  • In an enterprise environment such as an ISP, a school campus or a large corporate office, a router will be used to route traffic between Local Area Networks, and ultimately between Internet endpoints. Although, in many places where large-scale Internet connection is required, a switch is used to maintain speed by removing the need to route each packet to its proper destination.
  • Modems are instrumental in communicating with the computers that provide the Internet. Routers take the information received by the modem and split it amongst many computers.
This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

The difference between a router and a modem is that a modem connects you to the internet and a router connects you to a network. If you have 3 computer one modem and a router all computers would be able to connect to the internet because they are on a network.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the difference between a modem and a router?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Difference between adsl cable modem and modem with wireless router?

a wireless router is needed when internet modem doesn't have wireless capability.


Is there any difference between a connection wired directly to a modem and a connection wired to a router connected to a modem?

There is a difference if you are using a low quality router. For good routers you will not notice any difference. Usually there is no difference at all.


What is the difference between bridge mode and router mode on an ADSL router?

The basis difference between bridge and router mode in a Modem is to identify where does the user creditials are stored. In router mode, they are stored in the modem/router itself. In Bridge mode, creditials are stored on a pc and you would need to click on connection icon / connection to establish the connection KK@Melbourne


Is a wireless gateway a modem and a router?

there has been a misunderstanding between modem and router. some people use only a modem to connect wirelessly and some use a modem and a router. The fact is there are two types. first type is a modem with built in router, second is router itself. this will clear your mind. you don't have to buy a router to go online, just a get modem with router built in


Modem router vs modem normal?

if your modem has wireless capblility then you don't need a router.


How do you go from router to modem?

if modem has wireless capability then a router is not needed


Can you get a combined modem and router?

if modem has wireless capability then a router is not needed


Which do i need wireless modem or wireless router?


Do you hook the mac to the internet modem or to the wireless router versus the PC to the modem?

MAC/PC/printer to router. Router to modem. Modem to wall/internet. Wired or wireless router is optional, same principle.


How to connect ps3 to A COMPUTER Using ethernet cable?

If you have a router the ethernet cable connects to it. If you have another item like a PC connected to a modem you could disconnect the ethernet cable from it and plug in the PS3 until you purchase a router.


Where on your network should you install the router?

Between the cable modem and the workstations.


What is a bridge modem?

I'm not sure what you mean. I haven't heard about such things. Probably you meant a router with bridging. If so, then it's a router which you can you use to cover more distance then with only one. (For brindgin you will need at least 2 routers.) You might have meant changing your modem from ppp to full bridging mode. This is generally when you have a router or wireless router connected between the modem and the PC. Normally a modem handles the IP addresses and authentication when you connect to the internet. If you put a router into the situation, then there can be conflicts between the modem and the router. So what can be done is the modem is put into bridging mode which means it doesn't do any of the authentication or IP addressing etc., instead it acts like a "bridge" between the router and the internet. The router does all the work.