These two devices help power your home internet connection. It helps to know how they function. Here are the details.

Modem vs. router takeaways A modem acts as a translator between your internet service provider and your home network. A router broadcasts your Wi-Fi network to nearby devices.

Yep, that's what your router is for. Instead of wiring each of your devices to your modem, you wire a router to it. From there, that router broadcasts a Wi-Fi network.

Gateway, the modem/router combo unit You don’t actually have to buy your modem and router separately.

Modem and Router combined 1] What is a Modem OK, so when it comes down to the differences between a modem and a router, we should clarify that a modem is designed to read data coming from your ISP.

Many people even use modem/router combo units, which contain a modem, router, and wireless access point all in one device.

A cable modem and WiFi router all-in-one combines the two essential devices to get you online and keep you connected.

Over time the general public will become accustomed to just using the term "router". But the router is also a modem, as it still does contain the circuitry for a modem. Just because that circuitry is ...

As for the cable modem, the main factors are price and reliability. It is a modem, not a router, so performance is based on the signal quality and specs of the hardware.