Difference between Modem and Router

If you are using internet, you certainly have heard terms modems and routers which are most commonly used peripheral devices in the field of networking. The technical person has the knowledge about their functionality and usage but a common user may not know the difference between modem and router.

The devices may look similar to each other but these have differences in functionality and serve a different purpose. The comparison of the modem and router is given below.

What is a modem?

The modem is an abbreviation of modulator-demodulator. It is a peripheral networking device used to send and receive data over the telephone line, cable or satellite.

The modem performs modulation, the process of variation of one or more properties of carrier signals, and demodulation, the process of extraction of original information from carrier signals.

The modem connects to Internet Service Provider through telephone wire plugged via RJ-11 connector and can be connected to different devices through RJ-45 connector as well as wireless radio signals.

There are many types of modems but a few are listed below.

Dial-up Modems: In the 1990’s the dial-up modems were used to connect the internet by a lot of users from around the world. These were used to convert data in the analog form (over telephone lines) and data in digital form (data on computers). Dial-up modems were internal and external. Internal modems were designed internally in the computers while external modems were plugged into computers.

Intelligent Modem: A modem that responds to commands and can accept new instructions during online transmission. It was originally developed by Hayes.(Ref: yourdictionary)

Short haul Modems: Short haul modems provide local communication between dataloggers and computers. Typically, two modems are required—one at the datalogger end and one at the computer end. Ref. Campbellsci

Broadband Modems: Broadband modems fall under the category of high speed modems. You can enjoy high speed internet only if you live in an area where broadband service is available. Broadband modems have main three types i.e. 1) cable modems, 2) DSL(Digital Subscriber Line) Modems, and 3) Wireless Modems(WiFi Modems).

A router is a very simple device used to connect multiple networks. Router routes the traffic between two different networks.

When a router receives the data packet from one network, it reads its information to determine the destination. After using information available in routing table, it directs the data packet to its destination.

Router has one connection to internet and other connection to your local network. For example, if you have internet connection on one computer at your home and want to connect other devices available in other portion of the house, you can use a router.

You cannot directly connect router to an internet without using modem. Router can simply be used to connect two or more devices locally.

Earlier routers have multiple Ethernet ports and we can connect multiple devices in local area network. Nowadays modern routers are used to connect wireless devices like laptops, tablets and printers etc. All devices can be connected to the router and can access the modem, and the internet. The router provides a local IP address to each connected device, but these devices will have the same external IP address, assigned by your ISP.

There are several types of routers depending on their functionality and usage but some of them are described here. (Ref: itstillworks)

Wired routers: These types of routers are connected to computers through wire lines. One port of router is connected to internet and other is connected to the computer to distribute the internet data packets. Wired routers create local area network (LAN).

Wireless routers: Wireless routers connect to the internet connection via cable for receiving internet data packets but connects to wireless devices through its antenna. The router converts the data packets into radio signals and antenna broadcast the radio signals wirelessly.

Wireless routers create wireless local area network(WLAN). It can connect all the devices which are in the range of wireless routers.

Core routers: Core router can be wired or wireless. It can distribute data packets within a network and does not distribute data packets within multiple networks.

Edge routers: In contrary to core routers, edge routers distribute data packets to one more networks but does not distribute data packets within a network.

Router and Modem Combo

Both router and modem are different in terms of functionality and usage but some internet service providers offer a device which combined functionality of modem and router. This device is hybrid type and is called router and modem combo. This device has no proper name.

Router/modem combo is built to simplify the process of creating LAN/WLAN. Having this hybrid device, you do not need separately configure modem and router.

Using two different devices have more flexibility as compared to using a hybrid device. It also lets to make sure that you are using best quality devices. The downside of using hybrid device is that ISPs may cost some extra money.

Difference between modem and router

The modem is used to connect to internet while the router is used to connect to different networks.
To connect to internet modem is necessary while router is necessary to connect devices in local area network or two different networks.
Modem needs to be connected through RJ45 and RJ11 connectors while routers only support RJ45 connectors.
Modem does not provide security measures but router provides security in the network against intruders.

Bottom Line

As you have seen that both modem and router not only have different functionalities but also serve on different levels within the same network. In case of modems, signals are coming into and going out of local area network while the routers distribute data among devices.

After knowing the functionality of router and modem and difference between them, you will be able to decide as to whether a modem is sufficient to meet your needs or you need a router to establish your local network.

What is a modem?

What is router?

Router and Modem Combo

Difference between modem and router

Bottom Line