When setting up a network or troubleshooting Internet connection issues, it is important to know the difference between a modem and a router. The main difference between the two devices is that the modem allows you to connect to the Internet, while the router distributes this connection to different devices. The modem is the web gateway and the router is the central hub of the device.

Many people mistake the router for the modem and vice versa. Both have a flashing indicator light and an Ethernet port on the back. They also share some similar features. They both send data packets or data units sent from the source to the destination.
But the similarities between them end there. Firstly, modems usually have fewer Ethernet ports than routers. The modem also has a public IP address and can be accessed over the Internet. In contrast, routers have private IP addresses that cannot be found on the web. The modem uses a wide area network (WAN), but the router extends over a local area network (LAN) or limited area network.

What is a Modem?

A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that converts an analog signal into digital information. It also decodes the carrier signal to decode the transmitted information.

The main purpose of a modem is to generate a signal that can be easily transmitted and decoded in order to reproduce digital data in its original format. Modems are also used to send analog signals from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to the radio.

What Does a Modem Do?

A modem is an internet device that modifies and demolishes the signal from the ISP to the device, and vice versa. Modifies (or encrypts) the information from the transmitter and then demolishes (or decodes) the data from the receiver. Think of it as a network translator. Basically, it converts its signal from the internet service provider into a standard signal that the device can use.

The modem also compresses data, corrects errors, and controls the flow of information. The modem collects data based on a specific set of rules and sends it all at once to speed up the transmission. Correcting the error is related to data compression. Here, the modem checks to see if the information it sends matches a specific value set for the computer. If they do not match, the data is sent again.

Stream control allows modems to send signals to each other to support a variety of WiFi and Internet speeds. For example, a low-speed modem sends letters to a high-speed modem and asks it to stop until it is ready to stop transmitting the information. The slow modem then sends another letter to inform the high-speed modem that the data transmission can continue.

What is a Router?

A router is a computer network device that provides two basic functions: (1) creating and maintaining a local network, and (2) managing data in and out of the network, in addition to sending data within the network.

It also helps you interact with multiple networks and route network traffic between them.

On your home network, your router has one connection to the Internet and one connection to your local network. In addition, most routers have a built-in switch that allows you to connect multiple wired devices.

What Does a Router Do?

The main function of a router is to handle the traffic between different network devices. It tracks MAC (Media Access Control) addresses to ensure the correct transfer of information. For example, if you want to watch the video on a mobile phone, the router ensures that it is the mobile phone that is receiving the video information, and not a laptop connected to the network itself.
Apart from this, routers allow users to share resources across the network. These include files, folders, drives, and computer peripherals such as printers, fax machines, and scanners.

Routers also have security features that protect users from hackers and other unauthorized people trying to access the network. One of the primary things that you can do to protect your network is to set a password for your network. This can be configured in the router settings. From here, you can also enable firewalls, restrict access to devices with specific MAC addresses, or block access to certain websites.

If you want to know more about how to log into your router and change your password, then read this article. The router can do all this, but the router itself cannot connect to the Internet. This is where modems come in.

Types of Modems

Dial-up Modem: This type of modem uses an analog telephone line to connect to two peripherals, such as two personal computers. It provides an interface between digital and analog systems. Change the binary data of the carrier signal of the telephone line.

DSL Modem: The DSL model uses a twisted pair cable to carry the signal. It radiates at higher frequencies and covers longer distances from dial-up modems. It offers speeds of 2 Mbps and above, depending on the type and configuration.

Cable Modems: This type of modem is designed to carry radio and television signals. It can be configured internally / externally using a TV line to convert the signal to compatibility mode.

Mobile Broadband Modems: This type of modem uses mobile phone lines such as GRPS, Wi-Max, and UMTS. Also known as a wireless modem. Built into your PC or laptop. You can also plug it into a USB port to access the internet.

Half-duplex modem: This type of modem allows you to send signals in one direction at a time. Therefore, if the modem is receiving an incoming signal, it will display a signal light at the transmission point and stop sending data until the signal receiving process is complete.

Full-duplex modem: This type of modem can send in both directions at the same time interval. There are two online carriers for these types of modems.

4-wire modem: A separate pair of wires used for incoming and outgoing carriers. Therefore, the same frequency can be used for transmission at both ends.

2-wire modem: This type of modem uses a pair of wires for both inbound and outbound carriers. However, if you are using the half-duplex mode, you can use the same frequency for transmissions where data flows only in the same direction each time.

Types of Router

Wireless router: A wireless router is a combination of several base stations (wireless access points) and a large number of wired LAN adapters.

Modem router: Modem routers help connect multiple computers with a single DSL line to access the Internet. This type of router provides the Network Address Translation (NAT) needed to support multiple computers.

Bridge router: Brouter is a network device that acts as a bridge and a router. This router allows you to interact with ATM networks (Asynchronous Transfer Mode).

Distribution router: Distributed routers collect traffic from multiple access routers. It is used to improve service quality over WAN.

Primary router: A primary router is a router designed to operate on an internet backbone or kernel.

Difference between Router and Modem