What is the Difference Between a Modem and a Router : They are devices that allow us to connect to the Internet and optimize the quality of navigation. Characteristics, models, and recommendations.
Connectivity has become key. Having good access to the Internet makes many things more accessible and influences the quality of daily activities that range from entertaining ourselves to working, shopping, or solving paperwork.
That is why the devices we use to navigate evolve day by day to offer a better experience. Knowing the difference between a modem and a router can help you identify what you need to optimize your connection and enjoy the endless benefits of the web.
What is the Difference Between a Modem and a Router
What is a Modem?
The modem is a device that allows us to connect to the Internet. Technically, it is a device that converts digital signals into analog or vice versa to transmit them through telephone lines, coaxial cables, fiber optics, or microwaves.
In computers or other devices that can connect to the Internet, the modem can be internal and external.
Modem Features
A modem has different components that help it do its job. The most important is memory and the microprocessor. In turn, like other hardware elements, they can be internal or external, two popular options to which the so-called ” software modems ” have been added.
Today, we can find a wide variety of options on the market, offering different speed ranges.
Modem Types
Analog: it is the most traditional. It is classified in turn as external or internal, depending on its location. The inside is inside the computer, and the outside is always near a workstation or computer.
It is rectangular and has various input and output connectors. It usually connects to the laptop on one side and the phone on the other. One of its most significant advantages is that it is portable and easy to move around.
Digital
They require a digital telephone line, called ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), for optimal operation. They reach a speed of 128 kbps. Provides superior connection quality. A significant advantage is that you can develop several forms of communication simultaneously.
Cable Modem
it is a particular type of modem with the same characteristics as the traditional one but modulates or demodulates the signal on a cable television infrastructure. It offers higher connection speed and bandwidth and, in turn, is designed to provide the wireless signal without the need for an additional router.
PC Card
It is located on our laptops or televisions. It is installed inside the computer and is usually a type of card. It is easy to move and does not require a power supply.
What is a Router?
It is a device in charge of distributing the Internet signal among all the computers connected to a network.
The router or router is not responsible for interpreting the movement but instead expands and distributes it.
Its function is to establish which route will be assigned to each data packet within a local network.
Currently, a router can fulfill various functions: share the Internet through ADSL or WIFI cable, provide firewall protection, control the quality of service, among others.
When talking about a WIFI router, it refers to the device that can establish a connection through an Ethernet cable or radio waves, which defines the network as wireless.
Most users prefer to establish wireless networks in their homes or businesses, mainly because they are less expensive and easier to set up.
However, to carry out this network configuration, you need not only the router but also a modem, which is the one that receives the Internet signal, converts it into digital, and, through an ethernet cable, transmits it to the router so that the expand and distribute to all connected devices.
On the market, there are routers with a built-in modem, which allows us to reduce further the number of devices necessary to configure the network (remember to check first what type of Internet access we have -if it is by cable or by DSL- to choose the model Right).
Wireless routers use radio waves to spread their signal, which travels circularly and spread throughout the area. That is why we must evaluate its range and speed to know how much space it will cover depending on the requirements.
ALSO READ: What is a Router?
Features of a Router
- Some models have an optical port. It allows them to receive data through fiber optics and high transmission values, translating into more speed. In addition, most of them have access point mode. Therefore, they allow device management in wireless WLAN networks.
- They have support for networks based on Ethernet cabling, through which they can be interconnected with the rest of the local network equipment.
- They can automatically assign IP addresses in WAN (Wide Area Network or Wide Area Network) and LAN (Local Area Network or Local Area Network) computers through an integrated system called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or protocol dynamic hosting configuration). This means that any computer that enters the network through it can start sending and receiving data automatically.
- Most of them have built-in certain essential firewall functions (firewall: it closes specific logical ports to prevent intrusions and unwanted access to the network).
- They allow transmitting voice and multimedia content through Internet network protocols to and from the local network.
- They have GUI (Graphic User Interface or graphical user interface), which allows them to be managed through Internet browsers, using their IP address, username, and password.
Tips to Optimize your Connection
- You must avoid unnecessary connections. The fewer devices are connected to the network, the better it will work.
- Take care of your passwords. Preventing the theft of Wi-Fi connections by users who do not have your permission is critical for the safety of your navigation and so that your connection is not slowed down.
- Review the devices to use to connect. If one is very old or is not working correctly, it is best to replace it. Using updated devices with the latest communication standards will provide you with quality connections and greater security and use of available Wi-Fi access.
