Internet Modem Vs Router – What are the differences?
Internet modems and routers are usually mentioned in place of each other. However, there are many differences between these devices. The following is a deep dive into their differences and a review of some of the top products.
As technology changes, there are many devices that have replaced older devices. A modem is an older device that you don’t get to see a lot these days due to the use of routers. Routers are much more popular as they combine the functionality of multiple networking device such as modems and switches. A router works by directing network traffic to all devices connected to it in a process known as routing. Devices can be connected wirelessly or physically through Ethernet ports fitted in routers. A modem (modulator demodulator)on the other hand regulates and modulates transmissions to receive and carry data. It is the interpreter that translates network from large internet highways to smaller highways such as homes and offices.Take a look as we compare their differences and highlight their top products.
What are the differences between aModem and Router?
Devices |
Modem |
Router |
Ports |
2 |
Between 2 and 8 depending on the brand |
Form of data in transmission |
Packet |
Packets |
Connectivity |
Wired |
Wired and Wireless |
Layer |
Layer 2 and 3 – data link and network layers |
Layer 3 – Network Layer |
Speed |
Wired: 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps
Fiber optic:1Gbps to 10 Gbps |
1 Gbps or 10/100 Mbps |
Mode of transmission |
Full duplex |
Full duplex |
Type of address |
MAC address |
IP address |
Example |
Modem vs. Router – How do these devices compare?
Functionality and use
Modems and routers are key components of a smooth running network. A modem is a more traditional device that’s in use today due to its translation functionalities. It modulates transmissions so that they are able to receive and carry data over a network. By doing this, it is able to translate network internet traffic from massive data highways and channel them into small highways for homes and offices. In simpler terms, a modem connects the source of internet from your internet service provider to your home network. This is regardless of your type of source from fiber optic, satellite, DSL or Comcast. Internet Service Providers provide modems at a monthly fee. But you can avoid this by having your own cable modem which we’ll be looking at in this article.As you might have noticed, it is quite similar to the purpose of a router. A router is what connects to a modem to create a private network for your home or business shop. So, your devices connect to the router, not the modem. Routers offer much more versatility in functionalities as they come with Smart features such as Alexa Home Assistant. Routers are also wireless as opposed to cable modems.
Connectivity
Connectivity refers to the mode of connection between the router/modem and its connected devices. Cable modems support wired connections as they usually connect to the router. Different types of modems supports different connections from Ethernet, Dial up, telephone lines and DSL connections. Routers on the other hand support both wired and wireless connection. This is because different devices are connected to a router from modems, switches, PCs and even servers. To support all these connections, there are multiple ports on a router. Wireless connectivity is made possible by WLAN and WPS. It is important to note that wired connections are stronger and much faster than wireless connections.
Pricing
If you have a couple of bucks and need to choose between these two devices, modems will be the better choice. Modems generally cost less compared to routers. In fact most modems are less than $100. But this different in price is made up by the versatility of routers. Since routers offer much more functionalities, sometimes, serving as both router and modems, they are expensive. However, they last longer and eliminate the need for modem entirely.
Design
Routers have a much more modern design and are usually horizontally positioned. Some routers have protruding antennas while others have internal ones. And although they are all different, there is a general look for all routers: horizontal and flat. Modems are usually towers and stand vertically. Like routers, they have LED lights and ports. However, modems do not have antennas.
Modem vs. Switch – A Comparison Overview
Modem
The modem is a combination of two words: modulator and demodulator, and this is exactly what the device does. They are older devices that were first used to convert analog signals from telephone lines into digital signals. There are different types of modems because of this, they include: digital subscriber line (DSL), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and cable modems which are the most used today. A cable modem, unlike DSL, allows the user to connect it to a router using a coaxial cable for you to be able to use the phone and internet simultaneously. Modems do this by encoding data from the transmitter (ISP) and decoding it. Basically, it converts branded signals from the ISP to a standard digital signal that devices can connect and use.
Linksys CM3008
- Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, Cablevision, and more; Requires Cable...
- Not compatible with: Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink
Linksys is known to produce the best modems in the market and the CM3008 continues with this reputation. It is a simple plain cable modem that supports three types of cables: Comcast, Spectrum and Coaxial cables. With this, you have the versatility and choice to connect different types of devices. For speed, the model does well with a stated upload speed of 120 Mbps and download speed of 343 Mbps. These speeds get the job done for any home, office or small shop. When it comes to design, the CM3008 is a small black device with plain body design. There are LED lights to indicate different connections and it measures 3.9 x 2.8 x 1 inches. Although this is a low speed plan modem, it does well in the real world environment. The only downside we found for the Linksys CM3008 is that it is incompatible with higher speed internet plans.
Netgear CM600
- Compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, Cablevision, and more. Requires Cable...
- Not compatible with: Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink
We know Netgear Company is geared towards high performance products. The Netgear CM600 is a high speed service modem that supports three connections as well: Comcast, Coaxial, and Spectrum connections. In addition, this is one of the most striking modems in terms of design. It is a black menacing towering device measuring 8.7 x 5.3 x 2.4 inches. But it’s not only looks where this modem impresses, it features a highly impressive performance with an upload speed of 240Mbps and a download speed of960 Mbps. The product comes with a one year warranty. But perhaps the best thing about this router is the price. It is quite affordable at less than $100 and is compatible with many internet service providers.
Routers – Overview
Wireless connections are vital in our world today. Routers are on the forefront of modern networking due to wireless connectivity. Besides delivering a solid connection, they also support multiple devices and offer wide range of coverage for the signal. They typically work by routing the internet traffic into connected devices either wirelessly or physically through a cable. It is important to remember that wireless connections are slower than wired connections. On top of this, routers use two main channels of communication with devices: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. They also come with antennas either internal or external or both. Antennas help regulate the unwanted ‘noise’ from the incoming signal
TP Link Archer A20
- Tri Band Wireless Internet Router for 4K video, streaming and gaming with incredible high speed, 1625...
- Archer A20 V3 with Powerful 1. 8 GHz 64-bit CPU, three co-processors and 512 MB of RAM powers your home...
This router is a high end performance that features a triband 802.11ac system. It is a modern router with Wi-Fi 6, also known as 802.11AX that provides very high throughput speeds and wonderful coverage. Although few devices support this, the router works well with older devices. It is a great investment in the future which is something TP Link is known for. The router boasts outrageous speeds of 1625 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 750 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Like all other TP Link routers, it comes with ports for physical or wired connections. The TP Link Archer A20 feature four gigabit Ethernet ports and one WAN Ethernet port all located at the back of the router.
Netgear AC1750 R6700
- Maximum Range : 1500 Sq Ft
- Recommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
Netgear is known for its top performance routers and the R6700 Nighthawk doesn’t do any wrongs. It is an AC1750 rated router meaning the speeds are stated at 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz channel and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel. Although they are only the ideal speeds, the router does well in a real world setup. It was tested over 5 GHz and found to provide 111 Mbps while standing 5 feet away and 107 Mbps 25 feet away. The thing we loved most in this router however is the affordable price for a high end router.
Model |
Linksys CM3008 |
TP Link Archer A20 |
Ports |
3 |
7 |
Speed |
upload speed of 120 Mbps and download speed of 343 Mbps |
1625 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 750 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz |
Special features |
auto-learning and auto-aging |
MUMIMO, beamforming |
Size |
3.9 x 2.8 x 1 inches |
7.9 inches across |
Color |
Black |
White |
Availability |
Conclusion
To select the most suitable router or modem for you, consider what you need most out of it. If it’s speed, the Netgear CM800 and TP Link Archer A20 would be the best choice for you. For low budgets, we recommend the Linksys model.
