Router vs Modem vs Modem Router Combo – Which one do I need for my home?

When it comes to home networking, the three most used devices today are: routers, modems and router-modem combos. The following article describes what they are, highlights their differences and reviews the best of each product.

The major difference between a router and a modem is that a modem lets you access the internet while a router distributes the signal to all your devices. A router translates the branded internet service provider’s signal into a standard signal that devices can access. A modem is the link between your ISP signal and the router. It is referred to as the gateway into the web. A modem-router combo device is a two in one device that performs both of these functions. It is easier to setup compared to the individual device but may limit flexibility. Making upgrades and updates will also be difficult on a combo device. However, they are more cost effective than buying individual devices.

What are the differences between routers, Modemsand Modem Router Combo?

Devices
Routers
Modems
Modem Router Combo
Ports
Between 2 and 8 depending on the brand
2
Over 2 ports
Form of data in transmission
Packets
Packet
Packet
Connectivity
Wired and Wireless
Wired
Wired and Wireless
Layer
Layer 3 – Network Layer
Data Link Layer
Network Layer, Data Link Layer
Speed
1 Gbps or 10/100 Mbps
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
Full duplex
Type of address
IP address
MAC address
IP address
Product

Modem vs Router vs. Modem Router Combo – How do these devices compare?

Functionality and use

A modem is an internetworking device that allows you to communicate with you internet service providers and plugs into your router or any other structure you have. It usually comes with ports for these connections with the main one being an Ethernet port. You can connect a router ere to spread your network across all your devices. This means you can also connect directly to a computer for high speeds and excellent performance. By doing this however, other devices cannot be used since a modem does not spread the network wirelessly. When the router is connected, the signal is translated and sent across the house wirelessly for devices to connect. But routers also support wired connections through the ports they are fitted with. A router modem combo device on the other hand builds in router functionalities into a modem. It works by either connecting devices to the internet just like a router or by allowing the computers to communicate with each other directly. A modem router receives information from your service provider and dispatches for your home devices. A modem router is therefore a more versatile solution for home owners.

Ports and connectivity

All three devices need to connect to a computer or router. For this, they are equipped with either wireless or wired connections. Routers and modem router combo devices support both wired and wireless connectivity. Using WLAN, you are able to connect your devices to them wirelessly. And for physical connections, they are fitted with multiple ports. Routers generally have more ports than the rest of the devices. Modems on the other hand only support wired connections and this is mainly due to how they are used. Since they act as a gateway into the web, a cable is used to channel the ISP’s signal to a router. Modems have ports for their cable connections, with an average of about 3 ports.

The quality of the ports also matter, with routers winning again. On top of having the most ports, they have different types of ports from RJ45 Ethernet ports, USB 3.0 and 10 GB SFB ports for industrial routers.

Pricing

Routers generally cost more than modems and combo devices. This is because they offer high quality features, security and high speeds. Modems are the cheapest devices but really cannot be used effectively without a router. Combo devices are fairly prices and safer choice but they come with long term problems such as difficulty in upgrades. You may spend a fortune on a router but it will definitely serve you for much longer.

Router vs Modem vs Modem-router Combo – A Comparison Overview

Router

When setting up a wireless network for your home or workplace, a router is the most important device you need, and sometimes it’s the only device you need. A router is a device that receives signals for your modem that have been sent by your internet service provider and translates into a standard signal that devices can connect to. It is connected to a modem through a cable, usually an Ethernet cable. Routers on the other hand connect to devices wirelessly or wired. There are wired-only routers too but they are not popular and may be difficult to find. There are also routers that can connect directly to your internet service provider and these are known as modem router combo devices.

The versatility of routers is what makes them excellent intelligent devices. Other than establishing a LAN for your home, they also provide security, smart capabilities by communicating with Alexa and allow personalization.

TP Link M9

TP-Link Deco Powerline Hybrid Mesh WiFi System(Deco P9) –Up to 6,000 sq.ft Whole Home Coverage, WiFi Router/Extender Replacement,Signal Through Walls, Seamless Roaming, Parental Controls, 3-pack
  • All the TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi can work together
  • Powerline Backhaul: The Powerline Deco P9 adds a third lane for data to travel through, similar to a...

The TP Link M9 is a mesh router system that is quite easy to install and manage. It is known for providing a superb seamless connection to large homes and offices. But perhaps the most outstanding feature of this router is its ability to communicate with smart devices in your home such as smart TVs and locks. And this is because it comes with a highly effective and responsive mobile app. The app is available for both Android and iOS. When buying this router, it comes as a one pack system and a two pack system. The price increases as the size of the pack increases. There are many reasons for buying this router including: high speeds, built in security system against malware, phishing and hacks, compatibility with Alexa for voice commands and excellent parental control systems that protect the young ones from harmful content.

View Price on Amazon

Modem

Modems are referred to as the gateway into the web. This statement alone indicates the function of a modem. A modem receives analog waves from the ISP and converts them into digital form that your computer can understand. Modems also come in three types depending on what internet connection you have. They include: cable modems, dial up and DSL modems. Cable modems as the name suggests is a wired modem that uses coaxial cables. One end is connected to the back of the modem and the other to the wall connection. It is best if you need high speed internet. On the other hand, dial up modems use phone lines to connect to your ISP. They are the oldest form of modems and are rarely used today. The final type is known as DSL and is used to connect to different plugins and other external modems and PCs. Today, there are many cable modems you can buy cheaply including the following.

Netgear CM500 Cable Modem

The Netgear CM500 works seamlessly and provides a speed of up to 300 Mbps. This is more than enough for many internet users out there. However, if your internet plan is of a higher speed, consider buying a faster modem. One of the reasons this modem stands out is its reasonable and affordable price. The modem also comes with a one year warranty and is available on online stores and at your closest dealer. Another great feature of the Netgear CM500 is the wide range of compatibility with different internet service providers. It also comes with 16 down channels and 4 up channels. The following cables are supported by the modem: Comcast, coaxial and spectrum cable. The modem also has an LED light that is a bit difficult to see which may be a downside for some. However, at night, you will appreciate this low light.

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM500 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | for Cable Plans Up to 400Mbps | DOCSIS 3.0
  • Save monthly rental fees: Model CM500 replaces your cable modem, saving you up to $168/yr in equipment...
  • Speeds by carrier: Spectrum (up to 400Mbps), Xfinity (up to 200Mbps), Cox (up to 150Mbps).

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Modem-router Combo

A modem router combo device is simply a device that combines the functionality of a router and modem. This eliminates the need for a modem. They are connected directly to your ISP through a cable (fiber optic, DSL, Dial up) and then translate the signal internally and dispatch it to your devices. You will find that they are cheaper than routers which is great plus.

Motorolla MG7540

MOTOROLA MG7540 16x4 Cable Modem Plus AC1600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router with DFS, 686 Mbps Maximum DOCSIS 3.0 - Approved by Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, More
  • 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem plus a built-in AC1600 Dual Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) WiFi Gigabit Router with...
  • Requires cable Internet service. Approved by Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox, Charter Spectrum,...

This is the first Motorolla modem-router combo and features an AC1600 dual band router. This means you are provided with a bandwidth of up to 1600 Mbps. However, this is a theoretical speed but when tested in the real world, it gave an excellent performance of 345 Mbps. The Motorolla MG7540 can be used with the following internet providers: X1, Spectrum, Time Warner, Cox and more.

View Price on Amazon

Device
TP Link M9 
Netgear CM500 Cable Modem 
Motorolla MG7540 
Ports
8
8
2
Speed
3000 Mbps
1 Gbps or 10/100 Mbps
1600 Mbps – theoretical

385 Mbps – Tested speed

Special features
4K Support, MUMIMO, beamforming
Data filtering
Comcast support, Spectrum, security
Availability

Conclusion

If you want one device to sort all your home networking issues, we recommend the Motorolla Router. It is a balanced router that provides high speeds, security and is quite reasonably priced.

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