Router vs modem – What are the differences?
When you decide to get a home wifi network, you must know everything you need to set it up. While some devices have modems and routers separately, others combine their functions which can be confusing, so the router vs modem review will help clear the confusion.
Modems and routers are very common computer devices you will find in most homes and offices. However, most people don’t know the differences or the functions of each device. The router vs modem comparison will help you understand how both work.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between a router and a modem?
Model |
Router (Winner) |
Modem |
Security |
Uses firewalls to filter unwanted data |
Doesn’t have firewalls |
Speeds |
Higher speed data transmission |
Slower due to congestion |
Maintenance |
Costly to maintain |
Easy to maintain |
Router vs. modem. How do they compare?
How they work
A modem helps to convert signals from digital data from your computer to analog signals to make it easier to pass through the phone line then convert it to digital on the other end for your network devices to read it. On the other hand, your router connects networks like LAN and WAN to the ISP network so it enables multiple devices to use the same modem or internet connection.
Security
A modem delivers the information as it is delivered from the ISP without checking for security threats and this makes it easy for any threat to access your network through your modem. However, your router uses security protocols like firewalls to examine incoming data and filter any harmful data using antivirus software making it difficult for unwanted material to enter your network.
Placement
A router is placed between the modem and the network system which can be a set of computers. This means your router and modem are physically connected so all the devices you’ve connected to your router can access the internet through the modem. However, the router doesn’t provide direct connectivity with your ISP. On the other hand, your modem is placed between your router or computer and the telephone line which provides connectivity for both your wired and wireless devices.
Router vs. modem. A comparison review
A router – Overview and key features
If you’ve decided to go wireless, you’ll need a router, which is a networking device that allows you to share your internet connection with all your connected devices. It uses an Ethernet cable to connect to your modem which then passes the internet connection to the other devices in your home wirelessly through the wifi network or using an Ethernet cable. When you connect to your router, it will grant you access to your local area network (LAN), but that doesn’t mean it will give you internet access. For your PC and other internet-enabled devices to connect to the internet, you’ll need to connect your router to a modem via a specific Ethernet port. Routers come in 2 main types: the standard single unit routers ideal for small homes and the whole home wifi routers that create a mesh network that is used by multiple devices to extend your wifi signal. This router is ideal for large homes.
Before you go out to buy a router here are a few factors you need to pay attention to.
Speed: Most devices built nowadays fully support 802.11ac standard that provides the fastest throughput at 100 Mbps or more. If your router supports an older standard like the 802.11n, it will still be compatible with the 802.11ac, but it might not provide you with a faster connection because of its own limitations.
Range: The way you position your router is very important, especially if you have a large home. You should place it at a central location away from obstructions, however, you will still run into dead spots where the wireless signal will be hard to reach.
Single or dual-band: A wireless router uses 2 different frequencies. A single band supports either the 2.4 GHz or the 5 GHz band, while the dual-band has both which is better for a crowded neighborhood.
Router lifespan: Network hardware goes through a lot of stress daily as your wifi connection is stretched between your smartphones, gaming console, streaming, tablet, etc. and this overload and overtime working degrades your router. Invest in a high-quality router that has a good lifespan.
Price: Your needs and budget will mostly dictate the kind of router you will buy.
Here are some of the routers
Nighthawk ac1750 r6700
- Maximum Range : 1500 Sq Ft
- Recommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect...
This a very affordable smart wifi router that has powerful features like beamforming that targets connected devices to avoid dead spots. It uses a dual-core processor for better speeds and network management. Some of its features include smart parental control, multi-layered security software, backup software, and a USB-A port for connecting external devices. Although it doesn’t deliver the fastest speeds, it’s ideal for an average home.
Goggle nest wifi router
- Maximum Range : 2200 Sq Ft
- This product includes one router unit.
A powerful mesh wifi router that is perfect for large homes. It uses multiple node links to form a wireless network that is bigger and will provide better coverage, especially if you experience a lot of interference and dead spots. It can cover an area of 2200 sq. feet and if you need more coverage, you can add one or two nest wifi points each covering 1600 sq. feet. It’s very easy to use, setup, and manage your home network. You can buy it as a single unit or a three-pack unit.
Tp link archer c1200
- JD Power Award ---Highest in customer satisfaction for wireless routers 2017 and 2019
- Supports 802. 11AC Wi-Fi standard, Dual Band Wireless Router for home
A budget router that has everything you need without breaking your bank. It’s perfect if you need a simple wifi connection for browsing, light streaming, and checking your email. It has good wireless connectivity and is very easy to set up and manage.
Pros
- Easily share internet with multiple devices
- Use both LAN and WAN
- Can choose the best path for your data to reach its destination
- Provide wireless communication links between devices and networks
Cons
- Routers come with security risks
- Only works with routable protocols
A modem – Overview and key features
A device that allows you to access the internet through your internet service provider (ISP) through fiber internet or cable or a phone line outside your home that is plugged at the back of your router. Your modem then shares this connection with your PC or router through an Ethernet cable. The type of modem you need will depend on the type of internet service you receive. If you have an ISP that uses cable internet, you’ll need a cable modem. Once you connect your modem to your router, all devices connected to your router can access the modem so they’re able to access the internet.
Here are some things you should look for in a modem.
DOCSIS: The maximum speed of your modem will depend on the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) which is the telecommunication standard for providing internet access through a cable modem. Currently, the standard in most ISPs is DOCSIS 3.0 with the highest possible speeds of 1 Gbps, however, the new standard DOCSIS 3.1 has 10 Gbps.
Upstream or downstream: When considering the modem you’re going to buy, 8×4 or 32×4 are very important numbers. The first number is your modem’s ability to download things and the second is for uploading. The rule of thumb is the higher the number, the better the modem will operate.
Here are some modems.
Netgear cable CM1000
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 1Gbps. Currently certified...
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1000 replaces your cable modem saving you up to dollar 168/year in...
This is a 32×4 DOCSIS 3.1 modem that is compatible with all cable internet providers with a capacity of downloading up to 1000 Mbps. This modem can work with any cable internet and support speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This will ensure reliable internet speeds for multi-player gaming, 4K HD streaming, web surfing, and more.
Motorola MB7220
- This 8x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem provides speeds up to 343 Mbps, eight times faster than DOCSIS 2.0. A...
- Cable modem's Ethernet port connects to a computer, HDTV, game station, or wireless router. (This cable...
This is an 8×4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that can provide maximum speeds of up to 343 Mbps for the download and 131 Mbps for the upload. It has a compact and attractive design that helps to reduce the use of a lot of shelf space with vents on the side to help with cooling. It comes with a 2-year warranty.
ARRIS surfboard SB8200
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Better connectivity, better speed. The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS...
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem...
This is a DOCSIS 3.1 modem that can bond with up to 32 downstream and 8 upstream DOCSIS 3.0 channels to provide increased bandwidth for gigabit speeds for things like 4K HD video streaming and virtual reality gaming. It has 2 gigabit Ethernet ports that you can use to connect to your wifi router to enjoy reliable high-speed for your smart TV and gaming console.
Pros
- Easy to replace and upgrade
- Provides reliable and fast internet speeds
- You can download and upload large files faster
Cons
- Cable modems offer slower internet speeds than fiber-optic modems
- Leaves you vulnerable to malware and hackers
So, which is better. The router or the modem?
Routers are better than modems because they provide a wireless connection between your devices and other networks and you can use them to easily share your internet with multiple devices.
FAQ
Can a router be used without a modem?
Yes, it can. A router provides a connection between your devices and assigns them IP addresses. This wifi connection allows your devices to join a computer network without having a physical wired connection.
Do some modem have built-in routers?
An easy way of checking if your modem has a built-in router is by checking if your modem has Ethernet ports at the back. This means it doubles as a router, but this doesn’t guarantee it supports wifi.
