Modem vs. Router

 Modem vs. Router

In the small office or home office there is something that may be called both a modem and a router. This blog post aims to demystify both terms. Starting out the modem is a part of the wireless router that uses a technology from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to convert analog and digital signals into a way for you to connect to the Internet. The router part is something that is using the wireless signals to manage the connected devices and route them to the Internet or locally.

The Modem

Think of the modem as a direct connection to the Internet through the ISP. The modem is something like a translator of analog signals and digital signals. Modems are using a modulator and demodulator to convert analog signals from the ISP into digital signals that can be used to get the traffic flowing. There are some models of modems that are integrated into the newer wireless routers.

There is a limit on the modem usually where there is only one output connection. This is something that limits the technology, which is why there are more switch ports on a wireless router. It acts as the modem and a router which enables wireless and wired connections through the interfaces on a wireless router. This limit is something that will not allow most people to access the Internet with multiple devices.

The Router

The router component connects the modem to essentially create a Small Office Home Office (SOHO) network. This uses the wired and wireless signals to route traffic to its destination, on the Internet or locally. Most people have more than one device so a router acts as a traffic cop and gets data to go to where it is needed. This typically has the capability to route the traffic but not connect to the Internet.

The router is something that connects your movies to play on the device that you are using through the SOHO network. It also works to send Wi-Fi signals to the right device and does basic network security keeping you safe from hackers. This is far from the safety of a firewall used by enterprises but does keep you somewhat safe from amateur hackers.

The Gateway

The gateway is a device that merges the capability of the modem and the router along with switch ports to have a single device managing the network. Internal to the gateway the devices are still acting as separate components to do the job that is needed to connect your network to the local network or the Internet. The gateway acts as a modem and a router connecting to each other in one single system like the newer models that have come out. Gateways are the future of where the technology is going.

Conclusion

The devices that you connect to a stand-alone modem, and a router use a certain order that you would need to troubleshoot if you are getting a bad signal or poor quality. This usually means that one or more of the devices is overheating and needs to cool down. The modem should be first and then the router should be turned back on after the modem. Usually, you would need to reset them by pressing the power button on each for at least 60 seconds to do a soft reset.

Being an IT Professional, there are times when a gateway may overheat, this might be a fan issue with the device and can be replaced with a newer one from most ISPs. Usually, they will swap the old one for a new one and you can get better performance if the device is replaced after 3 to 4 years of use. Try to be smart and look up the replacement policy from your ISP. Take a look at any electronics retailer and look up different models of modems, routers and gateways to see the differences between them.