What is the difference between a modem and a router, is there a difference and which one is better?

Almost every home that uses electronics and has access to the Internet has a small network device called a modem. Although, some may argue that it is correct to say router. To answer this question correctly, you need to dig deeper and find out what the difference is between a modem and a router.

What does a router do?

A router or router is a device that allows you to connect computers into a single network. It operates at the third (network) level of the OSI network model, in contrast to a device with similar functions called a Switch (switch), which operates at the data link (second) layer of the OSI model. At the third level, all network protocols are available to the router, including IP/IPv4/IPv6. This means that each computer on the network can be assigned its own address.

Before the invention of Wi-Fi, routers were equipped only with LAN ports, providing a wired local network. Later, they were equipped with a Wi-Fi module for wireless data transmission over the network using a set of IEEE 802.11 standards.

It turns out that the router can connect several computers and devices into a single network, but it cannot provide access to the global network.

Conclusions TheDifference.ru

1. The router distributes data packets between network segments, the modem converts the signal into data packets.
2. The modem is designed to work with one client, the router - with several.
3. The modem does not require configuration; the router is configurable at all levels.
4. The router has its own IP address.
5. The router ensures the security of network connections.
6. A software router does not require additional hardware; a software modem does.

What does a modem do?

The modem provides access to the global Internet. It is used in communication systems for functional interaction at the boundary between information signal configuration objects. It has a modulator that converts the characteristics of the signal when transmitting data and a demodulator that provides the opposite effect when receiving an information signal. That is, the signal that passes through the demodulator then goes to the computer and is processed by it through data transfer protocols.

It turns out that the modem acts as a kind of connecting link between the computer and the global network, as well as an information signal converter, the characteristics of which must be changed for proper processing both on the computer and when transmitting data via communication channels.

Difference table

Settings

1. Connecting the power supply, input cable from the provider and meter twisted pair cable to a computer or laptop.
2. Turn on the computer and router. Be sure to wait for each of them to finish loading.
3. Launch the browser and enter the network address: “192.168.1.1” (in some cases, the last two numbers may be “0.1” - see the instruction manual).
4. We set the name of the network, the password to access it and the encryption method (it is best to choose WPA2 - the maximum level of security).
5. Reboot the router, everything is ready.

Combination routers and modems

Yes, modern routers perform the functions of a router and a modem, because they contain elements of the first and second devices on a single board, hidden in a small, neat plastic case. Now, using a router, you can connect:

• to the Internet via a WAN port using external protocols PPP, HDLC, Frame Relay;
• to a computer, smartphone, printer, TV and other device via a LAN port or via Wi-Fi, via local Ethernet and 802.11 protocols.

If previously, to connect several devices to the Internet, it was necessary to use a router and modem in combination, then a modern router is now sufficient for these purposes. Take for example TP-LINK Archer C7. It supports all Wi-Fi protocols, tunnel protocols for creating virtual networks and connections to servers. It has high speed LAN ports (1 Gb/s) and Wi-Fi (300 Mb/s).

Differences between a router and a router

The difference between the devices is only on paper, and is manifested in the fact that the word “router” is most often used in the accompanying documentation for Internet devices. This translation option is more formal and is therefore less often used in everyday speech.

Modern routers in most cases support a wireless network. This means that connecting home devices to the Internet is done not only with a cable, but also using Wi-Fi. In this context, there is also no difference between these concepts. The concept of “Wi-Fi router” is no less widespread than “wireless router”.

• Causes of router malfunction

Note! The definition of “router” is a more formal translation of the English term “router” into Russian.

How do I know if I need a router or modem?

The banal “you need Internet, buy a modem, you need a network, get a router” is not quite the correct answer. Start from the tasks that are assigned to you:

• If you need to provide Internet access to one computer when a telephone cable is installed in the house, you need a modem. A modern ADSL modem will provide maximum throughput of up to 24 Mbit/s. It is equipped with LAN ports, Wi-Fi, and has all the same network functions as a router. You can make calls and be connected to the Internet at the same time. The only thing is that Internet access must be provided by the company that maintains the communication line.
• If you need access to the Internet, and the only connection nearby is cellular, you need a USB modem. A small compact device resembling a flash drive will provide access to the global network anywhere there is coverage.
• When the task is to bring Internet to an office and distribute it to four or more computers, and there is a provider that provides services for providing a channel with a speed of 50, 100 or more Mb/s, you need a full-fledged router. You can connect 4 devices via the LAN port. Laptops, smartphones and tablets can be connected via Wi-Fi.
• To combine a large number of devices into one “LAN” without access to the Internet, you can use a router to assign a network address to each computer. If there are not enough LAN ports, just buy another router and connect them together. And connect more PCs to the network. If address assignment is not critical, you can use an 8 or 16 port switch.
• To provide a large network of “subscribers” with the Internet, for example the same 10 computers, you can connect according to the Internet – Router – Switch – Computers scheme. In the router, the DHCP server roles are raised accordingly. It is recommended to involve a network wizard in the setup.

Choice

Conventionally, routers, depending on their design, are divided into industrial and household. In the first case, it is a specialized device. They are most often used to organize corporate networks, and the network administrator, who is a technically trained specialist, is responsible for the correct choice. But with household routers everything is much more complicated. They are bought by ordinary users who are not well-trained and knowledgeable specialists in this field. Therefore, the following recommendations can be given to them:

1. First of all, we pay attention to the manufacturer. The best routers are D-Link, Asus and Zyxel brands.
2. Please note the maximum data transfer speed over the wireless network. In most cases this is 150 Mbit/s. But there are also devices capable of transmitting 300 Mbit/s. The bigger, the better.
3. Don't forget to check the package contents. In addition to the router, you must also have a power supply, a user manual in Russian, a meter-long twisted pair cord for connection and initial setup, and a driver disk.
4. Then we look at the operating modes of the wireless network. There are only two options: “abg” and “bgn”. If your smartphone is equipped with a standard “a” transmitter, then it will not work in the latter type of router. In general, everything should be consistent and work in the same mode. Otherwise, connection problems may occur.

Some stores, in order to further confuse the ill-informed buyer, tend to name network devices differently on price tags. At the same time, those that come with a foreign word are more expensive. If in such a store you ask the seller: “What is the difference between a router and a router and why does the former cost more?”, then in most cases you will not be able to get an intelligible answer. Therefore, it is better to avoid such outlets. The quality of their products is usually questionable.

Connecting the modem to the router

To provide the entire home network with uninterrupted Internet access, modern routers that connect to the global network via the WAN port from the “wired” provider can connect to a USB modem operating in the 3G/4G networks of the mobile provider. Two independent communication channels will provide continuous communication for streaming video, RPG games, IP-TV and more.

To connect you need:

• router with USB port;
• USB modem;
• computer.

To distribute the Internet from a USB modem through a router:

1. Connect the devices to each other, and connect the computer to the router via a LAN cable.
2. On your Windows PC, press the Win+R keys and execute the control
   .
3. Go to "Network and Sharing Center"
   -
   "Change adapter settings"
   .
4. “Local Area Connection”
   icon that appears and select
   “ Properties ”
   .
5. Enter TCP/IPv4 by double-clicking and set automatic IP and DNS addresses.

6. Next, go to the router admin panel through a browser by entering 192.168.0.1 in the line. Login and password - " admin".

   
   

7. In the panel, find the USB modem item and enter the operator data. They are provided along with the modem instructions. Some routers assign them automatically. Apply and reboot your device.

8. Then, be sure to check the box next to “Enable 4G as a backup Internet connection”.

9. Ready. The backup line for connecting to the global network will now be able to back up the main one.

Popular models

The most popular models of the devices described in the article are presented below:

• The Huawei E3372h modem is a high-quality and relatively cheap device that supports LTE from any federal operator and has an attractive design;
• TP-link TL-MR3420 router is an uncompromising device with support for USB modems and a range of up to 100 meters;
• Huawei E5776 portable router - LTE-A support, its own 3000 mAh battery and connection for up to 10 gadgets.

The user can also purchase a ready-made solution (device + tariff plan) from one or another telecom operator.

Questions from users

To dot all the i’s, the main questions of the article are presented in a separate block.

How to choose and buy a modem

When choosing a full-fledged router with the ability to distribute the Internet to several devices, pay attention to the characteristics and manufacturer. Good solutions would be devices from TP-Link, D-Link, Cisco.

Mesh networks, what is it

This is the specification for Wi-Fi. Mesh networks are a technology that expands the functionality of wireless Internet access and implements access points with a reduced bandwidth threshold. The topology of mesh networks provides for direct or transit communication between the nodes that form them. This technology is used for rapid network deployment and is used in distributed data collection and processing systems.

What is better modem or router for a laptop?

It depends on how to use the laptop. If you constantly carry it with you, then a USB modem is better. And if you work in the office or at home, then the router

What's the difference between a switch and a router?

Switches (switches) connect computers and other local networks into one large one at the data link level (layer 2 in the OSI model). It uses so-called bridge technology. In memory, the switch stores a switching table that indicates the correspondence of the host MAC address to the switch port.

The router connects computers to each other via the network layer (layer 3 in the OSI model), assigning a TCP/IP address to each connected device. Works with traffic through the routing table. Since a router can be called a combination router, it can provide Internet access.

All about the router

Now let's move on to the second definition of what a router is. This is a device that creates a small network and unites several devices at once, the signal comes from one access point and branches between different network segments.

There are several types based on the type of connection:

• ADSL – works from a telephone line;
• Ethernet – activated via twisted pair;
• GPON is based on optical fiber.

Great, now you know what a modem and a router are, as well as what these devices are needed for. We hope that the brief definitions helped you decide which equipment you will need.

However, it is worth noting that the router design includes a built-in module for receiving and processing the signal.

Well, then we tell you what is the difference between a modem and a router.

Devices for connecting to the Internet

Due to global technological progress, computer technology is developing at a rapid pace:

• new devices appear;
• software is being improved;
• The productivity of technology is constantly growing.

The next question that users of devices with Internet access face is how to connect them to the network with minimal financial costs? As a rule, there are no problems with setup - everything is done according to the instructions. Confusion arises at the moment when it is necessary to decide on the choice of the device itself.

Before drawing conclusions about which is better – a router or a modem, you need to understand the concepts themselves.

What is a router

A router is a device that is used to distribute traffic coming from the network between two or more devices. It creates several mini-networks, evenly distributing signals coming from the network cable between them.

The router works according to the following principle:

• a routing table is stored in the device’s memory, where network addresses, gateway addresses, masks, interface and metrics are registered;

• the table shows the paths to all connected devices;
• the shortest path is selected to each device on the network;
• Data is periodically supplied to check the presence of each device on the network.

The routing table allows you to keep devices on the network for the entire connection time, processing the data packet.

A classic cable device has the following connectors:

• for connecting an electrical adapter (power);
• for internet cable (WAN port);
• for connecting a PC (LAN ports).

A special type of device is a router with a built-in modem. It distributes analog signals in parallel and converts them to digital.

What is a modem

A modem is a device designed to process Internet network signals and decode them. The signals themselves that the Internet provides are incomprehensible to the devices we use. To transmit readable information in a form familiar to users, a modem is required.

Based on their design features, the following types are distinguished:

• external;
• internal.

One type of external modem is ADSL. It has an additional ADSL connector for connecting a telephone line.

A modem with a Wi-Fi router is in great demand today. Due to its versatility, the user gets one device instead of two, and this device performs all the necessary functions, providing uninterrupted access to Internet data.