Difference Between Modem and Router

A good number of people believe that the internet is the greatest invention ever, and it is understandable why they believe so. It is a top-notch platform that encourages freedom and information sharing. This platform has experienced levels of improvement since its first workable prototype in the 1960s.

One of the major improvements was the use of networking devices to connect computers and other gadgets to the internet and local networks known as LAN (local area network). In this post, we will take a look at the difference between modem and router including their definitions, how they function, and a table that sums up how they are different from one another.

Definition of Modem

A modem is a bridge that connects your local computer to the internet. The term actually stands for modulator-demodulator, and it was originally used to control telephone line signals by encoding and transmitting digital information before being demodulated and decoded at the receiving end.

These days, this device has been developed to play a major role in what we know as an internet connection – a major fact that addresses the question – what is the difference between a modem and a router?

What is does?

This tiny box comes between your cable box or wall (with regards to the kind of connection you have). When data is sent to this device, it translates it to a humanly coherent form that is displayed on your computer. In other words, the device changed the data analog wave to a digital one and delivers it to your computer in the form of an internet connection.

Types:

External – Wired to the PC using cables
Internal – Already embedded on the motherboard
Analog – Works by the asynchronous transmission of data
ADSL – Sends data over existing copper telephone lines
GSM – Works with SIM cards and the support of a mobile operator

Functions:

Data compression through the signal
Signal modulation and demodulation
Control of flow of data
Connects devices
Error correction
Communication and checking data packages

A difference between a modem and a router that is worthy of note is how the former attaches to your PC depending on the type of connection you’re working with.

Definition of Router

A router is a small box designed to grant multiple computers access to a particular network. They can be either wired or wireless depending on the model. For a wireless model, the antennas, which are responsible for the transmission and reception of signals, could be located on the inside or the outside the device, and they may be more than one.

Talking about the difference between router and modem, the former is only designed to connect different devices to a particular resource sharing organization but does not have what it takes to provide access to the internet.

What it does?

This device is referred to as such owing to the fact that signals are routed back and forth through it. It connects compatible devices together such that each of them can communicate with the other. In the same manner, a modem can also be connected to this device to provide internet access – let’s call this XYZ.

In this case, other gadgets in the XYZ can access the modem through it, thereby granting them all access to the internet. This is one of the answers to the question – what is the difference between a router and a modem? It also shows how the two gadgets in question can work with each other for better access.

Types:

Wired – Connects and distributes data via cable connections
Wireless – Distributes data packets via one or more antenna
Core – Works within a particular group of computers as opposed to multiple groups
Edge – Works within one or more connections
Virtual – Used as a default when a primary function device is not working

Functions:

Works as a single or dual-band WiFi
Connection and resource sharing
Can be used in the activation of parental control feature
Works as an intersection between multiple IPs

Modem vs Router Comparison Table

Here are some of the basic points that answer the question – what is the difference between router and modem?

Basis of Comparison	Modem	Router
Definition	A device that connects a local network to the internet	A small box designed to grant multiple computers access to a particular network
Functions	– Data compression through the signal – Signal modulation and demodulation – Control of flow of data – Connects devices – Error correction – Communication and checking data packages	– Works as a single or dual-band WiFi – Connection and resource sharing – Can be used in the activation of parental control feature – Works as an intersection between multiple IPs
Types	– External – Analog – ADSL – GSM	– Wired – Wireless – Core – Edge
Connectivity	Connects a device to the internet	Connects one or more devices to a particular group of gadgets
Application	Translates the signals of a computer from digital to analog and vice versa	Inspects a data packet and channels it on the most suitable path to its destination
Purpose	Connects to the internet and makes requested information available to the computer	Serves as a secondary destination for every piece of information before dispersing it to specified primary locations in the computer
Layer	Data link	Physical layer, data link layer, and network layer
Internet connection	Required	Not instrumental

Conclusion of the Main Difference Between Modem vs Router

It is important to understand the difference between a router and a modem, as well as their similarities. Both of them are important in computer science, and from a general scope, they offer the same benefits. Here are some of their benefits.