Router vs. Modem: What’s the Difference?
Routers and modems both serve a role in a computer network with very different functions. Explore the differences between routers and modems to ensure you make informed network decisions at home or in your workplace.
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Routers and modems are both key components of home networks, though they serve different purposes in establishing and maintaining your network connection. Routers direct traffic between devices on your local area networks (LANs). Modems establish connections between your home network and your internet service provider (ISP).
Explore the key features of a router and a modem, as well as the advantages, disadvantages, and different types of products to better inform your network decisions.
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What is a router?
A router is a type of networking device that directs data traffic between your devices on local area networks (LANs) and the internet. Routers perform by analyzing the incoming and outgoing data and then sending this data to the correct destination. This type of technology is important to enable wireless connections between devices such as smartphones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, and other smart devices.
Routers perform the following essential functions:
Connect multiple devices to the internet
Create LAN network
Provide wired and wireless communication
Share data and resources across devices
Direct data traffic between devices and the internet
Types of routers
When choosing a router, you may pick between several options, each with its own features and properties that suit different functions. Consider these features when beginning your search:
Wired versus wireless router: You can choose between a wired and wireless router, which will use a wireless connection (Wi-Fi) or Ethernet cables to connect devices physically.
Core router or edge router: A core router connects devices within networks but not between multiple networks. This type of router is central to your network. Conversely, an edge router connects your network to other networks and is found on the edges of your network. An edge router can’t share data within a network.
Virtual or physical router: Most routers are physical pieces of equipment, but a virtual router is software that uses a virtual machine to enable a computer or server to work as a router.
Home versus enterprise router: A home router connects home devices to the internet, while an enterprise router connects devices for a company or larger organization. A home router can be simpler than an enterprise router, including advanced features for more complex connections.
Who uses a router?
Anyone who would like to connect multiple devices to the internet and facilitate communication between these devices will likely benefit from a router. Routers enable wired and wireless connections, allowing you to share information between devices, such as files, streaming media, and centralized data. For example, connecting your laptop to the internet or streaming a movie from your smart TV are two ways to potentially use a router in your home.
Advantages and disadvantages of routers
Routers offer several advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of router and use. What you consider a pro or con will depend on personal preferences. Commonly considered advantages and disadvantages include:
Advantages of routers
Multiple device connectivity
Firewall protection
Local resource sharing between devices
Customizable settings for parental control
Disadvantages of routers:
Risk of hacking
Reduced connection in some placements due to physical barriers
When choosing a router for your home or business, discuss your wants and priorities with your internet service provider or router company about the features you feel will be most important to you. Internet service providers typically bring a router to your home as part of your service package. You may upgrade to a more advanced router if you prefer. This may help ensure you maximize the advantages of your router choice while minimizing potential disadvantages.
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What is a modem?
A modem, also known as a modulator-demodulation, is a type of network device that connects your home network with your ISP. It accomplishes this by converting the ISP signal into an interpretable signal for your devices and then converting your device signals into a signal appropriate for the ISP to interpret.
Key functions of a modem include:
Establishes the network connection between your home network and ISP
Creates WAN network
Converts ISP signals to signals for your devices
Types of modems
Modem designs exist for different purposes. In general, the type of internet connection you are looking for will help determine the right modem for your needs. Common types of modems include:
Cable modem: Uses coaxial cables for internet connection
Fiber modem: Uses fiber-optic cables to provide high internet speed
DSL modem: Uses the telephone for data transmission
Satellite modems: Uses satellite technology for internet access.
Who uses a modem?
Typically, anyone who connects their routers or devices to an ISP network uses a modem, including business and residential users.
Advantages and disadvantages of modems
Consider several advantages and disadvantages of modems when deciding if a modem is right for you. Discuss any concerns you may have with a networking professional to ensure you make the right choice for you. Some commonly considered advantages and disadvantages of modems may include:
Advantages of modems:
Ability to establish a connection between the home network and ISP
Reliable connection between router and internet
Ability to connect with many types of internet services
Disadvantages of modems:
Limited to one connection point without a router
Limited bandwidth when using cable modems
Other things to consider
In addition to understanding the basics of routers and modems, you may want to take other factors into consideration when looking for these networking components.
How to choose the right modem
When choosing a modem, consider factors such as compatibility, speed, and future-proofing. You may benefit from a modem compatible with your ISP and your internet service. If you have concerns about whether your modem will be compatible, call your internet service provider to ensure you know what specifications to look for. Consider looking for a modem that supports the speed of the internet connection you have in your home or place of business and one that you can upgrade when new technology is available.
How to choose the right router
When choosing a router, consider the router’s coverage, speed, and security. The router's coverage relates to the space in which you will need network connectivity. Depending on your area, you may need a more powerful router or several routers. You may want to seek out a router with USB ports, apps, dual-band support, or other features that may suit your needs. In addition, look for routers with encryption or other security features to ensure you are protecting your network.
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Routers and modems are both important parts of a home network system, but they have different functions. Understanding the differences between the two and how each serves your network needs may help you make informed decisions about the technology in your business or home.
If you’re ready to take the next step, build relevant knowledge about routers, modems, and home networking by completing the Akamai Network Engineering Professional Certificate or the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, both offered on Coursera.
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Akamai Network Engineering
Launch Your Career in Network Operations. Build job-ready skills and gain credentials to go from beginner to job-ready in 5 months or less. No degree or prior experience required.
4.7
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Average time: 5 month(s)
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Skills you'll build:
Security Management, Database Management, Python, Troubleshooting Skills, SQL/NoSQL, Basics of Databases, Linux/Unix System Administration, Cisco Packet Tracer, Debugging Techniques, DNS, Command-Line Interface, Managing Linux Permissions and Ownership, Performing Basic Linux Tasks, Bash (Scripting Language), Virtualization, System Configuration, Operating Systems, File Systems, OS Process Management, File Management, User and Group Accounts, Systems Administration, Linux Commands, User Accounts, Managing the File System in Linux, Unix Commands, Linux Administration, Authorization (Computing), Virtual Machines, Open Source Technology, Linux, Unix Shell, Managing Jobs and Processes, Databases, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Organizing Data, Query Languages, Working with SQL Queries and Functions, Relational Databases, SQL, Database Design, Using Subqueries, Relational Database Concepts, Manipulating Table Data, Database Systems, OSI Models, Network Infrastructure, Network Security, Network Transmissions and Hardware, Internet Protocol (IP) Suite, Network Routers, Remote Access Systems, Wireless Networks, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), General Networking, Network Theory, Network Administration, Computer Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), TCP/IP, Network Architecture, Network Protocols, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Security Controls, Network Model, Routing Protocols, Network Troubleshooting, Network Management / Troubleshooting, Networking Hardware, Risk Management, Hardening, Vulnerability Scanning, Endpoint Security, Threat Detection, Disaster Recovery, Public Key Infrastructure, Multi-Factor Authentication, Cybersecurity, Computer Security Incident Management, Identity and Access Management, Incident Response, Authentications, Mobile Security, Encryption, Vulnerability Assessments, Firewall, Penetration Testing, Information Security (INFOSEC), Using Databases and Interacting with Web Sites, Create user-defined functions, Computer Programming, Exploring Programming Concepts, Web Applications, Developing a Simple Application, Application Development, Program Development, Scripting, Structuring Code for Reuse, Debugging, Data Structures, MySQL, Python Programming
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IBM Cybersecurity Analyst
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Cybersecurity Compliance, Database Queries, Digital Forensics, Network Security, Penetration Testing, Cybersecurity Case Study Analysis, Incident Response, Cybersecurity Controls, Physical Threats and Controls, Cybersecurity Threats, Laws and Regulations, Risk Management, Cybersecurity Standards, Cybersecurity Framework, Linux, Windows, MacOS, User Accounts, Virtualization, User (Computing), Operating Systems, Directory and File Management, Certification exam practice, CompTIA CySA, CompTIA Security+, Cybersecurity, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cryptography, Cyber Threat Hunting, Penetration Test, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Incident management, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Vulnerability Management, Application Security, Information Security (INFOSEC), Cyberattacks, Cybersecurity Incident Management, Security Analysis and Reporting, Digital Evidence Handling, Resume, Interviewing Skills, Job Search Strategies, Cybersecurity Careers, job interviews, Digital Network Architecture, Data Security, Intrusion Detection Systems, Network Configuration, Endpoint Security, Firewall Configuration, Password policies, User profiles, Database Security, Database injection vulnerabilities, Database auditing models, CompTIA Certifications, ISC2 certifications
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