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Modem vs Router |
What Is the Difference Between a Modem and a Router
While they are both important pieces of hardware, there are many differences between a modem and a router. In short, modems connect to the internet, while routers connect your devices to a wifi network.
But they link in an important way, and you need them for different things. Your router creates a network that connects all the devices in your home to the wifi, and your modem connects that network to the internet. Some broadband providers combine these pieces of hardware together, but they are still doing two different things.
| Modem: | Router: |
|---|---|
| Connects directly to your internet service provider (ISP) | Creates a local area network (LAN) |
| Has nothing to do with the wifi | Creates and manages your home wifi |
| Does not require a router to function by itself | Requires a modem to connect to the internet |
| Is assigned a unique IP address |
What Is a Modem?
A modulator-demodulator, or modem, is the device your router uses to connect to the internet. It can function independently of a router, and will serve its purpose whether you have one or not.
A modem works by modulating and transforming electrical impulses sent by your internet service provider through a coax cable, into a digital or analog format that your computer or router can understand. The three types of modem are:
Analog (dial-up)
Digital subscriber line (DSL)
Cable
Analog (dial-up) is an older and slower technology, while digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable are both broadband technologies that provide faster and more reliable internet access. DSL uses telephone lines, while cable uses coaxial cables commonly used for cable television.
You will find that most modems have two connection ports – one that connects to your ISP, and a LAN Ethernet connector that can be connected either directly to your computer, or into your router. Connection to your router is most common because multiple devices can access the internet with the wifi network it establishes.
Pros and Cons of a Modem
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Converts signals from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) into one a computer can use | Unable to create a local wifi network |
| Can connect a computer or laptop directly to the internet without the use of a router | Can only connect one device to the internet at a time |
| Speed depends on the cost | Cannot be easily moved as there is usually a fixed cable |
What Is a Router?
A router is a device that connects to the internet through a modem. It sets up a public or private wifi network that multiple devices can connect to. When you connect to a wifi network while at home or out and about, that network has been established by a router.
Any device that can connect to a wifi network, for example a smart device or a computer, uses a router to do so. Without a router you would need to connect individual devices to a modem using an ethernet cable, which typically only has room for one.
A router cannot work without a modem, but it expands the amount of devices you can connect to the internet in your home. Using the wifi network it establishes, your devices can communicate wirelessly.
Pros and Cons of a Router
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Establishes a wifi network | Requires a modem to connect to the internet |
| Can connect multiple devices to the internet, using a wifi network | Cannot decode the signals sent from your ISP |
| Provides a more secure connection to the internet | Connection becomes slower since it is passing through two devices |
| Business grade routers offer additional benefits for small and large companies | Typically costly |
| Your router’s location can affect your connection speed |
Modem Speed vs Router Speed
It is not necessarily a question of modem vs router. The router influences the upload and download speeds you’ll receive from your modem, because it splits up the connection between multiple devices.
If you were to connect your device directly to your modem you would likely see a higher speed. Using a router will affect this speed, but this isn’t usually a massive difference. However, if your router does not support high-speed connections then your modem speed will not matter. It is wise to have a router that can support the speeds of your modem.
Essentially, this means your modem is important, but it relies on a good router to work optimally. This is why choosing a good broadband provider is key. Hyperoptic offers hyperfast, reliable average speeds of up to 900Mbps. It is a simple switch, so check if your postcode can benefit from our super fast service and get connected, even if you’re still in contract with another provider.
Most popular FAQs
Should I connect ethernet to modem or router?
In most home setups, using a router is the preferred option because it provides greater flexibility, security, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. If your modem has built-in router capabilities (commonly known as a gateway), you might not need a separate router.
If you have only one device and do not need Wi-Fi or have additional devices, you can connect directly to the modem. If you have multiple devices or want to use Wi-Fi, connect the modem to a router, and then connect your devices to the router either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Find out more about the difference between a router and a modem
Do I need a modem or router for streaming?
To stream content over the internet, you typically need both a modem and a router. These two devices serve different but complementary functions in providing internet connectivity to your devices.
A modem connects your home network to the internet. A router, on the other hand, is a device that connects to your modem and distributes the internet connection to multiple devices within your home.
If you want to use Wi-Fi to connect devices wirelessly (such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, etc.), a router is essential. Routers can provide both wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity to your devices.
Do I need a modem or router for wifi?
You need a router if you wish to set up a wifi network. A modem cannot do this on its own, but it is required to connect the devices using the wifi to the internet.
Find out more about the difference between a router and a modem
Which is better, a modem or router?
Objectively, a modem is better because it is able to actually connect to the internet, whereas a router needs a modem to work. However, with multiple devices, it makes more sense to use a router/modem combo. Some broadband providers combine both into one piece of hardware.
Find out more about if you need a router if you have a modem
Do I need a router if I have a modem?
You do not need a router if you have a modem, if you intend to only connect one device to the internet at a time (although a router cannot work without a modem). If you require multiple devices to be connected to the internet, you will need to do this through a router’s wifi network.
Read our pages on which is better a router or modem and the difference between a router and modem
