What is a router vs a modem?

What is a modem?

A modem (short for "modulator-demodulator") is a device that:

• Connects to your internet service - Plugs into your phone line, cable, or fibre connection
• Converts signals - Changes the signal from your provider into a format your devices can use
• Provides internet access - Gives you a connection to the internet

Think of a modem as the bridge between your home and your internet service provider. It's the device that actually gets you online.

What is a router?

A router is a device that:

• Creates a local network - Sets up Wi-Fi and wired connections in your home
• Directs traffic - Sends data to the right device on your network
• Connects multiple devices - Allows phones, laptops, tablets, etc. to share one internet connection
• Provides Wi-Fi - Creates the wireless network you connect to

Think of a router as the traffic controller for your home network. It takes the internet connection from the modem and shares it with all your devices.

How do they work together?

In a traditional setup:

1. Modem connects to your internet service - Phone line, cable, or fibre
2. Router connects to the modem - Usually via an Ethernet cable
3. Router creates your network - Wi-Fi and wired connections
4. Your devices connect to the router - Get internet through the router

The modem gets you online, and the router shares that connection with all your devices.

Do I need both?

It depends on your setup:

Separate modem and router:

• You have two devices
• Modem connects to your internet service
• Router connects to the modem
• Less common in modern setups

Combined modem-router:

• One device does both jobs
• Most common in modern homes
• Provided by your internet service provider
• Simpler and takes up less space

Most people today have a combined device (often called a "router" even though it includes a modem).

What does my provider give me?

When you sign up for broadband, your provider usually gives you:

• A combined modem-router - One device that does both jobs
• All the cables you need - To connect it up
• Setup instructions - How to get it working

You typically don't need to buy a separate modem or router unless you want specific features or better performance.

Can I use my own router?

Yes, you can often use your own router:

• Connect it to the provider's modem - If they give you a separate modem
• Replace the provider's device - If you want better Wi-Fi or more features
• Check compatibility - Make sure it works with your internet service type

Using your own router can give you:

• Better Wi-Fi coverage - More powerful or mesh systems
• More features - Advanced settings and controls
• Better performance - For gaming or streaming

However, you may need to configure it yourself, and your provider may not support it if you have problems.

What about fibre broadband?

With fibre broadband:

• You still need a modem - To connect to the fibre service
• Or a combined device - Most fibre providers give you one device
• Fibre modem-router - Specifically designed for fibre connections

The principle is the same, but the device is designed for fibre rather than phone line or cable.

What about Wi-Fi extenders?

Wi-Fi extenders and mesh systems:

• Connect to your router - They extend the Wi-Fi signal
• Don't replace the router - They work alongside it
• Improve coverage - Help Wi-Fi reach further in your home

You still need your router (or combined modem-router) - extenders just boost the signal.

Summary

• A modem connects to your internet service and gets you online
• A router creates your home network and shares the connection with your devices
• They work together: modem gets internet, router shares it with devices
• Most modern setups use a combined modem-router (one device)
• Your internet provider usually gives you a combined device
• You can use your own router if you want better features or performance
• Wi-Fi extenders work with your router but don't replace it
• For fibre broadband, you need a fibre-compatible modem-router