Know the difference between Wi-Fi router and Wi-Fi modem

The terms modem and router often get thrown around when talking about the internet connection. They are taken to mean the same thing, but it’s important to note that they both actually provide different functions.

To put it simply, your router creates a network between the devices in your home. When you connect to the WiFi, you are actually connecting to the Router. A router connects multiple networks and routes network traffic between them. It sits between your internet connection and your local network, letting you connect multiple devices to the internet through one physical internet connection . It also lets these devices communicate with one another over the network. In this way, the router keeps track of what traffic goes to what device over the network. Your router is important as it distributes the internet signal to all of your devices. It also acts as the first line of security against any malicious malware.

On the other hand, the modem connects your local network to the internet connection from your service provider. Modems connect to whatever type of internet structure you have, such as cable or fiber, and give you a standard ethernet cable output that can be plugged into any router for an internet connection.

You cannot have an internet connection without either. Modems make signals readable. Their job is essentially to modulate and demodulate data (carrier signal) from a digital format, intended for communication directly between devices with specialized wiring from the internet service provider, whereas routers have the capability to determine the best path and direct data packets to the correct nodes.

Some internet service providers have modems with integrated routers that perform the functions of both the modem as well as the router. They are made with advanced technology but are easy to use and compact. These hybrid wifi routers are not always the best option, as if one part breaks, the whole thing stops working.

It is crucial to have a good modem and router for the best broadband connection. Many people don’t realize that the reason that their broadband connection is slow is that they don’t have the latest, updated, Wi-Fi router. In India, Hathway Broadband has the fastest, most technologically advanced, routers. Get your Hathway broadband connection.