#Wireless modem vs router pro#

These routers usually have between 4 to 8 ethernet ports available. The two most common types of routers for home use are: Wired RoutersĪ wired router is a device that distributes your Internet connection through ethernet cables. If you want to learn more about routers and how they work, check out this article where we discuss them in more detail. Routers also serve as firewalls and will protect your network from outside security threats, like stopping unauthorized people from accessing any of your devices.

It’s the device that makes communicating with the Internet possible.Īs mentioned above, routers also enable communication between your own devices, like your computer sending a print job to your wireless printer. You can think of routers as the “distribution centers” of the Internet. They help data travel both in your home network and out into the Internet. What Is a Router?Ī router is a device that forwards data packets to and from their destination. But if you want to learn how they work in more detail, make sure to check out this article, where we go over a lot more. That covers the most basic aspects of modems. The con is that since television cables are shared with the rest of your neighborhood, peak usage times result in degraded Internet speeds and performance.

#Wireless modem vs router pro#

Here, the pro is that coaxial cables have much more “room” for data to travel, meaning Internet speeds are usually faster. Cable ModemĪ cable modem connects to your ISP and the Internet using television’s coaxial cables. The drawback is that because phone lines don’t have much bandwidth, DSL Internet is usually slower than cable Internet, which we will explore next.

It was also considered a great option compared to dial-up Internet because it is not affected by phone calls or peak usage times. Meaning DSL Internet is usually cheaper and more convenient to install. The advantage of DSL modems is that the phone line infrastructure is already in place and ready to use. The two most common types of modems are: DSL ModemĪ DSL modem uses telephone lines as a medium of communication between your ISP (the Internet) and your home. But essentially, they all work the same way. There are many different types of modems. Then, it does the reverse when sending information back into the Internet. Modem stands for “ modulator- demodulator”, and its job is to convert analog signals from your ISP into digital signals your computer and other devices can understand. Let’s explore this topic and other details that will help you set up the best home network possible. I always need to explain that it’s not two routers we’re using, but one modem and one router.īut, how are they different? They certainly look alike. If I had a penny for every time someone asked me why we use two routers to set up networks, I’d have a lot of pennies!