Modem vs. Router: What’s the Difference?

Modems and routers are two devices that work together to provide Internet access to your home or office. Even though they might seem similar, it’s important to understand their differences.

A modem connects a computer or a network to the Internet. It takes the data from the Internet and converts it into a form that your computer can understand. Modems come in both wired and wireless versions and can be used for different types of Internet connections like dial-up and broadband.

On the other hand, a router is a device that connects multiple devices to one Internet connection. It creates a local network (LAN) and assigns each device its own IP address. This allows several devices to share the same Internet connection and be connected simultaneously. Routers come in various forms, including wireless and wired.

The Difference Between Modems and Routers

Modem connects a single device to the Internet, while a router connects multiple devices. Often, you’ll find both a modem and a router in the same setup: the modem connects to the Internet, and the router connects devices to the modem.

There are other differences too. Modems are simpler and have fewer features, while routers are more complex and offer more features. Modems are usually smaller and more compact since they only need to connect one device.

Configuration Is Another Key Difference

Modems are typically configured by your Internet service provider and don’t need additional setup from you. However, routers require you to configure them yourself. This involves setting up things like the router’s default gateway, subnet mask, and IP address.

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