what is the difference between modem and router?

Question

where are they used? the instrument which we connect to our telephone lines is a modem or a router?

Answer 1

A modem is what you use to actually receive your internet connection through phone line or cable. A router splits that connection up so you can use it on multiple computers.

:)

Answer 2

Routers and modems are two of the most common computer peripherals, yet many people don't know the function of each one. While the two devices may look similar, they each serve a difference purpose. Fortunately, the functions of the two devices are pretty easy to understand.

A router is a small box that allows multiple computers to join the same network (see below).

Netgear Router

While early routers provided several Ethernet ports for wired connections, most modern routers offer wireless connectivity as well. These "wireless routers" often have one or two moveable antennas on the sides, though some models house the antennas inside the enclosure. Wireless routers allow multiple computers and other devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to join the same network.

While connecting to a router provides access to a local network (LAN), it does not necessarily provide access to the Internet. In order for devices on the network to connect to the Internet, the router must be connected to a modem. Therefore, most routers have a specific Ethernet port that is designed to connect to the Ethernet port of a cable or DSL modem.

A modem is a device that provides access to the Internet (see below).

Cisco Cable Modem

The modem connects to your ISP, which typically provides either cable or DSL Internet service. Cable modems have a coaxial (or "coax") connection, which is the same type of connector found on a TV or cable box. This connects to a cable port on the wall. DSL modems have a telephone connector, also called an RJ-11 jack, which connects to a telephone socket on the wall.

By connecting your modem to your router (instead of directly to a computer), all devices connected to the router can access the modem, and therefore, the Internet. The router provides a local IP address to each connected device, but they will all have the same external IP address, which is assigned by your ISP.

To summarize, the device connection order is outlined below:

PC or wireless device
Router
Modem
ISP
Internet
While the router and modem are usually separate entities, in some cases, the modem and router may be combined into a single device. This type of hybrid device is sometimes offered by ISPs to simplify the setup process.

Answer 3

Modem connects to your ISP, which typically provides either cable or DSL Internet service. Cable modems have a coaxial (or "coax") connection.
DSL modems have a telephone connector, also called an RJ-11 jack, which connects to a telephone socket on the wall.
In some cases, the modem and router may be combined into a single device.
The router provides a local IP address to each connected device, but they will all have the same external IP address, which is assigned by your ISP.

Answer 4

A router is a small box that allows multiple computers to join the same network but A modem is a device that provides access to the Internet

Answer 5

Modem is used to connect with telephone jack which is coming from your internet provider then after Ethernet cable will come through modem and goes to router or your devices in which you want to use internet like laptop or PC.Usually modem always provided by your internet provider so you no need to purchase modem.
Sometimes modem also comes with wifi capability in this situation you no need to purchase router also.
If you are getting low wifi signal simply Install Wifi Range extender in your home.It will boost up your wireless area.

Answer 6

A router performs packet routing. It determines the proper path for data to travel between different networks, and forwards data packets to the next device along this path. Essentially, they connect networks together.

A Modem is a "MOdulator/DEModulator". It modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information.

Answer 7

Like John said, modem = connection to internet, router = connection between computers to share the internet line/information on administrative computer.

Answer 8

For phone lines, you use a modem. It makes a sound quite similar to a fax machine when it dials out. When you have an ISDN, cable or optical fiber et al Internet connection, you also have a modem that handshakes with an authentication server on the ISP side. Routers are completely contained in your own network, and it allows more than one computer to connect to your modem.

Answer 9

Modem: MOdulate/DEModulate. It converts analog to digital and digital to analog also. It allows you to connect two computers over a telephone line. It may have a fax also.

So that old dialup thing that is obsolete for the most part is a real Modem. Used to be used for BBS and Dial-up Internet access. Whether it was a winmodem or a real hardware modem it has the capability to dial indepently to anywhere much like a phone.

Router: is a computer device that is dedicated to providing switching between different subnets. Think of it as a subnet splitter with a brain. It can accomodate two or more subnets at the same time. If you purchase a wireless router at the store, it is trully a router. You can put two or more network cards in an old low end computer and turn it into a router.

Network Bridge - Device that allows two seperate physically disparate network types to be joined.

For example Cable "modems". Cable "modems" don't Modulate or Demodulate. They don't convert analog to digital or digital to analog. What they do is convert Ethernet to Coax. The signal stays digital throughout the process. They are a form of network bridge.

DSL "modem" converts Ethernet to a Digital Subscriber Line format. Then muxes that at a higher frequency into the existing phone line. Data still stays in a digital format.
It is also a form of network bridge and does not modulate or demodulate. It does not convert digital to analog or analog to digital.


Why do most call them Cable or DSL "modems"? For the same reason some call an opened end adjustable wrench a crescent wrench.
1) It's easier to say.
2) They don't know better.
3) They've been misinformed.

Answer 10

About fifty bucks.