for internet access, do i have to have a modem? or can i have just a wireless router? what is the difference?

Answer 1

You need a source of internet so to speak. This can be cable, DSL, satellite, campus network, etc.

These are called "ISPs" or Internet Service Providers.

They usually provide you with a cable modem / dsl modem / etc. that connect you to the internet.

The next layer is the wireless ROUTER, which plugs into this connection.

The ROUTER then shares the internet connection with all of it's ports, and it's wireless antenna.

Many ISPs will provide the Modem/Router/Wireless as one device now. There are mixed feelings on this - but for simplicity and ensuring you always have phone support - this isn't a bad way to go.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

You need a device to connect your computer to the Internet. A modem can provide a direct connection to your computer from an Internet Service Provider.

A router provides access to other computers which can be connected by wire or by wireless but still needs a direct connection to an Internet Service Provider through a modem and if you have a network card or are connected directly to the router, you can access the Internet. But in either case you must have a direct connection to the ISP.

Good Luck

Answer 3

A modem is a device the converts an analog signal from/to a digital signal.

Both DSL and data over cable TV are analog signals once they leave your house, therefore you need a modem. There are also the modems used on regular phone lines for dial-up, but I don't think that is what your asking about.

For data over cable - you screw the cable coax into the modem, and get Ethernet out the other side - this Ethernet connects to your wireless router. I'm not aware of any routers with cable modems built in.

For DSL, there are modem/router combo devices on the market, but I wouldn't recommend going that way. The modems are cheap and if/when the technology changes on the DSL side you don't need to buy a whole new router/modem combo, just the modem. Or, if you move - same issue. DSL works the same as cable, only you plug your phone line into the DSL modem, then Ethernet from the modem connects to your router.

Answer 4

First, there are two types of modems so we need to clear that up.

Dial-up modem - uses your phone line to call your Internet provider

Broadband modem - uses cable, DSL, or FiOS high speed service to connect to your Internet provider

You'll need one of these. If you are using dial-up, don't worry about the router. If you are using a broadband provider, you'll need a modem device and potentially a router. I say potentially because some Internet providers are now including router capabilities in their modem devices (my Verizon FiOS provides wireless and four wired ports in their modem).

Think of it this way:

Modem - provides access to the Internet for a single system

Router (wired or wireless) - provides a way to share the modem connection to multiple computers

Answer 5

This depends on the type of connection you are using to connect to the internet. A modem is primarily used to connect your computer through a phone cord, whereas a wireless router will connect your computer to a wireless network. If your connection to the internet does not require a phone cord (ie you're using DSL, Cable, etc) you will not need a modem.

Answer 6

In common use...

A modem is a device that you use to make dial-up calls to your internet company. It is wired to your computer by USB or serial (or may possibly be built in on a laptop or desktop). It plugs into the phone service.

A router is a device that connects an always-on DSL connection to your internet company. It is wired by ethernet or USB to your computer. It connects to teh phone service or the cable service

A wireless router is a router that also allows your computer to connect to it by wifi.