A modem is a device that encodes the analog signal of the Internet provider and converts it into a digital signal so that it can be used.
A router is a device that is connected to the modem and allows the connection of devices to the Internet.
The difference between modem and router is that the modem is necessary to receive the internet signal and the router is the one that allows the different devices to connect.
| Modem | Router | |
| Definition | Electronic device that converts the analog internet signal into a digital signal. | Device that expands the internet signal emitted by the modem. |
| Types | According to its technology:
According to its location:
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| Data transmission |
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Index
What is a modem?
A modem is a device designed to capture the ISP signal from the Internet provider and convert it into a signal that is interpreted by the devices.
The word modem is composed of two syllables that abbreviate its essential functions: “modular” and “demodular”, which refer to the processes of transmission and retrieval of information.
Characteristics of a modem
These are the characteristics of a modem:
A modem is made up of a memory and a microprocessor.
Depending on their technology, they can be:
- analog: they are rectangular, have an input for the telephone cable and another for the computer. They are the most popular.
- Digital: they use a digital telephone line type ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). Its speed is higher than analog.
- Pc Card: they are internal devices integrated into computers or televisions.
- Cable modem: data transmission is carried out over a cable television infrastructure. No router required.
Depending on their location, they can be:
- External: require external installation and connection, like traditional analog modems.
- Internal: they are routers integrated to the devices, such as PC Cards.
What is a modem for?
In order for the devices to be able to connect to the internet, it is necessary for the modem to modulate the ISP signal (which is analog), and demodulate it to convert it into a digital signal that will be transmitted to all the devices that are connected to said signal (PC, telephones mobiles, tablets, etc.). The transmission can be done through fiber optics, microwaves, coaxial cables or telephone line.
In the same way, when we want to transfer data from our devices, the modem converts the digital signal into an analog signal to be able to send it to the internet provider.
What is a router?
A router is a peripheral that receives the digital signal from the internet and can send it to multiple devices connected to a network.
Although it is often confused with the modem, its functions are different, since a modem receives the Internet signal directly from the Internet provider, while the router expands the signal emitted by the modem.
Currently, the most widely used routers are WiFi, whose data transmission is carried out through an Ethernet cable or a wireless network, since they are easier to configure and cheaper.
Features of a router
A router has the following characteristics:
- It can be managed from an internet browser using the device’s IP address.
- They can offer a certain level of protection against intrusions (blocking unauthorized access, firewalls, etc.)
- They have a dynamic hosting configuration protocol (DHCP) that allows any device that connects to the network to send and receive data automatically.
- They can receive and send multimedia content.
- They can be analog or work on a wireless network (WiFi).
- Some models can connect to the fiber optic network, which translates into a higher connection speed.
What is a router for?
A router is a device that acts as an intermediary between the digital signal from the internet and the devices that require that signal.
A traditional modem converts the analog signal from the internet into a digital signal. It is there when the router is responsible for sending and expanding the signal to the devices connected to the local network.
Today there are routers with a built-in modem, which facilitates the configuration and connection process, especially in home networks.
See also:
