Modem vs Router - What's the difference?

Summary

This video clarifies the distinction between modems and routers, which are often confused. A modem is essential for internet access, as it converts analog signals from the internet into digital signals for computers and vice versa. Routers, on the other hand, distribute this internet connection across multiple devices within a home or business. The video also touches on different types of modems like cable and DSL, and explains the functionality of modem/router combinations. It concludes by differentiating the roles of modems, routers, and switches in a network.

Takeaways

• 🌐 A modem is essential for internet access at home or business, as it establishes a connection with the ISP and converts analog signals from the internet to digital signals for computers.
• 📶 The term 'modem' stands for 'modulator-demodulator', reflecting its function of modulating outgoing digital signals and demodulating incoming analog signals.
• 🏠 A router extends the internet connection from the modem to multiple devices within a home or business, acting as a traffic cop for data.
• 🔌 Routers often come with multiple Ethernet ports for wired connections and provide wireless access points for Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
• 🤝 Technically, a router is not required if only one device needs internet access; a direct connection from the modem to the device is sufficient.
• 📡 There are different types of modems, such as cable and DSL modems, each designed for specific types of internet connections.
• 📺 Cable modems use a coaxial cable, often provided by the same company that supplies cable television services.
• 📞 DSL modems connect to the internet via a standard phone line, with providers like AT&T being common in the U.S.
• 🛠️ Modem/router combinations are available, integrating both functionalities into one device for convenience.
• 🔄 Most routers have a built-in switch, eliminating the need for a separate switch unless additional wired connections are required.

Q & A

What is the primary function of a modem?

A modem's primary function is to establish and maintain a dedicated connection to your internet service provider, converting analog signals from the internet into digital signals that a computer can understand, and vice versa.

Why are both digital and analog signals important in internet connectivity?

Digital signals are used by computers, while the internet uses analog signals. A modem is necessary to convert analog signals from the internet into digital signals for the computer to understand, and to modulate digital signals from the computer into analog for transmission over the internet.

What does the term 'modem' stand for and what does it do?

The term 'modem' stands for 'modulator-demodulator'. It modulates outgoing digital signals from a computer into an analog signal for internet transmission and demodulates incoming analog signals from the internet into digital signals for the computer.

Can you explain the role of a router in a network?

A router's role is to route or pass the internet connection to all devices within a home or business. It directs the connection to devices like computers, tablets, and phones, enabling them to access the internet.

What is the difference between a modem and a router?

A modem is responsible for connecting your home or business to the internet by converting signals, while a router distributes that internet connection to multiple devices within your home or business.

Why might you not need a router if you have only one device?

You might not need a router if you have only one device because you can connect that device directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable, thus accessing the internet without the need for additional distribution.

What are the two most common types of modems mentioned in the script?

The two most common types of modems mentioned are cable modems and DSL modems, which are used depending on the type of internet service provided to the user.

What is the purpose of a modem/router combination device?

A modem/router combination device serves both to connect to the internet and distribute the connection to multiple devices. It combines the functionalities of a modem and a router in one physical unit.

How does a router distribute internet access to wireless devices?

A router with built-in wireless access point capabilities allows wireless devices like tablets and laptops to connect to the internet by broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal that these devices can pick up and use to access the internet.

What is the function of a switch in the context of networking?

A switch in networking is used to connect multiple devices together, allowing them to communicate with each other and share resources. Most routers have an integrated switch, which eliminates the need for a separate switch if the router's ports are sufficient.

Why might a business network require a different type of router compared to a home network?

Business networks may require different types of routers due to the need for higher performance, additional security features, and the ability to handle more simultaneous connections, which are typical requirements in a business environment.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Understanding Modems and Routers

This paragraph explains the fundamental differences between modems and routers, which are often confused. A modem is essential for internet access, as it establishes a connection with the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and converts analog signals from the internet to digital signals that computers can understand, and vice versa. The term 'modem' is derived from 'modulator-demodulator,' reflecting its function. Routers, on the other hand, are used to distribute the internet connection from the modem to multiple devices within a home or business. They can be wired or wireless and often include a built-in switch for Ethernet connections. The paragraph also touches on the existence of modem/router combinations and the types of modems like cable and DSL, which are chosen based on the type of internet service.

05:03

🔌 The Role of Hubs, Switches, and Integrated Networks

The second paragraph delves into the relationship between hubs, switches, and routers, clarifying that most routers have an integrated switch, eliminating the need for a separate switch unless additional wired connections are required. It uses a visual example to illustrate how the internet is routed through a modem, then to a router with an integrated switch, and finally to the computers. The paragraph also addresses scenarios where a router may not be necessary, such as in networks with only one device requiring internet access, which can connect directly to the modem. The distinction between different types of networks, such as home, business, and those using DSL or cable modems, is also highlighted.

Keywords

💡Modem

A modem is a hardware device that serves as a bridge between a computer and the internet. It is responsible for converting analog signals from the internet into digital signals that a computer can understand, and vice versa. In the video, the modem is described as essential for internet access within a home or business, highlighting its role in establishing and maintaining a connection to the internet service provider (ISP). The term 'modem' is derived from 'modulator-demodulator,' which reflects its function of modulating outgoing digital signals to analog for transmission and demodulating incoming analog signals to digital for computer use.

💡Router

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Its primary function is to route the internet connection from the modem to multiple devices within a home or business. The video explains that routers can be found in various forms, from small home routers to larger enterprise-grade devices. It also mentions that routers often have built-in switches and can function as wireless access points, allowing for both wired and wireless connections to the internet. The router's role is crucial in distributing the internet signal to various devices, as illustrated by the video's discussion of home and business networks.

💡Signal

In the context of the video, a signal refers to the electrical or electromagnetic wave used to transmit data. The video distinguishes between two types of signals: analog and digital. Analog signals are used on the internet, while computers process digital signals. The modem's role is to convert these signals from analog to digital and vice versa, ensuring that data can be transmitted and received correctly. The concept of signals is fundamental to understanding how modems and routers facilitate internet connectivity.

💡Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An Internet Service Provider is a company that provides individuals and businesses with access to the internet. The video mentions that a modem establishes a dedicated connection to the ISP, which is necessary for internet access. Examples of ISPs include Comcast, which provides cable internet, and AT&T, which offers DSL internet. The choice of ISP often determines the type of modem required, as different ISPs use different technologies for internet connectivity.

💡Cable Modem

A cable modem is a type of modem specifically designed to work with cable internet services. As described in the video, cable modems use a coaxial cable to connect homes to the internet, typically provided by the same company that offers cable television services. The video uses Comcast as an example of a company that provides cable modems. Cable modems are essential for converting the analog signals from the cable line into digital signals for home devices.

💡DSL Modem

A DSL modem is another type of modem, used for connecting to the internet via a digital subscriber line. The video explains that DSL modems are connected using a standard phone line and are provided by companies like AT&T. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, and the modem's function is to convert the digital signals from a computer into analog signals that can travel over the phone line and vice versa.

💡Wireless Access Point

A wireless access point is a component of a router that allows wireless devices to connect to the internet. The video mentions that routers often have built-in wireless access points, enabling devices like tablets and laptops to access the internet without the need for an Ethernet cable. This feature is particularly useful in home and small business settings where mobility and flexibility are desired.

💡Ethernet Cable

An Ethernet cable is a type of network cable used to connect devices to a router or switch for a wired internet connection. The video discusses how routers often have multiple ports for Ethernet cables, allowing for multiple devices to connect to the internet via a wired connection. This is an example of how the video explains the practical application of networking hardware in a home or business network setup.

💡Switch

A switch, as mentioned in the video, is a networking device that connects devices together on a computer network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device. While the video's primary focus is on modems and routers, it also touches on the role of switches, explaining that most routers have an integrated switch, which allows for multiple wired connections. This integration eliminates the need for a separate switch in many home networks.

💡Modem/Router Combination

A modem/router combination is a single device that includes both the functions of a modem and a router. The video explains that many ISPs provide or sell modem/router combos, which simplify the networking setup by combining the signal conversion capabilities of a modem with the distribution capabilities of a router. This combination is depicted in the video as a convenient option for homes and small businesses that require internet access for multiple devices.

Highlights

A modem and a router are not the same thing; they have different roles in a network.

A modem is necessary to bring the internet into your home or business.

Modems establish and maintain a dedicated connection to your internet service provider.

Modems convert analog signals from the internet to digital signals for computers.

The term 'modem' stands for modulator demodulator, reflecting its function.

Routers come after the modem and route the internet connection to all devices.

Routers direct internet access to computers, tablets, phones, and other devices.

Small office/home office routers have multiple ports for Ethernet cable connections.

Routers also function as wireless access points for wireless devices.

Technically, a router is not needed if only one device needs internet access.

There are different types of modems, including cable and DSL modems.

Cable modems use a coaxial cable and are often provided by cable TV companies.

DSL modems use a phone line and are provided by companies like AT&T.

Modem/router combinations are available, integrating both functions into one device.

Most routers have a built-in switch, eliminating the need for a separate switch.

A switch can be added to a network if more wired connections are needed.

The internet first reaches the modem, then the router, and finally the devices.

Transcripts

Hello everyone. In this video we're going to talk about the difference between a modem and a router

Because a lot of people actually think that a modem and a router are the same thing

But they are not. They are different with two separate roles on a network

So I'm going to explain the difference between the two

Now if you want internet inside your home

or business, you have to have a modem. A modem is what brings the internet into your home or business.

A modem establishes and maintains

a dedicated connection to your internet service provider

to give you access to the internet. Now the reason why you have to have a modem is

because of the two different types of signals that are used on a

computer and on the internet.

A computer only reads digital signals, while signals out on the internet are analog.

As analog data comes in from the internet, the modem demodulates the incoming analog signals

into a digital signal so that a computer can understand it.

And a modem also

modulates outgoing digital signals from a computer into an analog signal as it goes out on the internet.

And this is where we get the word 'modem'. The word modem means modulator demodulator

which is exactly what a modem does. It modulates outgoing data from a computer and

demodulates incoming data from the internet

Now a router comes in after the modem. Now there are different types of routers

There are routers that are used in businesses and larger organizations

And there are smaller routers that are used in homes and small businesses

But they basically do the same thing. But for this video

we're going to use the small office/home office router that most of us are familiar with

Now a router is what routes or passes your internet connection to all of your devices in your home

or business. It directs it to all of your computers, tablets, phones and so on

so that those devices can access the internet

A typical small office/home office router, like this one here, will have a built-in switch with multiple ports

so that you can connect multiple devices

using an ethernet cable connection

And it also functions as a wireless access point so that wireless devices

such as tablets and laptops can have internet access

Now technically you really don't need a router if you only want one of your devices to access the internet.

You can just plug that device's network cable directly into the modem, and then you'll be able to access the internet.

However, like most homes and businesses

you're going to have multiple devices that need access to the internet, and that's where you would need a router.

There are also different types of modems. Two of the most common types are cable and DSL modems.

So depending upon what type of internet you're going to use, you need to use the correct type of modem.

Cable modems are connected to your home

using a coaxial cable.

Cable is typically provided by the same company that provides you with cable television

such as Comcast, which is one of the largest providers in the United States.

And DSL modems are connected using a typical phone line.

DSL is provided by companies such as AT&T, which is the largest provider in the U.S.

Now a lot of times your internet service provider

when they send you a modem, or if you were to buy one at the store,

the modem might be a modem/router

combination. So it will be a modem with a built-in wireless router in one physical device,

such as this one here

So here is an example of several different networks on how they connect to the internet.

For example, this network here on the left is using a cable modem.

And it's using a small office/home office router

so that its computers and the tablet can have internet access.

On a bottom we have another network. And this network is using a DSL modem.

And it's also using a small office/home office router so that its computers, the laptop, and the

tablet can access the internet. The network here on the right is an example of a business network.

And it's using a cable modem, and it's using a business router

so it can connect its computers and its server.

And finally we have the network here on top. And this only has one device that needs internet access.

So it doesn't need to use a router. It can just directly connect to the modem because only one device needs

internet access.

Now if you're wondering how hubs and switches

relate to routers and modems,

especially if you saw my other video where I explained the differences between hubs, switches, and routers,

well keep in mind that most routers will have a built in switch inside of them.

So there's no need to have a switch if you already have a router that has a switch built into it.

So for example a router like this may have a four port

integrated switch so that you can connect four Ethernet cables for your wired devices.

So the only time may need to add a switch to this network is if you needed more wired connections for your devices.

So you can just connect a switch to your router and then add more connections to the switch.

So just to clear things up even more, over here we have the internet with all of its routers

Then as the internet is routed into this private network,

it first reaches the modem, then it goes from the modem to its router with its integrated switch

and then it's passed to all of its computers.