Modems and routers are very different networking devices and perform separate functions. A modem is a device that is used to connect networking devices to the Internet. A router is used to connect your devices to your home network (also known as a Local Area Network or LAN) or WiFi network so that your device communicates wirelessly. A router by itself does not allow you to connect to the Internet.
Scope of the Article
- In this article, we will study a brief description of modem and router and we will also discuss the need for both devices.
- And we will look at the difference between router and modem and study the pros and cons of both.
What are Modems?
- A modem is used for modulation and demodulation.
- The modem is a device that is used to modulate the analogue signal to digital signals.
- It is also used for decoding carrier signals to demodulate the transmitted data.
- The main purpose of a modem is to generate a signal that can be easily transmitted and to decode to reproduce the digital data into its original form
- The modem is a device that is also used for transferring analogue signals from LED(Light Emitting Diodes) to radio.
Why do you need a Modem?
Modems are mainly used for modulating the analogue signal to a digital signal. And for demodulating the digital signal into an analogue signal.
Need of modem at sending end:
- For converting the digital data (0s and 1 s) into an analogue signal.
- For performing the line controlling and signaling to other ends of a phone line.
- If the modem is designed to dial in absence of a user then it also transmits a dialing signal
- It offers protection against line overload and other problems.
Need of modem at the receiving end:
- To receive the analogue signal and demodulate them into digital form
- The modem also performs line signaling and control at the receiver end.
- Offers protection against the overload problem at the receiver end also.
What are Routers?
- The router is a networking device used to manage the data entering and leaving the network as well as data transmitting within the network.
- The router is also used to maintain multiple networks and route traffic between them.
- It is also used to create and maintain LAN(Local Area Network).
Why do you need a Router?
The router is required when you want to connect multiple devices to the network or if it is required to connect that device wirelessly. Router helps to connect those to your home or WiFi network which then allows you for wireless communication.
- The router creates a local area network(LAN).
- Router split your internet connection to all of your devices.
- The router creates a connection between different media/devices
- The routers determine where to transmit data from one computer to another
- Packet Forwarding.
- The router also makes ensures that the data reach their intended destination
Difference between Modem and Router
| Router | Modem |
|---|---|
| The main purpose of using a router is to connect various networks. | The main purpose of a modem is to connect a laptop or any device to the internet. |
| The router checks the incoming data packet and verifies its path to forward it to the destination device. | A modem converts the digital signal of your laptop to an analogue signal and works vice versa also. |
| The router is not mandatory for accessing the internet. | The modem is mandatory for accessing the internet. |
| The router works on the network layer of OSI Suite. | The modem works on the data link layer of OSI Suite. |
| The router does not implement any signal decoding. | The modem is a device that implements signal decoding by decoding the ISP’s signal. |
| The router is placed between an electronic device and a network. | The modem is placed straight to the computer or can be placed between a telephone line and a router. |
| The router examines the data packet before forwarding it to work out security threats. | The modem does not examine the data packet so often there is a security threat. |
| While the router distributes that requested data to your PC. | Modem brings the requested info from the internet to your network. |
Below is an image to show the difference between router and modem
Pros and Cons of Modem
Pros of Modem
- The modem is useful for connecting LAN(Local Area Network) with the Internet
- Speed of modem is dependent on the cost
- It is the most widely used data communication roadway.
Cons of Modem
- Slow speed in comparison to the hub.
- The modem does not provide any traffic maintenance.
- To get a good speed you need to spend more money.
Pros and cons of Router
Pros of Router
- It allows multiple devices to share a common network connection which increases productivity.
- A router delivers information packets in an organized way which results in a lower data load
- The router allows a steady and reliable connection among network hosts.
- If the main path fails Router allows to transmission of data by the alternative paths
Cons of Router
- When multiple devices are connected over a network then connections become slow. This situation is called a connection wait.
- A router allows multiple devices to share a common network, which may result in low speed.
Modem vs Router FAQs
Q. Which is better: modem or router?
A. If one does a comparison, then the modem wins because the modem is the main gateway to the internet and the function of the router is to distribute that internet connection to other wireless or wired devices in the LAN. You can connect one device to your modem and have internet access. But you can’t connect a device to a router and have internet access—until you’ve connected the router to a modem.
Q. When do I need a modem vs a router?
A. When you are required to access the internet then you need a modem and a router is needed to distribute that internet connection within devices connected to a LAN
Conclusion
- Modem and Router both are networking devices, modem is used for modulating analogue signal to digital signal and vice versa.
- Router is used to create and maintain Local Area Network and it routes the traffic between different networks.
- Modem is necessary for accessing the internet but we can access the internet without the router.
