Modems and Routers, What’s the Difference: Tech Terms Explained

What’s the Difference Between a Modem and a Router?

When you’re setting up internet at home, you’ll often hear about modems and routers—but what exactly do they do?

A modem is the device that brings the internet signal into your home from your internet service provider (ISP). It connects to the wall jack—often through a coaxial, DSL, or fiber line—and translates the signal into something your home devices can use.

A router, on the other hand, shares that internet connection with multiple devices. It sends the signal from your modem to your computer, phone, TV, or tablet—either through Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables.

Modem Versus Router – Tech Terms Explained

You’ve probably heard the terms router and modem, but what do they mean and what’s the difference? A modem brings the internet into your home from your provider. A router takes that internet and shares it with all of your devices, either via Wi-Fi or wired. Sometimes they’re combined into one box, and sometimes they are two separate devices. So modem equals into your home, router equals out to your devices.

One Box or Two?

Sometimes, the modem and router are built into a single device, often called a gateway. Other times, they’re separate, especially if you’ve bought your own router or have advanced setup needs.

Need help understanding modems, routers, and more?

Whether you’re confused about router settings or want to better understand your home network, SDM Foundation can help.

We keep it simple. Check out our Tech Terms Explained category for more SDM Shorts that make tech easy to understand.

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Want to know how your Wi-Fi speed works or is calculated? Check out our post on Understanding Internet Speed.

Want to learn more about Wi-Fi or the protocols that govern the net? Read about Wi-Fi from Cisco Systems, one of the largest Networking Companies there is!