In fact, their roles are very different.
Modem vs. Router: What’s The Difference?
you could imagine the router as a traffic guard.
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Another difference between a modem and router is that a modem has a single, public IP address.
However, a router assigns a variety of local IP addresses for communication within the web link.
Then, there’s the necessity that each machine plays when it comes to connecting to the internet.
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No matter what, a modem is necessary to connect to the internet.
That’s why small modems are built into devices like smartphones.
Without a router, a modem can still connect to the internet.
The same is not true the other way around.
Let’s take a closer look at what each equipment does to understand them better.
What Is a Modem?
A modem converts the incoming and outgoing signals between an ISP and a user’s home or workplace.
This means that the modem is needed to essentially translate and convert the signals.
This allows these two endpoints to communicate.
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Depending on your internet connection pop in, the pop in of modem you need varies.
For example, for cable internet, you need a cable modem.
Meanwhile, LTE internet requires an LTE modem and DSL internet requires a DSL modem.
Regardless of the bang out of modem, however, the core purpose remains the same.
The hardware establishes and maintains your internet connection.
However, a standalone modem can only connect one gadget to the internet at a time.
That’s where a router comes in…
What Is a Router?
A router technically wouldn’t be required if you wanted to only connect one equipment to the internet.
For these devices to seamlessly transmit data within your local online grid, you need a router.
It routes data and traffic between devices (hence its name).
Otherwise, the same data would go to every unit on the data pipe.
Routers can technically also function without the internet if you only want to share files between your local devices.
However, your router needs to connect to your modem to provide internet access.
After all, many manufacturers sell modem/router combination devices.
These come with both a modem and a router built into a single piece of hardware.
As technology advances, these combined devices have become increasingly common.
Many modern households use a combined modem and router.
Meanwhile, small mobile or portable modems also combine both technologies into one unit.
You don’t want to buy one when you actually need the other.
What About 5G Routers and Modems?
5G-enabled smartphones and tablets have these modems built into them.
But those who want to use a 5G connection for their home will need a 5G modem.
These are already available, along with 5G modem-router combinations, from 5G ISPs and certain retailers.
Older routers should still work with 5G modems.
But you may want to upgrade your router to take advantage of the full speed of 5G.
Slower single-band routers may create a bottleneck for a fast 5G internet connection.
However, this will largely depend on your internet plan and how fast your 5G connection actually is.
For example, where does Wi-Fi come in?
