Today, there are two main types of devices that allow us to connect to the internet: a modem and a router. Most people use them interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. A modem is what translates the signal from your telephone or cable company into a format that your computer can understand. A router then takes that signal and distributes it to all of the devices in your home or office.
What is Modem?
A modem is a device that permits computer data to be transmitted over telephone lines. Modems come in two varieties: internal and external. An internal modem is a card that is installed inside the computer. An external modem is a stand-alone unit that connects to the computer through a cable. The internal modem is faster than the external modem, but the external modem is easier to install. Both types of modems operate in the same manner. They convert digital signals into analog signals and vice versa. This allows computers to communicate with each other. Modems are used extensively in both business and home environments. Many people use modems to connect to the Internet. Without a modem, it would not be possible to surf the Web or send e-mail. In short, the modem is an essential piece of computer equipment.
What is Router?
A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet. A data packet is typically forwarded from one router to another through the networks that constitute an internetwork until it reaches its destination node. A router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks so that it can forward packets to each of the networks. When a data packet comes in on one of the lines, the router reads the network address information in the packet header to determine the ultimate destination of the packet.
Difference between Modem and Router
A modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to reproduce the original digital data. A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet. Data sent through the internet, such as a web page or email, is in the form of data packets. A packet is typically composed of two parts: a header and a body. The header includes information about the source and destination of the message, as well as other control information. The body contains the actual data being sent. Routers read this information in the header and use it to determine where to send the packet next.
Conclusion
Modems and routers are both important pieces of technology that allow you to connect to the Internet, but they serve different purposes. A modem connects your computer to the phone line or cable, while a router helps distribute the signal from the modem throughout your home. If you’re having trouble connecting to the Internet or getting a good signal in certain parts of your house, it may be time to upgrade your router.
