Exploring Modems & Routers

Good morning and welcome to another Coffee with Russ. 

One of the many questions we get asked is, what is the difference between a modem and a router? Do you need them both? Aren’t they the same?

Let’s start with a familiar scenario first. Ok, you moved into your new home and signed up for Internet services. The salesperson sets up an account for you and then asks if you want to rent/purchase their modem. Wait, what?

The Modem

ALL Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) require a modem device for their services to work. The modem is nothing more than a doorway. Sometimes referred to as the “Gateway,” it provides access to the Internet. Without it, there is no access to the Internet. 

Think of your house without any doors. Without a doorway, there is no way in or out. Have a door, and suddenly people can come and go when needed.

Modems are essential if you want to access the Internet. As with all technologies, they wear out, require upgrades/patches, and get replaced. Life expectancy is five years.

The Router

Now that we know what a modem is and what it does, let us talk about routers. Routers do what the name implies; it routes. The primary function of a router is to ensure traffic gets passed on to its destination. Without it, nothing gets through.

Think of a router as a police officer directing traffic at a street intersection. Visualizing this, say you are in your car driving. You wait your turn, before all the other cars, until reaching the police officer. You stop the car and tell the officer where you are going. The police officer directs you to where you should be going. And you continue until you reach the next intersection to repeat the process.

Routers are necessary, as they are responsible for moving traffic. Without them, your emails would not get delivered, or able to visit a website. Like modems, they, too, are susceptible to updates and wear. Live expectancy is five years.

Verse

Modems and routers are necessary and play different roles. You will have both as separate physical devices or combined as a single device—nearly all ISP’s package Internet services as a single device.

Having these as separate devices or combined as a modem/router combo is often decided by personal experiences and availability over advantages. 

Separate Devices

• Advantage: Each device offers independent functions and features.
• Advantage: Expandable, supporting Mesh networks.
• Disadvantage: Requires two devices, power outlets, and cabling.

Single Device

• Advantage: Simplicity – one device for everything with minimal cabling.
• Disadvantage: Requires more resources, leading to additional heat issues lessening lifespan.
• Disadvantage: It may be limited to functions and features.