Modem router what is it

You asked the wrong question. Explaining.
1. "motorola surfboard sb5101e" is a modem on a coaxial cable. Is it correct? Do you get internet through the coaxial cable?
2. "asus dual-band wireless-n Gigabit" – you can't identify the router version by that description. Almost any ASUS dual-band Gigabit fits here. And most of them don't have an input for coax, they're usually designed for standard Ethernet or ADSL.
From there it's very likely – you can't use it.

Modem, router, router: what are the differences and similarities?

The more smart devices capable of connecting to the Internet accumulate in our apartments, the more often their owners have to deal with network equipment. Network equipment is a device of various types and purposes, which ensure the functioning of computer networks, in particular, the transfer of information between the united nodes (computers, smartphones, etc.) and their access to the World Wide Web.

Of the networking equipment in home computer networks, modems and routers are the most commonly used. The appearance and description of some of them causes confusion among users: some are sure that they are the same, while others claim that they are not. So who's right and what's the difference between a modem and a router or a router?

The concept and function of modems, routers and routers

A modem (moduplicator/demomodem is a converter of physical properties of the transmitted signal in order to adapt it to the propagation environment. In simple words, a modem changes the characteristics of a signal so that the communication line (cable, ether) through which it (the signal) is transmitted can perceive it. "Adjusting" the signal to meet the requirements of the environment is called modulation, and restoring it to its original parameters is called demodulation.

The router or router (one and the same) does not convert the signal. It only distributes and forwards traffic between the different network segments according to a routing table stored in its memory.

A modem and a router are the process of carrying data across networks, and they each do their part. They are complementary but not interchangeable equipment.

Most home segment routers have a modem device in them, so many people call them both routers and modems. And this is correct.

Checking whether the laptop has a modem

Yes, that's right. Some laptop models already have a built-in modem. It is enough only to install a SIM card in it, and you can use it. To check whether there is one in your laptop, is simple enough.

1. We go to "Explorer", open "Computer.";
2. Right-click on the empty space in the window and look in the drop-down menu for "System.";
3. Click on "Device Manager" in the left column;
4. Look for the modem. If you do not find one, it means that there is no modem.

Choose a network for the Internet

What is the best modem for the Internet? Today the most advanced standard in terms of speed and stability of the connection is 4G, aka LTE. But in many cities 4G network coverage still leaves much to be desired. If you live in a small town and are sure that cellular communications will not develop quickly in your area, you can buy a 3G modem. For example, this one:

Of course, companies do not produce them themselves – they order them "on the side". As a rule, these are simple models, the reception quality of which is not always ideal. If you are going to use a modem in a strong coverage area, you can save money and buy such a "whistle" from your operator.

Modems

As I said above, these are modulator-demodulators. The very thing that converts the data into the desired form and gives you the output of the Internet. Its job is to convert the signals.

Dial-Up Modems

In everyday life the word "modem" most likely comes from the old DIAL-UP modems which used to work over the telephone networks. So with the conversion on the telephone line they worked wonders, and the first very slow Internet connection was the output.

There were both external and internal. I had one just like the one in the picture above.

ADSL modems

But times went, new technology came to the telephone lines – ADSL, which gave the opportunity to increase the speed, and at the same time to speak on the phone thanks to the splitter.

Some of these ADSL-modems were already quite a router and all understand, but the name stuck to them tightly – and so they said, modem da modem. But their functionality was much higher-they were already connecting themselves, distributing traffic in your network, and distributing Wi-Fi. Only the connection was through a phone line. So with these devices, the word game was already on the verge.

3G/4G modems

And these are the representatives of a new era, but the names received justifiably. Their first task was to organize a SIM-card channel connection to the global network and share it on a USB in a computer or via Wi-Fi all the others. I.e. the functionality is minimal – only the connection, it is not a router.

For me, these days in the names for the household division is simple: "flash drive" 3G – these are modems, and the other "boxes" (even with 3G) – these are routers.

Routers

The task of a router is to distribute traffic between several devices. It usually also can successfully connect to the Internet – via its own modem, via an external 3G modem, or simply distribute traffic from the provider's wire.

The trick here is that the Internet is already in the wire, and it only remains to redirect it to other devices. Initially, routers worked on the local network of offices, and they didn't touch anyone. And now the technology has made its way into every home.

Sometimes people look for the difference between a router and a router… Actually Router can be translated from English as a router. It's the same device in different languages)

Note, the main feature of any router is a lot of outputs on the LAN ports. But this may not be the case. For example, if our router distributes traffic via Wi-Fi.

What is the best choice?

1. If there is a need for one equipment, then give preference to a modem. You can connect it to your laptop and use it anywhere in your region.
2. If you need internet for several devices at once – buy a modem and connect it to the router. Whenever you want, you can disconnect it from the router and use it outside the house. Now router models are small and lightweight, so they are considered ideal for the road.
3. If you are planning to connect to the Internet in an organization with many devices, then install a router and connect a powerful modem that will provide excellent speeds for each PC.
4. If you're going on a trip with a device that has a USB port or supports a SIM card, it's better to buy a modem and decide on a travel tariff for it.

Thus, the task of the modem is to provide information with the Internet, namely, it first receives data, and then sends them, and the router – to open access to the network via Wi-Fi. Also they have different functionality. In simple words, a modem differs from a router in that in the first case you can use the Internet on only one equipment, and in the second – on several. And the choice of one or the other device depends only on your needs.

What a modem does

A modem is a device that looks like a USB storage device (thumb drive). It connects one device (usually a desktop or laptop) to the Internet. When the user activates the modem, the following happens: the modem detects with which Internet operator to work, connects to it, starts transmitting user data and downloads to the computer information from the network. The modem is only responsible for maintaining an Internet connection for one device.

A modem looks like a USB-flash drive and is inserted into the USB-connector of the computer

There are two types of modems: 3G/4G and ADSL. Today the first type is mostly used, because it provides a more stable, fast, cheap and accessible connection to the network.

3G/4G modem

Modems of this type connect to the Internet with a SIM card. Almost all popular mobile network operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Yota, Tele2 and others) offer their services and special rates for modems. Most modems are ready to work with SIM cards connected not to a special tariff for computers, but only to a tariff with a package of mobile traffic.

Modems with 4G support provide faster connection than 3G modems

Connecting to the Internet via 3G/4G modem is as follows: a SIM card with a pre-selected and paid tariff is inserted into the modem, the modem is connected to your computer and, using a special program supplied with the modem, establishes a connection to the network.

The price of a modem can vary from one to several thousand rubles. An important factor affecting the price is 4G support: modems that support this standard are more expensive.

What a router does

A router connects to the Internet via a modem or Internet cable and connects several devices, such as computers, tablets or smartphones, to the "World Wide Web" via a Wi-Fi network. Often you can also hear the word "router" applied to a router – it means that the router distributes the traffic coming from different devices.

A router has inputs for a modem, an Ethernet cable, and a WLAN cable

Let's say you have two computers and one phone connected to a Wi-Fi network. On each device, the user does something on the network, sends some data to the Internet, and receives information from the Internet. All these data flows through the router, which has to independently determine which part of the information to send to a certain computer and which to send to the cell phone, without mixing anything up.

The main characteristics of a router

When getting ready to buy a router, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• price: the cheapest options – from 1 thousand rubles, the most expensive – over 10-20 thousand rubles;
• list of supported modems: the list of models that the router can work with;
• 3G/4G technology support: all modern routers can work with 3G network, but not all of them support 4G connection; if you try to distribute 4G-internet from the router, which does not support this technology, there will be an automatic switch to the 3G protocol, the router will continue to work, but the high speed will not work;
• range: It determines the range to which the Wi-Fi signal will spread; manufacturers usually indicate a range in ideal conditions (no rain, with excellent quality of connection to the satellite, no concrete and other barriers), but in reality the router will be hampered by walls and other obstacles, and possibly low Internet signal (its quality depends on the modem), so feel free to cut the declared range by 5-10 m; average router range is 100 meters in normal conditions and 300 meters in open areas, with the connection speed

How to connect a modem to Wi-Fi router

Now let's consider in detail how to configure the router to work together with the USB modem. It is supposed that both devices are compatible with each other. The joint operation is set up in several steps:

We already told you about how to connect the modem to the router (via the USB port, adapter). The router is connected to a desktop or laptop with a patch cord, usually included with the router. However, it is not always long enough, in such cases you need to buy a patch cord of the required length or make it yourself, read the corresponding article.

If you have a laptop, you do not have to dance with the patch cord – it will connect to the router via Wi-Fi connection.

Now you need to configure the network on the PC, for which in the "Start" menu select "Settings", and in the window that appears – the "Network and Internet" tab. The second way to access this function is through the taskbar, which has an icon of network connection. By clicking on the icon, select the "Network Settings" option.

In the window that opens, click on the item "Network Control Center" and in the left block select "Change adapter settings".

Choose a working connection, right-click on it and select "Properties" in the context menu.

Mesh and home Wi-Fi systems

But besides modems and routers, there's more! Not so long ago Wi-Fi systems appeared on the market. They are similar in nature to routers, but work a little differently.

A router gives out an Internet connection on the same principle as a radio tower. The farther away you get from it, the weaker the signal. It's like listening to the radio in a car: the farther you get from the city, the harder it is to catch your favorite radio station.

The 2.4 GHz band is great at getting through objects and walls, but its bandwidth is lower than the 5 GHz band (mostly due to RF interference). The 5 GHz band is faster and less susceptible to interference, but it has its own Achilles' heel – even trees and leaves are a serious obstacle to the signal.

One way to solve this problem is to buy a wireless "signal extender"-repeater. It receives the signal from the router and repeats it thanks to its power in places where the router could not "reach" if it wanted to. An excellent solution for "dead spots"! The disadvantage is that the repeater spreads already "degraded", i.e. not as fast signal (this will not be true only if the router and repeater are connected by Ethernet cable).

That's why mesh solutions came about. They are two or three identical gadgets. One of them acts as a router. It is plugged into the output on the modem, and the traffic circulates from there to the wireless nodes and back again. That is, as a result, Internet traffic is not broadcast through one but through several devices. The output is a kind of "network of networks".

The obvious advantage of this approach is that it completely eliminates those "dead zones" – one of the network elements will deliver the Internet to the problem point. The gadgets also decide which band is best to use right now – 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz – and automatically activate one or the other element of the network when you move around the house.

What is a modem?

A modem is a device that is responsible for modulating or demodulating the Internet signal it receives. In other words, it is the one that converts the data coming from the global network so that the end device (computer, laptop, mobile gadget) can understand it, as well as utilize it to exchange data packets. A modem is able to provide connectivity to a single device, receiving information from the Internet and sending it back.

They are divided into several types depending on how they are connected, the method of receiving data. Stationary modems most often receive them by means of a cable connection and transmit the decoded data to the end device also by cable.

The mobile type of these devices differs from the stationary one in that, although it receives the signal without wires from the cellular operator, it still requires a direct connection to the end device. Most often for this purpose, the USB connector in laptops or tablets of certain configurations is used.

Thus, the modem is suitable for the first situation we described above. To connect just one device and give it access to the Internet.

What is a router?

A router (or sometimes also called a router) is designed to distribute network traffic between several participants in the same network. In other words, this device cannot decode data by itself. It is designed to create a small network and regulate its operation by distributing the signal from one Internet connection to several devices.

The modem is still responsible for receiving and processing the signal when disposing of this type of network device. Fortunately, most ultra-modern models are already equipped with the appropriate built-in module. The user does not have to buy two separate devices. Even with the most inexpensive model, you get a decoder for a wired or wireless Internet connection (depending on the service provider and connection method you choose) and a router that can intelligently, quickly and discreetly distribute packets of data among several devices.

Several devices can be connected to the same local network in different ways, depending on the model, as well as on the features of the devices themselves. Stationary models receive the signal by cable and are usually equipped with several RJ-45 connectors for wired connection of user computers, laptops, and other equipment. Also, almost any stationary model is able to create a wireless network around itself, converting the signal received by cable into radio waves on the fly. This signal is broadcast via Wi-Fi protocol to connect smartphones, tablets and other gadgets with no wired connection to the Internet.

Thus, for the second situation described above, a fixed router with a built-in modem and the ability to create a wireless network is ideal.

Router/modem combination

Unfortunately, a device of this type has no official name. Some call it a "gateway", while others just call it a modem. In any case, the idea is clear: it is a universal device that looks like an ordinary modem, but is equipped with a router inside. The combo box can be both useful and a flaw, depending on how well you want to manage your network.

In a typical standalone modem, you can configure firewall settings, open ports for certain traffic, assign addresses, etc. A router essentially provides an extra firewall for better protection, and it also has parental control, device management, usage statistics, and more. When you combine the two devices, you lose the second (firewall) and possible customization.

Mesh Router

And that's not all! Not so long ago another type of device appeared on the market which brings something new. The device is similar in nature to a router, but there are a few fundamental differences. Recall that a router is a single device that transmits an Internet connection like a radio mast. The farther these radio transmissions spread, the weaker the signal, resulting in a slower speed. The same effect is seen in a moving car: the farther away you are from the city, the harder it is to listen to your favorite music station.

Moreover, the 2.4 GHz frequency band gets through various objects and walls just fine, but the bandwidth is lower than the 5 GHz connection, mainly due to congestion. Meanwhile, the 5 GHz band is faster and less congested, but it has difficulty getting through objects and walls.

One way to solve this problem is to purchase a wireless extender. It picks up the signal generated by the router and repeats it in areas out of the router's reach. This is useful in combating dead spots, but the drawback is that repeaters capture an already degraded signal if you don't have a wired Ethernet connection between the router and the extender. The latter are available in a variety of sizes and capacities, from wall-mounted modules to the size of an entire router.

Problems with weak signal or dead zones can be solved with a mesh network. Mesh routers are designed to completely cover your home with a wireless Wi-Fi network, going far beyond what a single router can do, as this type of network is shared across multiple devices. It's like having 3-5 separate routers in the house, but they all use a single seamless Wi-Fi network. Today's mesh systems have a very simple setup that allows you to eliminate dead spots and fill in "gaps" in your home coverage, and use Wi-Fi not only in every room, but even in your backyard or garage!

Read More: