If you are an internet user, you must have heard the terms Modem and Router. While both are related to the internet, their functions are completely different.
MODEM
The term Modem is the short form of Modulator and Demodulator. A Modem contains both Modulator and Demodulator devices inside it.
A Modulator converts digital signals into analog, and the Demodulator converts analog into digital. Hence, it is named MoDem. You cannot access the internet without a Modem.
Our computers send and receive data through digital signals. Whereas, the internet sends and receives only analog signals.
Therefore, we use the Modem as a mediator that takes the digital signal from the computer, converts it into analog, and sends it to the internet. Similarly, it receives analog signals and converts them into digital.
ROUTER
It is named a Router because it Routes the internet connection to all your devices.
In simple words, A Router helps the user split or share the internet to multiple devices like other desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, etc. A Router can be both wired or wireless.
Older Routers allowed users to connect multiple devices through the Ethernet cable. Later, WiFi Routers were introduced that help you share the internet wirelessly on laptops, phones, and other devices.
So, A Modem converts analog signals to digital signals and vice versa, which allows users to access the internet. Whereas a Router just helps you pass the internet connection to multiple devices.
If you want to connect only one computer to the internet, you don't require a Router. A few years back, we needed both a Modem & Router to connect multiple devices. But now, Modem & Router are integrated into a single device.
How do we identify Modem and Router?
A Modem only has one Ethernet Port by which you can connect only one device. You can Identify a Router by looking at the Wireless antennas or Multiple Ethernet Ports.
Read more on Modems, Routers, and their types by clicking on the link and visiting our website.