This is especially likely if you lease your equipment from your internet service provider. If you’re thinking, “I use WiFi but I don’t have two separate devices…” you probably have what’s called a gateway. A router doesn’t connect you to the internet - it turns the internet into WiFi signals, so you’re no longer tethered to your ethernet cord. To make that connection, your router creates a local area network (also called a LAN) around your house – it’s like a bubble where your WiFi can live.Ī router does need a modem to function. How Does a Router Work?Ī router is the connection between your modem and your wireless devices like laptops, phones, and smart home devices. Regardless of what internet service you have - fiber, cable, satellite, or fixed wireless internet - you’ll have a modem. Every device is assigned a unique IP address, so it can identify your devices online and it lets the web know where to send the information.Ī modem does not require a router to function because it can support a wired connection on its own. Your modem is also what assigns your IP (internet protocol) address. It receives signals from your internet service provider, which any of your wired devices can then use. How Does a Modem Work?Ī modem is the connection between your house and the internet. When wireless devices came into play, so did routers. Before WiFi was created, homes with computers needed a modem and an ethernet cable to get online. Essentially, a modem connects you to the internet while a router supplies WiFi throughout your home. Or, if you’ve had connectivity issues, you’ve probably been told to reboot your router to restore your high-speed internet connection.īut what is the difference between these two pieces of equipment? Do they serve the same purpose?Ī modem and a router go hand in hand. If you’ve ever been the person in charge of your household’s internet connection, you’ve likely heard the terms modem and router. So which one should you go with? Does it make a difference? But there’s also the option of a gateway – offering a hybrid. Summary: Not clear on the difference between a modem and a router? A modem connects you to the internet while a router supplies your home’s WiFi.

Modem vs router wifi