When do you need a modem and a router

Modem vs Router: What's the Difference? Routers bring the Internet to your devices A router connects your devices to each other and, in hard-wired connection setups, to the modem. Simply put, your router: Assigns a local IP address to each device on the network Creates a firewall to prevent security breaches Manages the traffic on your network Handles any Parental Controls Do I need a router and a modem? Get Faster Internet Get the reliable Internet speed you need at a price you'll love.

Shop Xfinity Internet Deals. Trending Stories. Your modem shares this connection with a computer or a router via an Ethernet cable. Modems aren't one-size-fits-all solutions; the type of modem you'll need depends on the type of internet service you receive.

If your ISP offers cable internet, you'll need a cable modem. If you choose fiber, you'll get an optical network terminal ONT to translate the fiber-optic light signals into electrical signals that your devices can recognize, and maybe another modem-like device to translate from the ONT. If that's making your head spin, the good news is that your ISP will tell you which type of modem you need, and will even offer one for you to rent or, in some cases, buy.

We recommend buying your own. To buy your own modem, all you need to do is check with your ISP to make sure that the model you want to buy works with that provider's service. Cable providers are starting to roll out internet service that tops 1 Gbps. Picking a modem is only half the battle, because they typically provide connections for just a single, wired device.

If you want to go wireless, you're going to need a router, which is a networking device that lets you share your modem's internet connection with all your devices. Lifewire Technology Review Board Member. Article reviewed on Nov 01, Tweet Share Email. Most modern cable and DSL providers offer gateway modems by default.

Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Tell us why! More from Lifewire. How to Connect a Router to the Internet. What Is a Modem in Computer Networking? You will need both a modem and a router if you want to use WiFi or connect multiple devices.

A router is essential if you have several devices that need to connect to the internet. A router needs to be connected to the modem in order for it to distribute the internet connection to your devices. These days, there are devices that come with the functions of both a modem and a router. Check out our list of the best modem router combos to find out more. HelloTech editors choose the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. See all results.

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