Cable based modem connections are more prominently used in urban areas while it is not suitable for rural or developing townships because of lack of infrastructure. Anyhow, the internet speed is quite lesser than the cable modems.
A digital subscriber line (DSL) modem is a gadget used to connect a computer or router to a telephone line which supplies the digital subscriber line service for connectivity to the Internet.
What is the difference between a router and a modem?
To understand this question, we will briefly describe the purpose of the modem and router. So, the basis of the modem’s task is to convert the received signal (so that the system can decipher it), and the router is responsible for distributing the signal in the network, that is, it simply transmits the original signal to the end devices without decryption.
Practically every modern router already contains the functionality of a modem – this device simultaneously receives a signal, decodes it and distributes it among the participants of the local network. Additionally, no devices are required.
Consider the work of the router on the example of home Internet the provider cable connects to the router, which, after decryption, transmits a signal over a cable or wireless connection of a PC, laptop or other gadgets. A modem cannot “distribute” a signal in such a way.
What is the fundamental difference between a modem and a router?
Today, using a router, you can easily configure the work of the local network. It has its own IP address (which is not provided for in a regular modem), and it also assigns IP addresses to other network members.
A modem for connecting to the network of more than one device cannot do without an additional router software routing.
The functionality of the routers depends on the specific device model. Some have a firewall function, thereby increasing the degree of protection of the connection. The number of external devices connected (by cable or using a wireless connection, called an access point) also depends on the particular model.
Another difference between a modem and a router is that the router assigns a dynamic IP address or (DHCP) to the connected computer and sends an IP packet (NAT), thereby increasing the security of the connection.
The number of modem settings is reduced to the required minimum, while the router provides for more fine-tuning: it is possible to configure traffic flows, assign data transfer protocols, encrypt data transfer and so on.
Thus, the difference between a modem and a router is that the modem is designed to receive, decrypt the signal and transmit it to a single device, while the router has its own IP address, distributes the received signal between several devices, protects the connection and allows more configure traffic and network security.
