What is the difference between a modem and a router?
Updated
by FibreStream
A modem is a device that connects to a phone (DSL), coaxial (cable) or fibre optic line and demodulates an incoming analogue signal into a digital signal.
This allows for a device like a computer, phone or router to receive and send information in digital format. You can connect a single device such as a computer directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable for a wired connection. Typically, a wireless router is connected to the modem to provide wireless coverage for all devices.
A router is a device that routes, forwards and maintains the Internet connection (wired and wireless) of all of your devices. A typical wireless router has 4 LAN (Local Area Network) ports, which allows multiple wired devices via Ethernet to be connected. Routers also protect your devices by managing a firewall and blocking/accepting foreign connections.
Internet Service Providers frequently sell or rent combo modem/router devices that accomplish both jobs in one unit. Since modems aren't required with FibreStream, those combo devices are not compatible with FibreStream service. Additionally, most providers lock their devices and prevent them from being used with other Internet providers.
Our routers are compatible with any Internet Service Provider.
