Difference Between Modem and Router

Modem and router are the networking devices. Where a modem connects your computer or your network to the telephone line (Internet Service Provider) for accessing the internet. A router is meant for connecting different networks together. The basic difference between modem and router is that modem necessary for connecting your computer network to the internet whereas, a router is essential to direct the path to the traffic of data packets on the network. Let us study some more differences between modem and router with the help of comparison chart shown below.

Content: Modem Vs Router

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR COMPARISON	MODEM	ROUTER
Meaning	Modem is a device that has a combination of a signal modulator and a signal demodulator.	Router is a device that connects multiple networks together.
Work	A modem converts digital signal of your computer to the analog signal of telephone line and vice-versa.	Router examines a data packet and determine it's path to reach the destination computer.
Purpose	Modem brings in the requested information from the internet to your network.	Router distributes that requested information to your computer.
Internet	Modem is essential to access the internet as it connects your computer to ISP.	You can access the internet without using a router.
Layer	Modem operates on Data link layer.	Router operates at the Physical Layer, Data Link Layer, Network Layer.
Security	Modem does not examine data packet; hence, security threat is always there.	Router examine every data packet before forwarding it, to determine the threat.
Placed	A modem is placed between a telephone line and a router or directly to the computer.	A router is placed between a modem and a computer network.
Registered Jack	Modem connects to a router using RJ45 and to the telephone line using RJ11.	Router connects to the computer network via RJ45.

Definition of Modem

Modem is a  device that modulates and demodulates the signal between your computer and a telephone line. Modulation is where a digital signal from your computer are converted to an analog signal of a telephone line. On the other hand, Demodulation is just opposite process of modulation. A modem connects your computer network to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) without a modem you can not access the internet. Modem Connects to Computer or a router via RJ45 and a telephone line via RJ11.

Modem operates on a Data Link Layer and transmission of the data is in the form of packets. A modem is placed between ISP, and a computer or a router. Modem does not have a concern with the security of the computer or a network as a modem only meant to bring requested information from the internet to your computer or your network. It does not screen the data packet before forwarding it. Hence, there is a chance of potential threats to your computer.

Definition of Router

Router is a networking device that directs the route to the data packets on the network. Router is also used to connect different networks together. Router can connect two LANs together or two WANs together or LAN and WAN together. A router is not essential for connecting a computer network to the Internet whereas, a router is only meant to distribute the data to the specified computer. A router screens the data packets that arrives at it and then analyse the data packet to determine the physical address in its destination field and route that packet to its destination. A router uses RJ45 to connect to a computer network.

A router operates on Physical Layer, Data Link Layer, and Network Layer and like modem, here also the transmission of data is in the form of packets. As router screen, each packet before forwarding it to its destination, the implemented firewall in the router would help to determine potential threats that may harm your computer or your network. Hence, the router provides security to your computer and prevent your network from being attacked.

Key Differences Between Modem and Router

1. Modem is a device that has both modulator (converts digital signal to analog signal) and demodulator (converts analog signal to digital) whereas, a router is a device that connects, multiple networks together.
2. When you upload something from your computer on the internet, a modem converts digital signals from your computer to the analog signal of a telephone line and a modem perform just opposite while downloading. On the other hand, a router analyses the data packet and determines the physical address in the destination field of the packet and route it to its destination.
3. Modem is there to bring the information from internet to your network and a router distribute that information to a specified computer in the network that has requested for that information.
4. Modem is an essential to connect your computer or your network to the internet whereas, a router is only to direct the traffic of packet to the specified devices.
5. A modem operates on Data Link Layer, and a router operates on Physical Layer, Data Link Layer, Network Layer.
6. A modem does not examine any data packet so there is always a threat that can enter your network or your computer. On the other hand, a router examines every packet before forwarding it hence, implemented firewall in a router will lessen the threat to your computer network.
7. A modem is placed between a telephone line, and router or computer whereas, a router is placed between a modem and network of computers.
8. A modem connects to the router via RJ45 and to the telephone line via RJ11 whereas, A router connects to the computer networks via RJ45.

Conclusion:

It is clear that if you want to connect your computer or your network to the internet, you must have a modem as it is the only mean to get connected to the internet. Nowadays ISP is offering a device that combines both a  router and modem in a  single device.