In recent decades, more and more households have needed WiFi at home, initially requiring ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to install the home Internet. If we were installing the home Internet for the first time, we would find that our ISP would provide us with a combined modem that could provide WiFi functionality.

Now, the question arises.

If our ISP provides us with a WiFi modem, should we purchase a wireless router separately?

Let's discuss it.

First, we need to compare routers and modems.

What is a router?

A router is a network device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

A router is a network device connected to a LAN or WAN. It automatically selects and sets the route to the optimal path based on the channel for sending signals. A wireless router is a router that can provide WiFi signals.

What is a modem?

A modem (modulator demodulator) is a network hardware device that modulates one or more carrier signals, encodes the transmitted digital information, demodulates the signal, and decodes the transmitted information. The goal is to generate a signal that can be easily transmitted and decoded to reproduce the original digital data. Modems can be used in any way to transmit analog signals, from light emitting diodes to radios. A common modem is to convert digital data from a computer into modulated electrical signals that are transmitted over a telephone line and demodulated by another modem at the receiving end to restore digital data.

Routers connect multiple networks and route network traffic between them.

It's that simple. For your home network, your router has a connection to the Internet and a connection to your private local network. In addition, most routers also include built-in switches that can connect multiple wired devices. Many also have wireless radios that can connect to Wi Fi devices.

A modem is a bridge between the local network and the Internet.

Historically, the term "modem" is an abbreviation for modulator demodulator. Modems are used to modulate signals on a telephone line so that digital information can be encoded and transmitted over the telephone line, and then demodulated and decoded at the other end. Although more modern broadband connections, such as cable TV and satellite, do not work in the same way, we have always used the term "modem" because it is a device that people are already familiar with and related to Internet connectivity.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a WiFi modem

To provide convenience, ISPs always provide WiFi modems to their customers. In other words, when your ISP installs your home broadband on the same day, you can enjoy WiFi. However, if you want to install a wireless router, many ISPs will not provide these devices for free. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a WiFi modem?

advantage

As mentioned above, you can use WiFi on the same day you install your home broadband. You can save money without purchasing a wireless router separately. In addition, if you don't have much knowledge to deploy your home network, when you have a WiFi modem, you don't need to study how to connect wireless routers and modems.