When you look at those small boxes blinking in the corner of your home or office, you may simply regard them as your Wi-Fi or internet equipment. But which is the router and which is the modem, and what sets them apart? If you’re hoping to make better sense of the devices that facilitate your network connectivity, take a look at the following guide.

What Is a Modem?

The modem is responsible for creating network connectivity between your home or office and the worldwide web. It uses a coax cable to link up with your internet service provider (ISP). The ISP then sends information to your modem for your router to use. 

What Is a Router?

The router creates its own, smaller network in your home or business. It may send it to your devices through an Ethernet cable or create a Wi-Fi signal for the devices to connect to. In addition to providing network connectivity for your devices, the router also allows them to share information with each other, such as how your computer sends a file to your printer.

What Is the Difference?

While the modem delivers internet service to your home or business, the router sends internet signals to your individual electronic devices—like your smartphone, desktop, and tablet. Another main difference is that the modem makes use of a wide area network, and the router creates its own local area network. As a result, the modem has a public internet protocol (IP) address that can be recognized on the internet, while the router assigns local IP addresses.

If you’d like some more technology insight, turn to MACH Networks in Carlsbad, CA. They offer fully managed solutions to their commercial customers, which include routers, data plans, and continuous technical support. Whether you need to manage a network of electronic devices or boost your office internet speed, call them at (866) 972-7677 to speak with a tech-savvy representative. You can also visit their website to learn more about their network connectivity solutions. Follow them on LinkedIn for more information.