Most people use their home network to access the internet but many have no idea how these networks work. Can you tell the difference between a modem and router? Have you ever asked, "Do I need both a modem and router?" The answer to that is yes—the modem and router perform separate, unique functions to run your home internet. The modem connects your home to the internet, and then the router creates the network inside your house.
Knowing how the blinking boxes plugged into your wall work can help you to get the Internet up and running again the next time there's a power outage or connection disruption.
What are the differences between a modem and a router?
|
Modem |
Router |
|
Brings internet to your home |
Brings internet to your devices |
|
Has public IP address |
Assigns local IP addresses |
|
Uses a Wide Area Network (WAN) |
Creates a Local Area Network (LAN) |
What is a modem?
A modem is a device that connects your home, usually through a coax cable connection, to your Internet service provider (ISP), like Xfinity. The modem takes signals from your ISP and translates them into signals your local devices can use, and vice versa. The connection between your house and the Internet is known as a wide area network (WAN). Each modem has an assigned public IP address that identifies it on the Internet.
What is an internet router?
An internet router connects your devices to each other and, in hard-wired connection setups, to the modem. The router connects to your modem and then to your devices (laptops, smart TVs, printers, etc.) via either an Ethernet cable or a wireless connection, commonly referred to as WiFi. The router creates a local area network (LAN) within your house, allowing your devices to share files and peripherals like printers. The router manages all the information going to and from each device and the modem and makes sure it all ends up safely in the right spot. However, a router doesn’t need to connect to a modem to function. You can choose to create a LAN without Internet access.
Simply put, your router:
- Assigns a local IP address to each device on the network
- Creates a firewall to prevent security breaches
- Manages the traffic on your network
- Handles any Parental Controls
Is there a modem and router combo?
Routers and modems have traditionally existed as two separate devices that worked together to form your home network. However, with today’s technology, you don't need a separate modem and separate router necessarily, as combination modem and router units merge the two devices’ functions into one powerful gadget. These multi-functional machines provide all the power you need to read emails, stream shows, play games, and connect to your smart devices (without the hassle of dealing with two separate devices).
Xfinity Gateway
Xfinity offers Xfinity WiFi customers an all-in-one modem and router, the Xfinity Gateway to to deliver the ultimate internet connection. Acting as both modem receiving the internet connection and the router, the Xfinity Gateway delivers best-in-class WiFi to your devices with low lag. Whether you’re gaming, working, or streaming your favorite shows, lower latency helps to ensure you can do it without interruption.1 This ultra-low latency is available on gig speed internet and above.
As cybercrimes have become more advanced, the Xfinity Gateway features Advanced Security, which helps keep you safe from suspicious communications, phishing scams, and risky websites at no extra cost. Parents and families can activate Parental Controls to manage children’s time online and access to age-appropriate content. Best of all, these features are at your fingertips and easy to manage with the Xfinity App.
Elevate your home WiFi with Xfinity Pro
Xfinity WiFi customers can boost WiFi performance with Xfinity Pro.
- Prioritize the WiFi for a particular activity, such streaming, gaming or working from home, by opting to boost a device. 2
- Ensure your WiFi signal expands across your entire home with up to two WiFi extenders, if needed.3
- Stay connected during an unexpected network outage with WiFi backup. There’s even an optional Battery Backup to keep you online if the power goes out.4
Our Promise to You: 5 Years, No Contract, One Low Price
Xfinity’s mission is to provide fast, reliable, and secure internet to customers at prices that are clear and consistent. That’s why, for the first time, Xfinity is offering new Xfinity WiFi customers a price guarantee for five years.
The 5 Year Price Guarantee includes unlimited data and best-in-class Xfinity Gateway at one simple, monthly price that will stay the same for five years. There’s no contract required and no long-term commitment—you can cancel at any time. And if you move to a new home where Xfinity WiFi service is available, your price moves with you.
Explore Xfinity internet to compare plans find the right one for you. Plus, find out how much you can save with Xfinity over other internet service providers and check out the latest deals on Xfinity internet.
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