A modem and router both are networking devices used for providing access to the internet.
The main difference between them is, Modem connects your computer with the internet whereas, router directs and examines data packets to destination devices.
Difference between Modem and Router in tabular form ?
| Basis | Modem | Router |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It can be defined as a device which modulates and demodulates the outgoing and incoming data | It can be defined as a device that is basically used to carry forward the data packets to various computer networks |
| Layer | Data Link Layer | Network Layer |
| Type of device | Inter-networking device | Networking device |
| Ports | 2 ports | multiple ports |
| Functionality | Modulation and demodulation of incoming and outgoing signals | Accepts data packets and directs it to correct destination by choosing efficient path |
| Connectivity | It can alone connects a device to the internet | It cannot be used alone to connect a device to the internet |
| Security | Doesn't provide security | Provides security |
| Capacity | Without router, it can provide a dedicated connection to single device only | It exposes wireless access points and also provides ports in order to connect multiple devices |
Modem
It is used to connect a computer to internet. It establishes and maintains a dedicated internet connection with Internet Service Provider (ISP) that serves access to Internet.
The reason to have modem is because a computer can only deal with digital signals whereas signals present on internet are analog.
A modem demodulates incoming analog signals from internet to digital signal.
Similarly, a modem modulates the outgoing signals, coming from computer to analog signals. Cable and DSL modem are some examples.
A Modem stands for Modulator and DEModulator.
The main objective of the Modem is to convert digital signals to analog signals while transmitting and converting back analog signals to digital signals while receiving data.
Router
A Router can be defined as a networking device that is basically used to carry forward the data packets to various computer networks.
Routers are used while transmitting data so that they can efficiently direct the Internet traffic.
In other words, It routes a dedicated internet connection to various devices such as laptops, computers, mobile phones and others, so that, they can access the internet.
It comes up with multiple ports which can be used to connect devices using Ethernet cables, along with that, it also provides wireless points.
Key Differences:
- Layer (in which it resides):
Modem resides in DATA LINK LAYER whereas, Router resides in NETWORK LAYER.
- Form of data transmission:
In both the modem as well as routers, the data is transmitted in the form of PACKETS.
- Device type:
A modem is an INTER-NETWORKING device whereas, a router is a NETWORKING device.
- Ports:
Modem: 2 PORTS-
- One for ISP connection.
- Second for connecting to the router.
Router: Can have MULTIPLE PORTS.
- Security:
A Modem does not provide any kind of security whereas; Router provides security by protecting the network.
