DSL Internet and UVerse Internet or High Speed WiFi Internet Differences?

[bpeeps]

Originally Posted by thelopez2

A modem or router is a device that bridges between your computer and the Internet service provider's cable.

Incorrect in regards to what the comment above is asking. Sometimes modems and routers are used interchangeably (even though they technically are two different devices).

Originally Posted by disneygogetter

I'm confused whats a modem and a router and a wireless router or modem etc.

A modem is a device that decodes the signal delivered by the cable company so that you may access the information it carries. A wireless router is a device used to then take that signal and transport it to internet-ready devices, such as a phone, computer, or tablet. This is typically done hardwired through the use of ethernet ports on the router or broadcast wirelessly so that wireless cards in internet devices can pick up the signal.

[disneygogetter]

This is so confusing hahaha.

[thelopez2]

Originally Posted by bpeeps

Incorrect in regards to what the comment above is asking. Sometimes modems and routers are used interchangeably (even though they technically are two different devices).



A modem is a device that decodes the signal delivered by the cable company so that you may access the information it carries. A wireless router is a device used to then take that signal and transport it to internet-ready devices, such as a phone, computer, or tablet. This is typically done hardwired through the use of ethernet ports on the router or broadcast wirelessly so that wireless cards in internet devices can pick up the signal.

I'm not sure why you want to confuse the OP even more with technicalities.

OP it looks like this ISP Cable > Modem > only one Computer
or
ISP Cable > Modem > Router > Computer Ethernet
OR
ISP Cable > Modem > WiFi Router > Wired Computer/devices and/or Wifi Devices

[bpeeps]

Originally Posted by thelopez2

I'm not sure why you want to confuse the OP even more with technicalities

That comment was to you, not the OP. Notice the quotation separation. Calling a device by another device's name is not a technicality just because it's commonplace to do so.

Originally Posted by disneygogetter

This is so confusing hahaha.

Google is going to be your friend to discern the difference between the two. I'd check out a youtube video comparing a wireless router and a modem, so you can visually associate the difference. Either way, you need both.

[thelopez2]

Originally Posted by bpeeps

That comment was to you, not the OP. Notice the quotation separation. Calling a device by another device's name is not a technicality just because it's commonplace to do so.

Can you plug a computer into a modem to get internet access without a router, DSL modems have a RJ11 and RJ45? Isn't that "DSL Modem" transporting the signal to my computer via ethernet? Yet it is called and sold as a DSL Modem, and I don't need to purchase a separate router?

Can you plug a router in to a cable modem to connect your computers?

Fios feeds device via COAX cable it has 4 internal LAN ports and an antenna, it it a modem, bridge, or router?
Probably 80% of the devices sold to home consumers will not route internal IP address yet they are still call routers.

I also said a modem or router is needed not a modem is router.

[bpeeps]

Originally Posted by thelopez2

1. Can you plug a computer into a modem to get internet access without a router, DSL modems have a RJ11 and RJ45? Isn't that "DSL Modem" transporting the signal to my computer via ethernet? Yet it is called and sold as a DSL Modem, and I don't need to purchase a separate router?

2. Can you plug a router in to a cable modem to connect your computers?

3. Fios feeds device via COAX cable it has 4 internal LAN ports and an antenna, it it a modem, bridge, or router?

4. Probably 80% of the devices sold to home consumers will not route internal IP address yet they are still call routers.

5. I also said a modem or router is needed not a modem is router.

1. Yes, you can plug a computer directly into a cable/DSL modem using ethernet to get internet access. You don't need a router. All current DOCSIS 2.0 and 3.0 cable modems (which are the only types of cable modems ISP's use now) are capable of decoding the ISP signal and relaying internet through the use of a single ethernet port only. A router (wireless or wired) allows you to connect more than one computer using ethernet or wireless connectivity, depending on the model. You cannot plug a coax cable into a wireless router to decode the ISP information. The router always gets plugged into the cable modem first.

2. The majority of routers are plugged into cable modems to allow multiple connections to computers. Very few computers are plugged in directly to the cable modem. Can you operate by only using a cable modem? Absolutely. The reason I say both a router and modem are needed is because most households, single or family occupied have more than one device that connects to the internet. If you're simply using a cable modem, you can only plug in one computer. Your phone, tablets, other computers, printer, other wireless devices won't have access to internet.

3. Fios and ALL ISP's use a system of copper or fiber to deliver information to your house. Once at your house, coax cable is wired through your walls and connected to a modem to decode the information the ISP is sending. The Fios box you are talking about is a wireless router AND modem combo (google this distinction if you don't understand). ATT also employs this same combo so that you don't have to have two devices, a separate modem and router. Companies like Comcast, Time Warner, and Cox typically only supply cable modems and you have to purchase a wifi router.

(Side note: Many tech aficionados don't like combo wireless routers and modems, because if something goes wrong, you can't tell if it's the wireless router that needs fixing or the cable modem. You have to replace the entire unit. Where if you had two standalone units, you're going to know pretty quickly which is causing the issue).

4. Device isn't specific enough to speculate on what you're referring to.

5. A modem and a router is needed or a modem/wireless router combination is needed. That is the difference.

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So in regards to the original comment, that person can just purchase a wireless router/modem combo and they won't ever have to make the distinction regarding which is which.