A modem is a box that connects your home network to your internet service provider, or ISP. A router is a box that lets all of your wired and wireless devices use that internet connection at once and allows them to talk to one another directly.
You need both a modem and router to connect to the Internet on multiple devices. Because most modems only have a single LAN Ethernet connector, you'll only be able to connect to one computer at a time with a single cable – which is not ideal for households with multiple people online at once.
While some will use the two words interchangeably, they are not the same thing. A modem brings internet service into the home, and the router delivers the internet to the devices in your home via WiFi or an Ethernet cable.
Routers and modems have traditionally been 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 new combination modem and router units merge the two devices' functions into one powerful gadget.
Do I still need a modem with the NBN? It depends if your NBN hardware already has one installed. For instance, you'll need a modem router if you have an FTTB or FTTN NBN connection. For other connection types, like FTTP, FTTC, Satellite NBN or fixed wireless, you'll just need a router.
If you wish to use WiFi or connect numerous devices, you'll need both a modem and a router. You can only connect one computer at a time because most modems only have one LAN Ethernet connector, but a modem won't provide the same level of protection as a router.
You require an nbn™ compatible router or modem. If your nbn™ is serviced via Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fixed Wireless, Hybrid-Fibre Coaxial (HFC), or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) then your modem must have a WAN or Internet port – here are some recommendations.
Is it better to have a separate modem and router? Yes, it's better to have separate devices due to its numerous advantages like more features, faster connectivity, better customization, and improved security.
What are the benefits of a modem and router combo? Modem router combos conveniently combine an internet modem and Wi-Fi router into an all-in-one device, thus making it a WiFi networking essential. Cable modem router combos are often provided by the cable company for a fee that is part of your monthly bill.
Connect one end of one Ethernet cable into the back of the modem, then connect the other end into the Wide Area Network (WAN) port on the router. Connect the router power cord into an electrical outlet, then connect the other end to the router.
Modems in Today's Digital World
Despite the advancements in technology, modems are still very much in use today. They serve as the gateway to the internet, converting signals from your ISP into a format that your devices can understand and vice versa.
How Long Does a Modem Last? Most modems last for about 2-3 years but higher quality modems can last for 5-8 years. Most high quality modems end up being replaced because they become outdated, not because they have broken down.
Price: You can buy a router for $20, and you can buy one for $500. But we don't consider the cheapest or the fastest to be the best.
A router is a device that provides Wi-Fi and is typically connected to a modem. It sends information from the internet to personal devices like computers, phones, and tablets. These internet-connected devices in your home make up your Local Area Network (LAN).
Place your router centrally
This means the more centrally you can place it, the better your home's overall coverage will be. Putting your router near a window means that you're broadcasting outside as well as inside, and sending some of your strongest broadband connection – quite literally – out the window.
Check the Wi-Fi light
Labels for Wi-Fi lights vary but usually will read “2.4G” and “5G,” “WLAN,” or “Wireless.” These lights should be on and are usually blinking. If the Wi-Fi light(s) are off or red, your router isn't broadcasting a signal.
Why the modem first? Because it needs to reconnect to your Internet Service Provider before the router can do its job. Plug the Modem back into your power source, and it will begin the process of reconnecting.
Having two modems in one household is a great way to increase the efficiency of your home network. However, it can cost you more money compared to upgrading your current plan. Other options for improving WiFi speeds and coverage include upgrading your router, investing in a mesh network, or purchasing extenders.
However, your router handles everything on your side of the modem or ONT, so its performance can affect your wired and wireless connections. We'll explain what signs you should look for in a slow router, how older routers can affect your speed, and what you should do to improve your internet speed.
It's easiest to think of an NBN connection box as a modem. The NBN box is the device that's likely installed by NBN Co—but may, in some instances, be eligible for self-installation—and it's where your connection to the NBN starts in your home.
You will need to plug your modem/router into your nbn™ FTTP Network Termination Device (NTD) to connect your Internet service.
Look no further than the Archer AX6000 router from TP-Link. With lightning-fast speeds of up to 1148 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 4804 Mbps on the 5GHz band, this advanced 802.11ax router is perfect for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.