Tech Wizard logoThe Tech Wizard LogoTech Wizard logoTech Wizard logo
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
    • GROUP CLASSES
    • CYBERSMART: MANAGING MONEY IN A DIGITAL WORLD
    • PRIVATE CLASSES
    • MEMBERSHIP
  • CALENDAR
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Book A Class
✕
Baby Boomers and Technology
Why Baby Boomers Must Embrace Technology
April 26, 2017
Email Inbox
Mastering the Ins and Outs of Email
June 2, 2017

What is the Difference Between a Router and Modem?

Difference between router and modem

I have been working with a client of The Tech Wizard on upgrading his home network. He was greatly confused by the structure of the network and didn’t understand how or what the pieces of hardware actually do. I thought it presented a great opportunity to provide a basic review of a network setup and explain the difference between a router and modem, so you get the best from your internet service.

What is the Modem?

Your modem is the device that brings the internet service into your house from the street. If you have cable service from Spectrum, for example, the cable from the wall will connect to directly to the modem.

While your internet service provider typically provides a modem, I highly recommend purchasing your own. What you can purchase at Best Buy or Fry’s is a better quality device. Every provider has a list of modems that consumers can purchase that are compatible with their system.

What is the Router?

The router provides access to the internet and the computers/devices in your home via Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi has come to stand for a wireless network connection. Your phones, iPads, kindles can connect to the internet without using an ethernet cable.

Typically the router connects to the modem via an ethernet cable. Although, there are some modems that have the router components built in, so there will be one device versus two separate ones.

Router Placement

Router placement is important to keep in mind to get the strongest signal disbursement throughout your living or work space. Here are some tips on router placement to ensure you have the best coverage.

  • Keep the router as high as possible
  • Place the router in a central location within your home
  • Do not place the router under a desk or any other piece of furniture
  • The router should not be in a closet, pantry, or anything else that impedes the flow of the signal

Sometimes there is no escaping “dead zones” when it comes to Wi-Fi. If you have a large home, an oddly-shaped house, a home where the router is awkwardly out of the way, or a house built with Wi-Fi killing materials, you may need to set up a mesh network. For most people that experience one or two weird but annoying dead zones, Wi-Fi extenders can help stretch the range of the signal.

For more information on extending the range of your network if you are using an Apple Base Station by adding an extender here is a great article on iMore by Anthony Casella with detailed information.

If you are still confused or need help setting up your home network, The Tech Wizard provides in-home tech support services in the Los Angeles area. Click here to learn more.

Share
0

Related posts

Daughter teaching mother how to use a smartphone
August 25, 2021

Ways to Overcome Your Fear of Technology


Read more
Woman exercising at home
October 30, 2020

Using Tech to Stay Fit at Home


Read more
Digital Photo of dog

curious dog on a screen phone

August 21, 2020

Turning Your Digital Photos into a Photo Album


Read more

Comments are closed.

The Tech Wizard

12400 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90025
P: 888.332.2299
E: info@thetechwizard.com

DOWNLOAD THE TECH WIZARD MEDIA KIT

Tech Tips in your Inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly tech tips and hear about tech learning opportunities.

Book your free 30-minute session
©2023 The Tech Wizard. All rights reserved.
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Book A Class
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Book A Class
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT