Hello everybody.

In view of the fact that any modern person cannot do without the Internet now, the question of how to connect it is relevant. If everything is clear with the cable - the provider came and plugged it into the computer - then, with the organization of a wireless connection, novice users may have questions.

In particular, a modem and a router are constantly mentioned, what is the difference between them and what exactly a person needs in a given situation is not obvious to everyone. Are you one of those people? To clarify the situation, I suggest you read this short article. Let's first take a look at one and the other device separately, and then move on to comparing them.

What is a modem?

This is the name of the device that performs modulation and demodulation of a signal during data transmission. In other words, it receives the Internet signal via cable or radio waves (if we are talking about a mobile version) and makes it understandable for a computer.

My first modem was a Samsung x700 phone, into which a mobile operator's SIM card was inserted.

The phone had special settings, and it was connected to the computer via the cable that came with it in the kit.

I don't remember what the tariff was, but you had to have strong nerves to load the page :).

A few years later, I was hooked on a wave of technology development, and a modem, sharpened for communication, appeared in my life.

It was a small device connected to a computer via USB. To be honest, the speed did not fly either, but the operator did not hesitate to take a round sum a month.

Now I no longer use a modem, since it itself has become less relevant than before. If they buy it, it is often with a router in one bottle in order to get the maximum release with a moderate investment.

For your attention - a router

The cable connection to the Internet fades into the background, because now in the same house or work space there are several devices that can go online; and to bring the wire only to the computer is not fair in relation to other gadgets. For everything to be convenient and honest, it is necessary to organize a single access point to which all devices could connect via. How to do it? Using a router.

Unlike a modem, it does not convert the signal, but only distributes it evenly among the connected devices. How? The provider brings the cable to the router. There is a routing table in the device memory, which contains network addresses, masks, gateway addresses, interface and metrics. This table contains the paths to connected gadgets and at regular intervals checks for their presence nearby so that when you want to go online, you can quickly find the shortest route for your equipment.

Because of this function, the device is called. This is a Russian-language term, and the word "router" came to us from the English language.

What is the difference between a modem and a router

For your convenience, I will give the main differences between the two devices in the form of a table.

Router

1. Distributes the wifi signal.
2. It has .
3. Allows you to create a mini-network, as it can distribute the Internet to 2 or more gadgets at once.
4. It has advanced functionality: you can regulate the traffic flow, specify data transfer protocols, set routes for them manually, etc.
5. Provides data protection thanks to the built-in firewall.

Modem

1. Converts data received via cable or radio waves.
2. There is no own IP. The address is assigned only to the connected device.
3. Provides Internet access for only one device.
4. Typically limited to a minimum of factory settings.
5. Has no security features other than simple data encryption.

Despite all the differences, the appearance of both devices has similar features, which further adds to the confusion. But, I think, after reading this article, you can already easily distinguish between a router and a modem, and also decide which is better to take in your case.

I am waiting for you again on my blog.

Many laptop users are faced with the problem of the lack of a cellular module built into the device. Despite the ubiquity of Wi-Fi networks, finding a safe and fast Internet access point can be difficult even within the city. The solution to the problem is to buy a modem or router. The article will discuss the differences between these devices from each other.

Modem

Modem - "modulator-demodulator" - is a compact transmitter designed to connect devices to the Internet. Modems are of two types: built-in and external... While the former are installed inside a user gadget and are part of its technical stuffing, the latter are independent devices connected to a computer via a USB port.

It is important to note that the article will not consider professional equipment that is interfaced using composite interfaces and has dimensions that are not suitable for everyday use.

To activate the built-in modem, you only need a SIM card - this technology is used in mobile phones and tablets, but not in computers or laptops. The latter needs an external transmitter, among the characteristics of modern models of which:

• Supports LTE-advanced technology... The theoretical data transfer rate for LTE-A (4G +) technology is 300 Mbit / s, which is two times higher than the capabilities of "conventional" fourth-generation networks.
• Transformer case... The movable USB tip, which is used in the design of some modems, allows the device to be used in vertical mode, thereby saving real work space around the user.
• External antenna compatibility... Signal repeaters are used with a low level of communication quality - suburban and suburban areas rarely enter the coverage area of ​​high-speed Internet, and the only solution to this problem of slow connection is to use an external antenna.

Today, 4G modems are the most popular - these devices, the size of a flash drive, provide high speed download and upload of cellular data and are capable of working with base stations of any federal telecom operator. The main disadvantage of such LTE transmitters is the impossibility of simultaneously connecting several gadgets to the Internet at once.

Router

A router (or router) is a device, the main purpose of which is to provide access to the Internet network for several users at once. Since this device does not have its own radio module, an additional antenna is required for data transmission, which is usually connected using a wired Ethernet interface. The need to use a cable dictates the main disadvantage of the router is the lack of mobility.

Although the "classic" router is suitable only for home use, the device has a number of undeniable advantages:

• High-speed internet access... The fiber-optic cable used by providers when connecting the router to the network does not create additional interference to the signal, as a result of which the maximum connection speed is limited only by the capacities of the communication provider's stations (in theory, this limit is about 1000 Tbit / s).
• The ability to use for organizing a local network... Thanks to the router, the user can combine their devices into one network. Most routers support Wi-Fi. This allows devices to be connected to the network wirelessly. On a local network, you can set up mirror image repetition on an external monitor when giving presentations. But most often it is used to connect peripherals such as a printer or fax to a computer. Interestingly, the smart home system, which is gaining popularity these days, also uses a router as its main spot.
• Firewall function... Most routers have special software installed to act as a firewall. The Internet traffic received by the user is checked, as a result of which the likelihood of the success of external cyber attacks on the computer is reduced. While a firewall like this is not 100% hacker-proof, adding an additional layer of web defense is never a bad idea.

Thus, the router is the optimal solution for home use, but not at all suitable for mobile Internet access. It is important to note that with some dexterity of the user and setting up special software, the computer itself can act as a router.

Differences

The difference between a modem and a router (or router) is presented in the table:

As you can see, these devices represent different classes of electronic devices, each of which has a specific functional purpose. In simple words, the modem differs from the router by the presence of a radio module. With its help, it connects to the 3G / 4G network. Only one device can be connected to the modem.

Mobile router

A portable router is the result of a synthesis of a modem and an ordinary router: the device is able to provide several gadgets with an Internet connection and does not tie the user to one geolocation. The mobility of the device is due to the built-in battery and the presence of its own radio module. It is worth saying that these routers are divided into several types:

• Expressways... Thanks to support for LTE-advanced and a powerful built-in modem, such models provide a real data exchange rate of up to 300 Mbps (the exact numbers depend on the telecom operator), which is suitable for connecting a large number of gadgets.
• Expandable capacity... These devices are compatible with external antennas and allow multiple access to the World Wide Web even when the subscriber leaves the coverage area of ​​the operator's base stations. This opportunity will be appreciated not only by fans of out-of-town recreation, but also by travelers.
• Universal... Since each cellular operator uses different frequency bands for data transmission, the user, when choosing a portable router, should pay attention to the compatibility of the model with the networks of a particular communication provider. If a person plans to use several SIM cards from different operators, universal devices that work with any frequencies will be the best purchase option.
• Budget... The relatively low cost reflects the "standard" range of capabilities of the router - these routers are suitable for everyday use in urban areas, but not for travel.

It is worth saying that portable routers are qualitatively superior to conventional USB modems, making them the most functional option for a mobile access point.

Connecting the modem to the router

Some router models are compatible not only with an Ethernet cable, but also with a USB modem. Such a bundle of devices relieves the user of additional wires to the apartment and, in some cases, saves money. The process of connecting a modem to a router is as follows:

1. SIM card activation... You can activate the SIM card using your mobile phone. It is necessary to insert the identification chip into the gadget and open the system browser, after which the Internet setting will start automatically. You will also need to disable PIN verification.
2. Connecting devices... Direct connection of the modem to the router is carried out via the USB interface.
3. Configuring the router... You will need to enter the device control panel using a special URL - located on the back of the router and looks like 192.168.X.X. Next, you need to go to the "Connection" section and activate the "Modem connection".

Before using the modem at home, you need to check the coverage map of the selected operator - perhaps LTE-advanced technology is not available in the user's apartment.

Which is better to choose

So, the best option for a home access point is a "classic" router that provides several gadgets with the Internet at once. Despite the possibility of using a computer with a connected modem as a router, it is worth giving preference to an independent device that supports a high-speed Ethernet connection. The router also consumes less power.

A 4G modem is suitable for use with a laptop: the capabilities of a compact "Internet stick" will be enough for comfortable work outside the home or office. The lack of multiple access is compensated by the device's hub-mode - in case of emergency, you can distribute the Internet from a laptop.

On a trip, the modem will be better for a laptop - the router requires an additional connected power source. If you need to organize a local network on a trip, then you should pay attention to pocket routers that run on battery power.

Popular models

The most popular models of the devices described in the article are presented below:

• Modem Huawei E3372h- a high-quality and relatively cheap device supports LTE from any federal operator and has an attractive design;
• Router TP-link TL-MR3420- An uncompromising device with support for USB modems and a range of up to 100 meters;
• Portable router Huawei E5776- LTE-A support, its own 3000 mAh battery and connection of up to 10 gadgets.

Also, the user can purchase a ready-made solution (device + tariff plan) from one or another telecom operator.

In this article I want to tell you about existing network devices.

Often, those who are starting to get acquainted with network technologies, the question arises: why on some sites it is written about a router, and on the other, the gateway is slightly different, and on the third it turns out that the gateway is a program? How to understand all these terms and where to find the truth, which is which?

I will give you a detailed answer to this question. After reading the article, you will know which is which, as well as what are the differences between them.

Let's start this article with network card, the one that is installed in your computer or laptop.

LAN card

You may come across names like NIC, Network Interface Card, Network adapter, Ethernet adapter, network card - they are all the same.

Your computer needs a network card to communicate (exchange data) with other network devices.

By the way the network card is implemented in your computer, they can be divided into 3 types: built-in, internal and external.

An onboard card is when a part of the network card is built into the motherboard, i.e. a connector for connecting a cable and a chip for information processing are built into the motherboard (additional functions that must be processed on the network board are processed by the central processor using a special driver). Now all laptops have this implementation, and there is no room for a normal board inside the case. Home computers are currently not devoid of a built-in network card solution. Motherboard manufacturers have made sure that when you buy you immediately have a network card, a sound card, a video card, and some other card (progress does not stand still).

Internal is when a network card is installed inside a computer (system unit). This means that there is a separate network card with a network connector inserted through a special connector (PCI, PCI-E, ISA) into the motherboard. It can be removed from one computer and inserted into another.

External - now such an implementation can be found when a tablet or communicator is connected via a network interface to a local network, also on laptops without a network connector or with an outdated (or not working) network connector. Most often it is a network card in a plastic case with a USB cable for connecting to a computer.

The difference between a modem and an adapter

You can often find such a name for a network device as a modem. In one store we see a Wi-Fi modem, and in another a Wi-Fi adapter. So what is the difference between a modem and an adapter or a network card? Now let's try to figure it out (those who are a little lazy can skip the main part of the study and get acquainted only with its last sentence).

Research: What is a modem and how is it different from an adapter.

So, let's do a little research and find out what a modem is, what an adapter is, and how they differ.

Let's take a look at what the words modem and adapter mean.

Modem (modem). This word is an acronym, i.e. an abbreviation (abbreviated spelling) formed from the initial letters of the English words mo (dulator) and dem (odulator). Modulator (lat. Modulator - keeping the rhythm) - a device that changes the parameters of the carrier signal in accordance with changes in the transmitted (information) signal. Demodulator is a detector of a radio receiving device, which recovers information from a radio signal, embedded in it by a modulator.

Simply put, the modem converts the data bits into a signal (corresponding to the data transmission medium) and vice versa, the signal into data.

Adapter (adapter or adapter). Translated into Russian, it turns out: an adapter, a transition device, a device, a transition sleeve, a connecting device, a pickup, the one who remakes a literary work (adapts it). Since the word Adapter comes from Adapt, consider that as well. To adapt means to adapt, to facilitate, to customize.

Just like with a modem, in simple terms, an adapter takes a signal from a cable (or any other transmission medium) and converts it to data bits and vice versa.

Now I will consider where and how these two words are used.

The word "modem" is used only as a modulation / demodulation device: modem, soft modem, wireless modem, voice modem, satellite modem, fax modem.

But with the word "adapter" things are more interesting: power supply, network adapter, DOF adapter, adapter adapter (adapter ring for photo-optics), network card (board), interface between devices, video adapter, graphics adapter (converts graphic image into a different form). And a few more clippings from sentences where this word occurs: "Adapter, Adapter or Wrapper / Wrapper - structural design pattern", "plastic mouth adapter designed specifically for metered aerosol", "on the adapter for the bottle and pierce the bottle cap with the tip of the adapter center "," For the recognition of amino acids in the cell, there are special "adapters", transport RNA (tRNA) molecules. "," Standard tags of iterators, reverse iterator adapters and insertion iterators " dimensions of a standard VHS video cassette. "," The majority of modern mice have a USB interface, sometimes with an adapter for PS / 2. " adapters are converted into electrical ones "," The on-camera video recorder through a special adapter was rigidly attached to the television camera, forming a single unit. "

Let's summarize the results of our research. Again, the word "modem" is used only as a modulation / demodulation device. "Adapter" is a much more universal word, although it has a general meaning. Wherever you need to convert, transform, change and adapt something, you can use the words "adapter". Actually, the functions of the modem fit the definition of an adapter, so we can consider these words (within network technologies) the same in meaning and, if necessary, replace one with another. Moreover, since "modem" is a more ‘narrow’ and specialized word, they should be used with caution when replacing the word “adapter”. On the other hand, an "adapter" can replace any "modem".

Now, in the age of high technologies, you will not surprise anyone with a network card, everyone already uses 3G modems, USB modems, GSM modems, etc. They are all the same. As shown in the picture below, a 3G modem is a device that is inserted into the USB port of your computer, laptop or tablet (In addition to USB, you can find other interfaces, for example PCIMCI). Inside this device is a SIM card of a cellular operator, which allows you to be connected to the Internet in the coverage area of ​​this operator's network (for example, in the country) or while roaming (for example, abroad).

There are also very similar devices: 4G-modems, WiMAX-modems - these are devices operating on a technology called Wireless MAN (IEEE802.16 standard). Provide access to the Internet and local area network within the coverage area. Some communicators and laptops have built-in WiMAX adapters.

It's time to mention the Wi-Fi technology, more precisely, the devices working on it: Wi-Fi modems, Wi-Fi adapters, Wi-Fi cards, and the like Wi-Fi. These devices, like network cards, can be divided into three groups according to the method of installation (implementation): built-in, internal and external.

Built-in Wi-Fi adapters are seen in the same devices as network cards, plus almost all mobile devices.

Internal - look like a regular network card with an antenna. It is not uncommon now to find a network card at the same time as a Wi-Fi module.

External ones are very similar to the above-mentioned 3G-modems and 4G-modems, only they have become much more widespread, in this regard, there are much more devices on sale. If you wish, you can find a modem with an external antenna, which means that you can connect a better antenna, which will provide a greater reception range and better quality (but do not forget about the dimensions, they will also increase).

Where the antenna is not visible, but Wi-Fi is present, there it is hidden in the case, because of this, the power characteristics may deteriorate - the antenna becomes very small. But as the device manufacturers assure us, the power either does not decrease, or does not decrease significantly.

At this point, I, perhaps, will finish talking about user devices.

In the future, let's combine all these custom adapters into the word NIC - Network Interface Card, which in translation means Network Interface Card or Network Interconnection Card (however, the same thing). This definition, whatever one may say, corresponds to all of the above user devices, so we will focus on it.

When transmitting data in any physical medium, a gradual fading of the signal occurs.

The length of the physical medium varies depending on the technology used. For example, for a coaxial cable corresponding to the "Thick Ethernet" technology, the maximum segment length is 500 meters, for a coaxial cable "Thin Ethernet" - 185 meters, for a twisted pair cable - 100 meters, multimode fiber - up to 500 - 2000 meters (depending on the technology) , single-mode fiber - up to 50 kilometers, Bluetooth or bluetooth - up to 200 meters, Wi-Fi - up to 300 meters, since July 29, 2011 IEEE has released the IEEE 802.22 standard (Super Wi-Fi) - within a radius of up to 100 km, WiMAX - up to 80 km, GSM - from 400 m to 50 km.

This begs the question - what if you need to connect devices that are at a distance exceeding the capabilities of the physical environment (for example, the maximum length of a segment implemented on a twisted pair cable is 100 meters, but we need 200)?

Repeater

In such a situation, a device comes to our aid - a repeater (repeater, repeater). From its name it becomes clear that it repeats the received signal. In other words, where the signal becomes almost unrecognizable (it is better not to bring it to such a state, there will be a lot of errors, speed, stability, etc. will decrease), a repeater is installed there. An attenuating signal enters it, the repeater recognizes it and sends it in its original form further. Thus, the length increases by the distance we need.

A repeater is a device with one input and one output, allowing you to connect two network devices (for example, two network cards installed on computers). But progress does not stand still and we already need to connect several computers to a local network.

Concentrator

For these purposes, we will use a hub, or as it is also called a hub. In principle, a hub can be unmistakably called a multiport repeater. It works as follows: as soon as a signal arrives at one port, the concentrator recognizes the signal and transmits it to all active ports. Each connected computer receives this signal, recognizes it up to the data link layer of the OSI model, and checks if this data was intended for him (if not, then discards this data), etc.

At the moment, hubs are not at all popular (although they are still used), because there are problems associated with them.

First, if a signal arrives at two (or more) ports of the hub at the same time, then these signals will collide, they will mix with each other and it will be impossible to restore information. In small networks this will rarely happen, but as the number of computers gradually increases, so will collisions.

The signal collision process is called collision.

Secondly, due to the fact that the received signal is distributed to all ports, an attacker can connect to the local network and start collecting all received information from the hub.

Perhaps it's time to move to the next level =)

Network bridge

Network bridge (bridge, bridge). The transition to the next level means the transition from the physical (first) layer to the channel (second).

The bridge is already a device of the second level of the OSI network model and this is the most important difference from hubs and repeaters (remember that the last two are devices of the first (physical) level, and when a signal arrives at their port, they recognize it and re-send it to all active ports).

When a signal arrives at the network bridge, it recognizes the signal at the first level, and then converts (decapsulates) the signals into frames (frames). Here, the work of the second level already begins, on which a header (header) and a trailer (trailer) were added to the PDU. The bridge calculates the checksum of the frame and compares the result with the value in the trailer, if the values ​​do not match, the frame is destroyed. If the sum matches, then the bridge examines the frame header, it contains the physical address (MAC) of the recipient. At the bridge itself, a table is stored in memory, which contains information - to which port to send the frame, if the MAC address is such and such. And if a physical address is found in the table, then the frame is transmitted to the corresponding port. If not found, the mechanism for finding the MAC address in the connected network segments is turned on, more about this in other articles (if you want to know in advance how this works, look towards the ARP protocol).

This is how the bridge works, the advantages are obvious:

• all frames received by the network bridge with errors in the checksum (CRC) and not conforming to the standard are discarded (destroyed);
• if a signal arrives on different ports at the same time, then the bridge processes both in turn;
• support for additional protocols;

There is also a minus: data transfer delay, tk. each frame has to be processed by the central processor.

Switch

A network switch (switch, switch, switch) can improve the situation (very significantly). It is also a second-level device, and sometimes you can even hear that it is called a multiport bridge. The switch also has a table linking MAC addresses to ports - a switching table, but unlike a bridge, the switch looks for the MAC address in hardware, and the bridge looks for the software.

The switch has three switching modes:

• Store and Forward - Save and forward. In this mode, the switch, receiving a signal, recognizes it. Next, it checks the frame checksum (CRC). Then he learns from the frame header, the physical address of the recipient. It looks for this address in the switching table and sends the frame (converting it into signals before sending it) to the appropriate port (or, in some cases, ports, you will learn about this in a separate article about switches, with examples in the laboratory).
• Cut-through - Through. This is the fastest way to transmit a frame on the switch. When the switch receives a signal, it recognizes it and converts it into a frame, then immediately reads the frame header and, having received the physical address of the recipient, sends the frame to the corresponding port. The checksum is not calculated, and therefore errors may appear.
• Fragment-free - Fragment-free. This mode also does not check the checksum, but it can detect an error. Before sending a frame to the corresponding port, the switch checks the first 64 bytes of the frame. Often the error occurs at the very beginning of the frame.

To understand in more detail what the PDU (part of data) of each layer of the OSI network model consists of, read THIS article, in it at each level according to the figure, it should help in understanding where the physical address, network, checksum, sender addresses, protocol used are stored, logical port, etc.

Switches are an integral part of the network today (2012).

In CCNA, the entire third part is devoted to switching. But the place of the second part is taken by routing and third-level devices - routers. Let me remind you that the first part is almost all about the OSI network model.

Router

A router, router, network gateway, just a gateway, router, gateway, and (not always) a firewall, brandmauer, firewall, firewall are all one device (note: a gateway, firewall, etc. are not necessarily routers, and these the names correspond to the tasks being performed, which in turn can be performed by the router).

A router is a layer 3 (network) device of the OSI network model. The router is already forwarding packets over the network. Also, he, being guided by the rules, both statically and dynamically, can choose the route (path) of the packet to the destination (recipient).

Since the router operates at layer 3, it already processes the logical addresses of hosts on the network - IP addresses. Routers have a special routing table that guides them when choosing the best path. This table is populated with special routing protocols.

The router is able to subdivide networks into subnets, as well as combine networks with different physical media (for example, optics, copper, etc.).

A router still has a lot of things to do (network protection tools) and it definitely won't fit into a couple of articles.

Router, implementation examples, routing protocols, security, etc. there will be many articles, so I recommend you write me a letter asking for notifications (expect RSS and fast subscription soon). Read sequentially (and not sequentially), print, use cheat sheets, do lab and see examples already done on this site. Exchange information and become professionals in this field and not only;)

Modern technology has advanced so much that the boundaries between clear definitions of routers and modems have been blurred. This state of affairs is explained by the fact that at the moment, the modem and the router are combined in one case. As a kind of exception, only those wireless modems that are offered by many mobile operators can be perceived. They do not use the functions of the router, unless stated by the manufacturer, of course.


There is a whole list of aspects that distinguish these two devices from each other. However, in order to become familiar with them, you should initially understand what these two devices represent.

A modem is a device that is designed to modulate or demodulate a signal during data transmission. In simple terms, this device converts the signal, allowing the system to decode it.

Unlike a modem, the router does not convert the signal, but rather distributes it among the network participants. Such a process takes place, based on the topology of the latter.

Any other modern router assumes the presence of a built-in modem and, most often, does not require the connection of any additional devices. The modem, in turn, is not able to provide the procedure for exchanging data between different network segments and for this reason, its operation always presupposes the presence of a direct connection between one computer, as well as the source of a certain signal. It converts the data stream for their subsequent transmission, using a cable or some kind of radio signal.

The main distinguishing features of these two devices

Thanks to the router, you will be provided the ability to customize the operation of the entire network... This device has its own IP address. Moreover, with its help, you can assign addresses to each of the network participants, depending on the previously selected settings. Here you can see the main difference between these two devices. Its essence will assume that the modem does not have the ability to boast of having its own address. In the case of him, the IP is assigned directly to the computer itself and, in particular, to its network card. At the same time, connecting two or more devices will be impossible without previously carried out software routing, well, or without connecting a router, at least.


It is believed that the functionality of routers will directly depend on the model of the device you have chosen. So, for example, more modern instances can work as a firewall, which would be able to significantly increase the level of network security. They have several interfaces at once for connecting terminals. As the latter, computer or any wireless devices are now perceived. By the way, in this case, the number of ports will also depend on the model and class of the device you have chosen.

Unlike modems, routers are capable of performing the tasks of assigning a dynamic IP address, even when working with a single connected computer. At the same time, it should be understood that the modem is the most practical and this device is distinguished by its convenience in terms of its direct use. It has a minimum of those settings that, in one way or another, would be associated with the working interface.

This state of affairs is explained by the fact that the router is configured much more subtly, since in the case of him, the user would be given the opportunity to specify the data transfer protocols, and then regulate, and at the same time process the traffic flow.

conclusions

If the above seemed not enough to you in order to answer the question: what is the difference between a router and a modem, we consider it necessary to summarize our today's review. The main and almost the most noticeable difference between these two devices is that the modem does not convert the signal into one that would be available for interpretation by the system, while the router distributes the signal between each of the network participants. The modem is able to work with only one client, transmitting data packets directly, but the router differs in that it works with several clients at once. Moreover, the router is assigned its own IP address.

ADSL Modem or Router: How to Choose?

By an ADSL modem, we mean a device that connects to the Internet via a telephone line. The modem is capable of providing communication to at least one computer via a network or USB cable.

A router is a device that simultaneously distributes a connection line to a certain number of computers.

Provision of a connection to the Internet can also be done wirelessly: in this case, the router used is a device called an "access point". Note, however, that the main job of a router is not to connect to the Internet, but to distribute the connection, so usually the router needs a modem to fully distribute the Internet connection. This circumstance led to a rather wise technical solution. The production of ADSL modems with built-in routers began. These ADSL modems with built-in routers are available on the market today.

What can be found in the store?

Be careful when choosing and buying: the stores sell various types of devices that are very similar at first glance and are perceived by the average person as exactly the same. However, the difference between routers lies in the most subtle details.

ADSL modem.

An ADSL modem is required to connect to the Internet, the modem is connected to a computer via a network cable or USB cable. An ADSL modem with a network hub (integrated router) is used to connect to the Internet, it can also distribute the connection line to multiple computers via a network cable. You might also consider purchasing an access point. The access point will be useful when distributing the Internet connection line provided by the modem to several computers without using any wires or cables. Therefore, this type of connection is called wireless.

An ADSL Modem with an integrated access point provides a connection to the Internet, and at the same time can distribute the connection line to multiple computers via wireless communication. We strongly recommend that you take the process of buying an ADL modem and router seriously and check everything carefully, because the specifications indicated on the packaging do not always correspond to the actual specifications of the devices. Since the nominal specifications can be deceiving, be sure to make sure when purchasing a wireless access point that it can also function as an ADSL modem. Otherwise, you will make a mistake that you will later regret.

Internet telephony for calls over the Internet (VoIP).

In addition to providing ADSL communications, many ISPs allow users to make calls over the Internet using Internet telephony (VoIP). If you intend to use this service, there are 3 possible ways:

1. First, it is the use of a pre-configured router (router for Internet telephony) connected to a regular phone.

2. Secondly, this is the use of a telephone for Internet telephony, connected to a simple router through a network cable (in general, a good alternative, but such a telephone will cost you dearly).

3. The third method is the use of an adapter that connects a regular phone to a standard router (adapter for Internet telephony).

Choose bolder!

Ultimately, when purchasing an ADSL modem for use at home or work, we recommend that you choose an integrated wireless access point modem with 4 or more ports for your network hubs, which will provide wireless connectivity and share via network cables. In addition, the network hub will allow you to use VoIP adapters if you suddenly want to use the Internet telephony service.

For ADSL communications, the ISP will most likely suggest choosing an Ethernet router or a direct USB cable connection. It is preferable to choose an Ethernet connection, since a USB modem cannot be connected to a router, and many services that you may be interested in usually require a connection through a router.