A router and modem are distinct networking devices with different functions:
A modem is a device that modulates and demodulates analog signals to transmit digital data over communication channels such as telephone lines, cable systems, or fiber optic cables. Its primary function is to establish and maintain a connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP), allowing devices to access the internet.
Wi-Fi is not a modem. Wi-Fi refers to a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a local area network (LAN) wirelessly. Wi-Fi is typically provided by a router, which broadcasts wireless signals that devices can connect to, enabling wireless internet access within a home, office, or public space.
While a router and Wi-Fi are related, they are not the same. A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks, enabling communication between devices within a LAN or between a LAN and the internet. It manages network traffic, assigns IP addresses to devices, and provides security features such as firewall protection.
In summary, a modem connects to the internet service provider’s network and provides internet access to a local network, while a router connects devices within a local network and manages data traffic between them. Wi-Fi is a technology that allows devices to connect to a local network wirelessly, typically provided by a router that broadcasts Wi-Fi signals.