Do I Need A Router, Or A Modem?

[ChrisDovahkiin]

I know this is stupid, but I have Cincinnati Bell. I have the box that plugs into the telephone jack, and my PC is connected to the box via ethernet cord. I want to upgrade the box. Is it a router or a modem?

Thanks for answering such a stupid question!

 

[Kenneth Barker]

The box that plugs into your DSL line (phone line) is the Modem. You need both. You should have a Modem, and a router should plug into that box (not your PC for security reasons) The router will handle multiple connections, provide WiFi, and handle network communications for multiple devices over one connection simultaneously

That is, of course, unless you have a combo 2-in-1 Modem router. Which has some limitations on upgrading those systems as they are produced in limited variations. Best thing to do, would be to find out what type of DSL Modem you need/have, and buy one of those, and then buy a router as a separate piece. Having a standalone router will allow you to upgrade and pick a unit that best servers your needs better.

 

[boosted1g]

A modem converts the data that comes in form your phone line or coax line into Ethernet, both as a cable and as the format the data is in.

A router takes that one connection with 1 IP address and allows you to share that among multiple devices. A WiFi router is a router with WiFi capabilities.

You need both a router and a modem. Now there are router/modem combo devices and are typically what your ISP gives you. If your box has only one etherent port on it then it is likely just a modem. If it has multiple Ethernet ports on it, it is likely a modem/router combo.

Most of us on Toms suggest you get a separate modem and router if you are wanting to have your own equipment.
First and foremost combo devices are never as powerfull as separate routers are. You can get a $50 modem and $50 router that is far superior to the $100 router/modem.
The other large factor is that you can use a standard router with ANY type of internet connection (dsl, cable, fiber, etc), while if you buy a new modem/router and in 3 months latter you switch to say a cable ISP, your modem/router wont work with their service.

 

[boosted1g]

If your current box is a dsl modem/router then you can get a new router and still use the current box as a modem only. There should be a configuration to make it bridge only/modem only mode.

With a router, you can see significant improvements getting your own over the provided one from the ISP.
In regards to DSL modems though there is really no gain between models.

 

[jsmithepa]

I know this is stupid

Not at all, folks use the terms interchangeably when they shouldn't.

The response to, Why do you want to upgrade, would be helpful.

If the Bell box has a single RJ45 port and doesn't do NAT, then it's a MODEM, otherwise it's a GATEWAY.

If said box already provide NAT and DHCP (you are getting a 192.x.x.x LAN address) and all you want is more RJ45 jacks then all you need to add is a SWITCH.

If you want WIFI capability, again, you can leave the Modem/Gateway alone and add a WIFI ACCESS POINT.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi


I would be surprised if this box does not have a label with make and model
Which would enable you to google and find out exactly what this box is

Before replacing this box make sure you know what info is required to setup a modem, router wireless access point switch for your ISP

Your ISP may provide a more advanced device or only allow boxes it supplies to be connected

Regards
Mike Barnes