With the rise of modernization as ever where nobody can feel connected to each other without the use of the internet, Wifi Modem and Wifi Router are some of the easiest and common ways to be linked to the internet.
There are some internet protocols that are followed by every networking software in an electronic device. An IP address is used in this procedure that makes the process useful. Both Wifi Modem and Wifi Router go through it only. Though many people may use them as synonyms, they play different roles in the connecting process.
Wifi Modem vs Wifi Router
The main difference between the two internet connecting devices is that both of these have separate functions. Even though, now a Wifi Modem has both the qualities of a Router and Modem. Wifi Modem‘s work is to initiate a connection between the network and the device, the main work of fetching the signal and getting it to our devices for internet is done by the Modem, now the Router comes when we need the signal needs to be connected to multiple devices. The Router takes the signal from the modem and ‘routes’ it to different pieces of equipment that need internet connectivity.
Wifi Modem works of establishes a relation between the internet and electronic devices. The signals are translated into a setup that can be reached out to another network. A Wifi Modem not only establishes a connection between the internet provider and the user but also maintains it at a good rate.
Wifi Router works for routing the internet connection into multiple devices. So that people can use various web connecting devices. Aside from this, it also provides security from internet viruses and provides safety from being hacked away by hackers. It fastens the speed, the use of Router can be omitted if the person wants to use only a single device, but today, on average, everybody uses a Router as they use more than one device with internet connectivity whether it be in homes, businesses or any other place.
Comparison Table Between Wifi Modem and Wifi Router
| Parameters of Comparison | Wifi Modum | Wifi Router |
| Other name | Gateway, Modulator demodulator. | Middleware |
| Main use | Establishing a connection between the device to the internet. | To distribute the connection into various devices. |
| Advantage | It is the main device that connects the particular electronic device with the internet. | It provides firewalls, thus, safeguarding the connection. |
| Disadvantage | It cannot connect multiple devices or provide security from threats. | It cannot decode the signal and thus, can’t directly access the internet without the help of a Modem. |
| Security | A Wifi Modem cannot secure a connection. Threats can easily get through it. | Avoids cyber threats by using firewalls and antivirus software. |
What is Wifi Modem?
A Wifi Modem is a device that basically connects a device to the internet. Today, It has both qualities of a normal router and a modem. It is called a Model Demodulator because it “modulates” the data going into the internet from the electronic device and “demodulates” the data coming from the internet to
the device.
In technical terms, the Modem converts the digital signal into an analogue signal so that the computer can understand the digital information. The speed of the internet varies from Modem to Modem and their costs.
The main disadvantage of Modems is that they can’t save the connection from malware attacks. Additional software systems have to be used for protecting it.
What is Wifi Router?
The wifi Router is another device that takes the signal coming from the Modem and shares it with the various types of devices. It is the extension that Wifi Modem needs to be able to work when one needs to connect their devices like computer, mobile phone, gaming console, etc. We need to have a router so that everything is connected properly and there aren’t any disturbance in any particular activity that we are doing on the electronic device. A router, just like a modem, can also be a hardware one, but a wifi one does not require any use of wires for it to be connected to the devices.
The router is the device that creates and manages the Wifi in one’s place of need. The wireless network attracts many security risks, especially now. Routers have firewalls that safeguard the connection and the information by cyber-attacks and threats.
Main Differences Between Wifi Modem and Wifi Router
- Wifi Modem can not connect various devices to internet providers, but a Wifi Router can. Using it, a larger number of devices can be connected.
- The wifi Router secures the connection providing it security from various viruses and hackers who would want to hack the system. On the other hand, having only a Wifi Modem won’t make the connection strong enough.
- Technically a Wifi Modem doesn’t need a Wifi Router for it to be linked to the internet. A Router is not considered necessary and is dependent on a Modem for internet connection.
- New types of Wifi Modem does not need another device that is a Router, since, now there are Wifi Modems that already have built-in Routers. No advancement on Wifi Router till now.
- Generally, Wifi Modems cost more than Routers. Though, The costs might vary depending upon the Routers battery capability.
Conclusion
In today’s world, when modern day devices have become so innovative, both of these devices are quite necessary in order to connect to the world. They both may seem similar as they look identical, having the same size and having flashing lights indicating that they are working.
With more and more inventions that are making citizens’ life easier, there now comes Wifi Modem that works both as a Router and a Modem as it has both the qualities of the devices, but originally, They both have their own separate role in joining the gadgets with the world wide web.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308596103000041
- https://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-TXJS201801034.htm