Modems & Routers

These days an internet connection, especially a high-speed broadband one, is essential for both the office and your home. Now it really depends on what you intend on doing with it, as to the kind of connection you should opt for. We’ve come a long way, though, from when it was just a modem you required, and you were either given one as part of your internet package or had to invest in the one that suited your budget.

Now, there are so many different models and types of accessories out there. At PMC Telecom, we have them all from ADSL and VDSL Fibre Broadband modem router combos to 3G and 4G mobile network connections and even many separate routers too.

We appreciate that it’s easy for us, having been involved in the telecommunications industry since 1991. For you, it may seem like routers and modems are exactly the same thing, so you may be a little confused as to why you may need one or the other or even both. To help you out a little, let’s look at the differences and why you need each device.

Understanding the Difference Between Routers and Modems

To help you understand the differences between these two seemingly similar devices, it’s worth looking at them in this way – routers face inwards, connecting several computers together in one network, to form what is known as a local area network (LAN for short). Just like you may have at home or in your office.

Modems, on the other hand, face outwards and connect the computers in your LAN to the internet.

Now let’s look at each of them individually:

What Do Modems Do?

ISPs are unable to directly communicate with your computer. The cables for your internet connection need to go somewhere. Rather than requiring special hardware for your computer that is going to work with the cables being connected to your computer, you have a modem. This functions as a go-between.

It makes more sense when you consider Modem is basically Mo + Dem (or Modulator and Demodulator) and is basically a device that transforms digital signals into analogue and then back into digital signals. The data that comes through cable lines or phone lines is analogue, but computers are only able to understand digital.

In the past, dial-up connection modems needed to make a call to the internet before the connection could be established through your phone line. However, ADSL and cable modems have access to dedicated lines. These transform the signals so they can travel through fibre optic wiring, which is quicker than others.

What Do Routers Do?

Routers have WAN and LAN ports. This device acts as a connection between your modem and computer. Routers help to make it possible to connect numerous computers with the same single modem, to give them access to the web. Although you don’t necessarily need a router for connecting to the internet, you do need one if you have more than one device connected to your network or if you want the benefit of Wi-Fi.

On the other hand, if you only have a router, you may not be able to connect to the net, but can still connect with the other computers and devices in your network.

Do You Need a Router, Modem or Both?

When it comes to deciding what you actually need, you need to think about what you want to do. If you just want all computers and devices in your network to connect together, you only need a router. If you want to be able to connect to the internet, you need a modem. In a business setting or household with lots of users, it is best to have a router and modem.

Top Brands for Affordable Prices

PMC Telecom are fully committed to providing real value for money to our customers, whatever budget they have to spend. We do this by only stocking products from the best brands and manufacturers in the industry. This includes TP-Link, Netgear Micronext and DrayTek. Whether you are looking for an ADSL Broadband, VDSL Fibre Broadband, 4G or 5G mobile network connection or even just a separate router on its own, we have what you need. Not Sure What’s Best For Your Setup? Speak to one of the PMC Telecom Team.

Since 1991, we have made a name for ourselves with our strong commitment and passion for delivering quality service and quality products to our customers. We want our customers to be satisfied that they’ve received a good deal from us and A+ service. That is why, if you are still not sure what deice you need for your current setup, we are more than happy to help.

Simply get in contact either by giving us a call on 0161 737 9898, dropping us an email to info@pmctelecom.co.uk or by using the online form on our Contact Us page.