Before we begin, it’s worth mentioning that one way to solve this modem-vs-router dilemma is by eliminating the need for this type of dual setup all together. T-Mobile Home Internet utilizes a wireless 5G Gateway that works in tandem with Wi-Fi 6, the next generation of Wi-Fi technology, and is compatible with T-Mobile's nationwide 5G network. Once you sign up, the 5G Gateway is delivered to your home. No complicated installation. No appointment required.Just a plug.
If, for now, you're stuck looking at those two little black boxes and wondering which is which, read on to understand the differences between modems and routers, as well as some quick and easy tips for telling the two apart at a glance.
What is a modem?
Your modem is basically the source of your internet. It connects the internet from your internet service provider (ISP) to your home network1. Types of modems vary based on whether you use a cable provider, fiber internet, satellite, DSL, and so on. However, for most types of internet service, it’s possible to rent a modem for a monthly fee from your ISP. You can also buy your own modem.
A modem doesn’t control your Wi-Fi. Instead, it converts the signal from your ISP to one that computers and other devices can use. And though it is possible to have a combination modem and router, standalone modems are usually connected to routers via cables.
What is a router?
Your router is the tool that connects to your modem and creates a local area network (LAN) for your entire home, including computers, mobile devices, and connected appliances, like lightbulbs and security systems1. Many ISPs also offer routers for rent along with modems.
The strength of a router’s signal is affected by factors such as distance and physical barriers. So, in a large home, for instance, it might be difficult to get Wi-Fi in certain areas of the house because of walls and also the distance between devices and the router. Because modems, especially cable modems, have to be tethered to fixed points on a wall and routers must be connected to modems, it can sometimes be difficult to situate a router in a central location so that all areas of a home get equal coverage. In these cases, it is possible to purchase Wi-Fi extenders, which pick up a Wi-Fi signal from the router and rebroadcast it to a wider area.
(The T-Mobile Home Internet Gateway is different than a traditional router scenario in that the best location in your home will always be near a window, facing the nearest tower. This makes it easy to set up, as our free app helps you find the perfect spot.)
Now that you know the difference between modem and router, here’s a quick guide to identifying each by sight.
Modem vs. Router: How to spot your modem
Since both cable and DSL modems each connect directly to the wall, the easiest way to identify these types of modems is to check the connection. A cable modem will connect via a coaxial cable. A coaxial cable ends in a round jacket with a single center connector that screws into an outlet on the wall. In addition to examining how your modem connects to the wall, you can also identify your cable-only modem by the number of ports. A cable modem typically contains just one threaded F-connector (which is the place where you screw in the round cable connector) along with a single ethernet port and one power connector.
A DSL cable connects via a phone or ethernet cable. Both usually end in a plastic covering that clips into the jack located on your wall. A DSL modem will have one port where the telephone wire clips in, an ethernet port, and a power connector.
Fiber modems are also usually connected with an ethernet cable, but a fiber terminal is usually larger and blockier than the flat panel that connects both cable and DSL modems2.
Modem vs. Router: How to spot your router
If you have a separate modem and router, and you’ve traced the coax or DSL cable to your modem, the next device in the chain is your router. Because your router is designed to connect multiple devices to your network, it will usually have more ports than your modem. A typical Wi-Fi router usually has one wide area network (WAN) ethernet port that connects to a modem and four or more additional ethernet ports for hard-wired computers and devices. If you plan on connecting a device, such as a gaming console, laptop, or PC directly to your network, these are the ports that will establish those connections. Another way to determine modem vs. router is to look for visible antennas, which are sometimes a feature of standalone routers2.
Combination modem and router
A combination modem and router is sometimes called a gateway. These devices both connect to your ISP and connect your devices to a network. If you only have one device, then you likely have a combination modem and router, since standalone routers can’t connect directly to the internet3.
A traditional modem and router combo usually has all the features listed above, including a threaded telephone port or F-connector, depending on whether you have a DSL or cable connection, and multiple ethernet ports for hard-wired computers and devices. It will also sometimes include additional ports to connect television and wired telephone service3.
Now that you can distinguish your modem from your router, it should be much easier to check your connection or even restart for security updates and adding new services, such as guest networks.
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