What's the difference between a router and a modem?
Why do you need a modem?
Your modem translates the internet signal it receives. Afterwards, your modem sends it to your router via a UTP cable. Many modems nowadays are also a router. That's why you often only need 1 device in your fuse box that does all the work. You'll often get a new modem from your provider when you request one.
Why do you need a separate router?
A router sends incoming data to all the devices at home. A separate router distributes the data much faster and it provides a more stable connection. You can connect your router to your modem with a UTP cable. After the setup of your router, you can turn off the WiFi function of your modem. If you don't, the signals of the router and modem can interfere. That makes your internet speed very unstable.
What's the best spot for your modem and your router?
You'll often place your modem in your fuse box, because that's where you receive the internet. Your fuse box blocks the internet signal. That's not an issue, as long as your modem itself doesn't transmit a wireless signal. It's important that your router gets a central place at home. The closer you are to your router, the better your connection. You can connect your router to your modem with a long Ethernet cable.
What's a good router for at home?
Check step by step where the problem lies when your internet slows down. Start at your modem. Connect a device to your modem via a UTP cable and check if the speed is above 150Mbps. Go to Google with your computer and search 'speed test'. Does your internet not work fast enough this way either? Replace your modem. Did your internet work fast enough with the UPT cable connected to your modem? The router is your problem. In the following article, we'll explain how to choose the right router.
