Modems vs Routers | A Complete Guide

To understand the difference between these two devices, we first need to distinguish between the local area network (LAN) and the Internet.

Local Area Network (LAN)

The LAN refers to the private network that links computers at a single location. For example, sending a print job to a network printer sends the file over the LAN from your computer to the printer.

Internet/Wide Area Network (WAN)

The Internet is a global network that allows for communication between different LANs. This communication happens when you open a website in your web browser, as your computer is connecting to a server that could be in another country to access the webpage. 

Routers vs Modems

The router is in charge of connecting the different devices on the LAN. When you click the print button on your computer, it creates a packet of data that needs to be sent to the printer. The router controls where that packet goes by keeping a table of all the devices connected to it, and if the data packet contains an address on the router's table, it will direct the packet to where it needs to go.

Modems connect to the Internet by converting signals from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) into digital signals that any connected device can interpret. 

Does fibre broadband need a modem?

You won't need to purchase a modem for your fibre connection because the ONT operates as a modem for your connection.