Routers, Modems, ONUs, etc., are some common terms in our day-to-day routine, and most people do not know their differences and think they are the same. If you have wondered about them, you might also have various questions about them.
Questions like does a router need a modem, can I use a modem without a router, or what is the difference between them are pretty standard. You need to first know about the router and modem itself before understanding the answers to those questions.
Throughout the article, I am going to explain to you about Routers and Modems with their functions in simple terms. I will also explain different questions you might have in mind regarding them.
So, let’s dive into the main part.
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Do I Need to Connect My Router to a Modem?
Yes, you need to connect your router to a modem to get internet. This is because, without a modem, your router will not be connected to the internet. Additionally, routers do not come with a modulation or demodulation system. So, you cannot send or get signals from Internet Service Providers.
It is obvious that you need a router and a modem, and they must be connected together with the proper settings in order to get internet. Modems do not have the ability to connect multiple devices to a single network. This is the work of a router. Then the connection is continued through a modem and finally to the internet.
But there are times when you might not need a modem. If you happen to need a Local Area Network, you can easily create one using only a working router. In this case, you will not need to connect it to your modem. Just plug in your router in power and go through the initial procedures from the Administrative Panel. After connecting, you have created your own LAN connection.
Related contents you should read about does a Modem affect Internet Speed?
Modem Vs. Router
Without having some general knowledge about routers and modems, you will not be able to understand the answers clearly. This is why I will provide some knowledge about them and comparison for your convenience.
The word modem came from the words Modulator and Demodulator. This explains the work of a modem clearly. In short, the process that converts the analog signal into a digital signal is called modulation. And the process of converting a digital signal into an analog is called demodulation. The modem is the device that does both of these processes.
On the other hand, a router is a networking device connecting several devices with working data packets. In short, a router connects your device to the internet. But be aware that routers cannot change your digital signals from devices into analog, and the internet lines do not use analog signals as the analog signals get lots of noise and get reduced over distance and time.
Some more guides on can a Modem be used as a Router?
Can You Use Only Modem For Internet Access?
Technically, you do not need a router and can access the internet using only a modem. As you all know, a modem works as a middleman between the internet and your device.
So, you need to connect your device using an Ethernet cable, and after setting your respective ISP credentials, you can enjoy the internet.
There is a downside to it also. You can access the internet. However, you will need a wired device with an Ethernet port. Only then is it possible, or you might use a USB to Ethernet converter, but that will cost you a few dollars.
Can Routers Work without Modems?
The router works but not to its full capacity, i.e., you are not getting any internet without the modem. So, you might be able to create a Local Area Network, but you will not be able to connect to your internet.
There are ways you can connect your wireless devices to a modemless router and use your PC to send or receive signals from other connected devices. Here the router works as a gateway between your devices, sending and receiving data packets.
However, the signals are confined within the network. There is no internet connection as the signals cannot go to the world wide web and are isolated.
You might be looking for a modem for your wifi connection but not seeing any. It is because if you have an Optical Fibre connection, you will have an ONU, the upgraded version of a modem.
Check out the easiest way about when to Replace Modem
Is the ONU and the Modem the Same?
The ONU is the Optical Network Unit, and the Modem is the Modulation-demodulation unit. They both do the modulation and demodulation, but their data transfer medium differs.
A Modem uses digital electrical signals from digital devices and converts them into electrical analog signals. Then they are transferred to the service providers. However, ONU uses the same electrical digital signal and converts them into a light signal. This light travels through the optical fiber and reaches the destination.
The main difference is the speed of your data transfer. Obviously, optical fiber is faster as it uses light as the transfer medium. This is the reason ONU is also called Optical Modem.
Also, check out our separate post on how to fix Arris Modem keeps Resetting.
FAQs
What does a router need to be plugged into?
A router needs to be plugged into the modem using an Ethernet cable. If you also want faster speed, you might also want to connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. But you must remember to plug in your router and let it take at least 2 to 3 minutes to light it up properly.
Can you just plug in a router and have internet?
No, you will not have internet just by plugging in your router. You will need a modem, a network line, and credentials from your ISP to get internet.
How do I set up a router without a modem?
You have to plug in your router and then connect it to your PC using an Ethernet cable. Now, use your router’s default Admin address to access the settings. After going through the setup, your router is ready to use. But without a modem, you can only set a LAN.
Do I need to set up my router to get wifi from ISP?
Yes, most of the routers need a setup to get internet. ISP provides these settings. But if your ISP supports dynamic connection, they will ask for your router MAC address, and you will just need to connect your router and set the name, password and connection type as dynamic. Your ISP will do the rest.
Conclusion
Routers and Modems have gone too far after their inventions. Now, most people enjoy wifi services without knowing about these essential devices. So, I tried to explain if a router needs to be connected to a modem and briefly explained about router, modem and ONU, along with their comparison.
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