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Modem Router WiFi: Difference between revisions
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Originally a [http://revk.www.me.uk/2014/01/explain-difference-modem-router-wifi.html post on The MDs Blog]
==Modem==
[[File:DSL 320B D1.png|A Dlink 320B, which AAISP configure as a bridging Modem]]
If you are using broadband you will typically have a service from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that runs via a phone line. This could be a normal ADSL service (the typical, up-to around 20Mb/s type services), or VDSL (the higher speed, often mis-named "fibre", services of up to around 80Mb/s). We'll ignore cable modems for now, but the principles are similar.▼
[[File:FTTCModems.png|300px|Openreach FTTC Modems]]
▲If you are using broadband you will typically have a service from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that runs via a phone line. This could be a normal ADSL service (the typical, up-to around
The modem is the bit that connects to the phone line and makes the broadband signals work on the line. Modem actually stands for Modulator/Demodulator because of what it does.
Ideally your ISP should be able to help you get the right type of modem for your services.
The modem connects to the phone line on one side (using a 4 way US style phone cable, usually via a splitter or adapter to a BT phone plug). On the other side, the modem connects to a router (using an 8 way [[Ethernet]] cable).
==Router==
[[File:2700-small.png|link=:Category:FireBrick|A FireBrick Ethernet router]]
The next component to consider is the router. This connects to the modem. It works at a different level and provides IP (Internet Protocol) packets. It is responsible for actually logging-in to the ISP to allow your connection to work.
==WiFi==
[[File:Unifi-pro.png|A Ubiquiti WiFi Access point]]
Wireless Internet connections are increasingly common within people's homes, replacing or supplementing the wired connections and network switches. They are very useful and found on laptops and tablets and phones.
In general, if you have a fixed desktop PC you are far better off using an [[Ethernet]] cable to connect that to your router/firewall than using WiFi. WiFi has limits on speed and latency (not good for gaming) and is subject to interference from other WiFi and non WiFi sources. It is also shared by all of the devices using it. A cable is always better.
There are many sorts of WiFi available, and usually have complicated codes like 802.11a, 802.11n, and so on. These are then confused by
I am not going to try and go in to a great deal of detail on the different types - there are far better web pages for that - the point here is that there is a choice. The choice is around budget, number of devices that the AP can handle, speed of wireless connection, compatibility with devices you have, and so on. In general the range of signal on a single AP is not so much of a choice as this is based on standards for the power used, so normally the same from one AP to another working to the same specification.
You can buy service from an Internet Service Provider that provides a good Internet Service, or one that is the right price for you, and then separately buy WiFi APs that meet your specific needs to give you the best performance and reliability and range for WiFi in your home.
[[Category:Router]]
[[Category:Technical Documents]]
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