If you’ve ever encountered terms like modem, router, or even modem-router when installing the Internet and don’t know exactly what the difference is, you’ve come to the right place.

In this very simple and practical article, we will explain to you:

• What is a modem and what does it do?
• What is a router and why do we need it?
• What is the difference between a modem and a router?
• And finally, which device is best suited for your home or office?

✅What is a modem?

Modem is an abbreviation for Modulator-Demodulator, and its main function is to convert digital signals to analog and vice versa.

In communication networks, information is transmitted between devices as digital signals, but traditional communication lines such as telephone lines (in ADSL) or mobile networks (in 4G/5G) operate based on analog or radio signals.

Therefore, the modem acts as a two-way converter:

When sending information from your end (uploading), it converts digital data into analog or radio signals (modulation).

When receiving information from the Internet (downloading), it converts the received signals into digital data (demodulation).

The modem may also include features such as NAT, DHCP, and a simple firewall, especially if it comes in the form of a modem-router device.

In simpler terms:

A modem is a device that helps your computer or phone talk to the internet. A modem is like a translator between the global internet and your devices (computer, phone, smart TV, etc.)

The internet comes from outside the home, for example through:

• Telephone line (ADSL)
• Fiber optic cable
• SIM card (4G or 5G)

But this incoming internet is in a language that your device doesn’t understand.

📡 The modem acts like a translator:
It makes the language of the Internet understandable to devices
And vice versa, it translates the information from your devices into something the Internet understands.

✅ What is a router?

A router is a device that distributes the Internet between multiple devices on your network.
What does it mean?
Suppose the modem receives the Internet; but if you want to use it with your phone, laptop, and TV at the same time, you need a router.

A real-life example:
Suppose your home internet comes from just one water pipe (internet = water pipe).
But you have several water taps: one in the kitchen, one in the bathroom, one in the yard…

The router acts like a water distributor:
✅ It takes the water (the internet).
✅ Then it distributes it to several places.

In Internet terms:
A modem brings the Internet into the home.

The router divides that internet between different devices.

📌 Important note:
A router alone cannot create the Internet!
It only divides the Internet that comes from the modem between devices.

The difference between a wired and wireless router

As we said, a router is a device that receives the internet from the modem and distributes it among multiple devices on the network. This distribution can be done via cable (wired connection) or radio waves (wireless connection).

Wireless Router:

Features:
A wireless router has the ability to create a Wi-Fi network, meaning that various devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets can connect to the Internet without the need for cables.

In addition to wireless connectivity, it often also has LAN ports for connecting via cable.

Advantages:

• Ability to connect multiple devices without the need for cabling.
• Ease of use and flexibility in moving devices within Wi-Fi coverage area.
• Suitable for home, office use, and environments that require more mobility.

Disadvantages:

• The speed and stability of a wireless connection may be less than that of a wired connection.
• Wi-Fi signals may weaken over long distances or in the presence of obstacles such as walls.
• The likelihood of a network being compromised is higher if the password or security protocols are not set up correctly.

Wired Router:

Features:
This type of router connects to devices only via a network cable (LAN) and does not have wireless capabilities.

Separate cabling is required to connect each device.

Advantages:

• Higher stability and speed than wireless connection.
• Greater security due to the absence of wireless waves (which reduces the possibility of remote intrusion).
• Suitable for environments requiring constant and stable connectivity, such as data centers or gaming systems.

Disadvantages:

• Requires cabling for each device.
• Restrictions on moving devices due to cable dependency.
• Inability to use wireless devices such as phones or tablets without additional equipment.

What is a modem router?

In most homes, a combined device called a modem-router is used, which performs both tasks:
✔️ Connects to the Internet
✔️ Shares it between devices via Wi-Fi or cable
Example? ADSL/VDSL modems or home 4G modems

Which one should I buy? Modem, router or modem-router? (A simple guide to choosing the right one)

When you want to set up an internet card for your home or business, you may have this question:

Should I buy a modem? Should I buy a router? Or a modem-router? What’s the difference?

The answer depends on how many people or devices are going to use the internet and what type of internet you have (ADSL, fiber, 4G, etc.)

Let’s take a simple look:

✅It’s just you and a laptop or computer: a modem is enough.
If you only have one device that you want to connect to the Internet (for example, a home computer) and the Internet type is ADSL or 4G, you can just buy a simple modem and connect with a cable.

📌 But note:
Today’s modems usually also have Wi-Fi, so you can even connect to the phone with the same modem.

✅How many people are there? Do you have a phone, laptop, or smart TV? A modem router is the best option.
If your home has several devices that are going to be connected to the Internet at the same time, the best and easiest choice is to buy a combination device called a modem router.

🟢 The modem router does the work of both devices together:

• It connects to the Internet itself.
• It broadcasts the internet to everyone via Wi-Fi or cable.
• It is also compact.
• It is also easy to install.
• It is perfect for both family and small office environments.

✅Looking for more speed and control? Buy a separate modem and router.
If your usage is more professional (for example:

• Do you play online?
• Do you have a security camera?
• You have an internal network
• How many floors are you on and is antenna placement important.

Then it’s better to buy the modem and router separately.

Why?
🔹 Because you can buy a regular modem.
🔹 And have a more powerful router with more antennas, better speed and more precise control.
(For example, controlling children, limiting consumption, prioritizing a device, etc.)

The best home modem router

To choose the best home modem router, you first need to determine your needs:

• Do you need it just for Wi-Fi or do you want it to have a built-in modem?
• How fast is your internet?
• How many devices do you connect at the same time?
• Are you considering new technologies like Wi-Fi 6 or 7?

Popular modem offers in 2025

For normal and economical use

• TP-Link N300 TL-WR845N
• D-Link R03 N300
• ✔️ Suitable for small homes, low price, basic speed (up to 300Mbps)

For large homes and high-speed internet

• Jio AX6000 Mesh Wi-Fi 6
• TP-Link Deco BE63 (Wi‑Fi 7)
• ✔️ Wide coverage, supports a large number of devices, future-proof

For gamers and professional users

• TP-Link Archer BE550 (Wi‑Fi 7)
• Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro
• ✔️ 2.5Gb port, high speed, suitable for heavy workloads and 4K

Does a 4G modem require a telephone line?

No, the 4G modem does not require a telephone line at all. If you are looking for an answer to the question “What is a modem?”, just know that these devices can receive the Internet without a telephone line and easily distribute it between devices.

4G modems use mobile SIM cards (like smartphones) to connect to the internet, not landline lines like ADSL.

Why doesn’t a 4G modem need a telephone line?

ADSL or VDSL modems require a telephone line, as they connect to the Internet through the telecommunications infrastructure (landline copper wire).

But 4G modems, just like a mobile phone, use fourth-generation mobile networks (4G/LTE) to receive the Internet. This means:

• Just insert a SIM card into the modem.
• You don’t need to install a landline or contact a telecommunications company.
• You receive internet via SIM card.
• Then you stream it between devices using Wi-Fi or a network cable.

Looking for fast and reliable mobile internet? DM128 is a smart choice!
If you are a traveler, telecommuter, online class, or stream on the go, the DM128 4G mobile modem with its ultra-lightweight design and powerful Wi-Fi can be your internet companion anytime, anywhere.

This pocket modem weighs only 33 grams, supports 4G LTE network, and with Wi-Fi 6 technology, provides you with a fast, stable, and low-latency experience.

Pocket Modem DM128

✅ Some of the benefits of the DM128 modem:

• Internet connection without the need for a telephone line
• Full compatibility with Irancell, Hamar Awal, Rightel and global operators SIM cards
• Next-generation Wi-Fi for low consumption and higher speed
• Network port (LAN) for professional applications
• Fast charging via USB-C port
• Quick installation, no complicated settings required

From home to the road, from university to the office, the DM128 modem is a silent but always ready companion!

👉 View and buy DM128 mifi modem

Is a multi-antenna modem better or a single-antenna one?

If you’re faced with single-antenna and multi-antenna options when buying a modem or modem-router and don’t know which is better, don’t worry! Here we explain everything simply and accurately.

✅ What is the main difference between a single-antenna and multi-antenna modem?
The number of antennas in a modem or modem router has a direct impact on the strength and quality of the Wi-Fi signal.
Each antenna usually has the role of broadcasting and receiving signals and can:

• Cover a greater range
• Better manage multiple device connections
• Create less signal interference

Who is a single-antenna modem suitable for?

• If you live in a small house or one-bedroom apartment.
• Your internet usage is light and inefficient.
• A maximum of 2 or 3 devices are connected to the modem at the same time.

📌 In these situations, a single-antenna Wi-Fi modem usually works and there is no need for additional costs.

🛡️ Important security tips when using a modem or router

• Be sure to change the Wi-Fi password and the modem’s admin panel.
• Keep your modem’s firmware up to date.
• Set Wi-Fi encryption to WPA2 or WPA3.