Columnists

Geek Speak… Modems And Routers

Issue 29.12

The two terms, modems and routers, are often confused. Today we will look at the different types of both and what they are for.

A modem is used to connect to a digital data source and allow you to communicate with it from your home computer. Usually a modem only has one input and one output. The input connects to the internet through either a phone line using dial-up or a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable or wireless antenna (various providers).

The output would typically go from the modem to your computer, thus connecting your computer to the internet. Each type of connection requires a different type of modem, so be sure to get the right kind.

Many homes today have more than one computer and may also have other devices that can connect to the internet such as smart phones, I-Pods, I-Pads, and Tablet computers. That is where routers come in.

A router is installed between the computer and the modem and then distributes the internet to multiple devices (including the computer). Wired routers can only share the signal with computers that have an ethernet connection and they do it through a network cable to each one. Wireless routers do that but also have wireless transmission and reception so they can connect to most laptops as well as the smart phones and tablets mentioned above.

The connection to all these different types of devices is much simpler than it used to be and making sure the signal is encrypted to avoid interception by other people in the area is important but can be a little complicated. If you have trouble with connection or encryption, don’t give up. Just have a professional help you. It usually takes less than an hour to hook up all your devices.

In some situations you can get a combination modem and router which takes care of all the issues above from connecting to the internet to distributing the signal to all your wired and wireless devices. They only work with certain systems, so be sure you know what you need before you buy. And remember to always make sure you have a back up of anything important.

Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.

Comments are closed.