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Modem router router differences. Description of network devices. What are mobile routers

Even far from high technology People are familiar with the words “router”, “modem” and “router”. Moreover, if you have accessed the Internet at least once from a computer or laptop, you have used at least one of these devices. But which one exactly? Let's try to figure it out, and at the same time find out what the Internet is delivering in your home.

What is a router and what is it for?

The router, router and modem are designed to transmit Internet signals to users' devices.

They just do it different ways. Such a network can be local or with Internet access. If we're talking about about a household router, its task is to distribute the incoming signal between several consumers: computers, laptops, tablets and other gadgets. These devices are connected as wired way(via an Ethernet cable) and via a radio channel - via Wi-Fi.

How the router works

Where does the router get the signal from? It is provided by the Internet provider with whom you have entered into an agreement. It is the provider who owns the cable that enters the premises from the street and is connected to a special connector on the router (WAN port of blue color). The router plays the role of an intermediary: it receives an incoming signal from one source and distributes it to several consumers. He does this according to a strictly defined principle, using a routing table.

The routing table is stored in the router's memory and contains a list network addresses and a number of other parameters that are important in the operation of the network (masks, gateway addresses, interfaces, metrics). This table is something like address book– the paths to the devices connected to the router are written there. Addresses are selected in such a way as to provide the shortest path to the device, whose presence on the network is checked with at a given interval. Internet data packages are transmitted only to active consumers. That is, if you turn off your computer or smartphone (as an option, turn off data transmission in them), very soon the router will “find out” about this and stop transmitting data to the address to which this device corresponds.

How devices interact with the router

Wired devices - and most often these are PCs that do not have their own Wi-Fi module - are connected to the router via cable, through LAN ports, which are highlighted for clarity yellow. Devices that have wireless module, - these are almost all laptops, smartphones, tablets and some TVs - are connected via a radio channel (via Wi-Fi). The number of connections available for one router is limited. However, for home use in 90% of cases, a simple and inexpensive router model is sufficient. But at wireless connection There is another important limitation - speed. It is determined by the antenna power and the supported Wi-Fi standard, but it is also influenced by external factors– for example, the presence of thick walls between the router and the Internet consumer device can reduce the data transfer speed.

What else can a router do?

The router does not only distribute the Internet to several consumer devices. IN modern models there are others, no less useful and interesting features. For example, some routers perform the function of firewalls - “firewalls”. These "screens" check data packets to see if they belong to an existing connection. If the router sees a discrepancy, it means that a virus is breaking into the network, masquerading as a harmless service. On routers famous manufacturers– Asus, D-Link, TP-Link and others – this function is called SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection).

To configure the router, a web interface is used, in which any user with basic knowledge of working with a PC can easily set the desired network operating parameters. USB ports on the body of this device are needed to connect a printer or external storage. In the first case it will be a full-fledged network printer, and in the second - network disk storage. Post on external drive files, and they will be available to all devices on the network, or arrange for downloading files from the network to it (for example, on torrent services).

Router and router are the same thing

Anyone who carefully read the previous text probably noticed the phrase “routing table” there. It was said above that it is the router that builds it. Therefore, it received another name - router. And the router is a transliteration of the name of this device ( routerin English.). Both words are used with approximately equal frequency by technical specialists, and regular users Internet users prefer the word “router”.

What is a modem and how does it differ from a router?

If modem turned out to be another name for a router/router, the article could be finished. But a modem is a different type of device, although it is also a network device. Those users who were born before 1990 probably heard the characteristic sounds that ADSL modems used to signal a successful connection to the Internet. Such devices were used by everyone who were inaccessible to access the network. cable networks, – at the turn of the 90s and 2000s they were an unheard of luxury. ADSL modems were connected to the telephone line in order to convert the analog (in this case telephone) signal into a digital signal that could be understood by a computer or laptop.

Converting a signal from one type to another is the main function of the modem. Unlike a router, it transmits a signal to only one device - for example, a PC or laptop. In this case, the modem is not assigned its own IP address (unlike a router), and a computer is identified on the network by the address of its network card.

If ADSL modems are already worthy of becoming museum exhibits, then mobile (3G and 4G) modems, on the contrary, are in great demand. Instead of a telephone line they use mobile signal mobile operator. And they connect to computers and laptops via USB connectors on the case. Mobile modems are compact and this is a big plus: they can be used not only at home, but also in the park, in transport - wherever there is coverage of the selected cellular operator.

By the way, we come across modems much more often than one might think. Today there are hybrid devices - modems with router functions. They not only distribute the incoming signal between several devices, but also pre-convert it. Also, routers and modems sometimes work in tandem. For example, if there is a USB port on the router case, you can connect to it mobile modem for 3G/4G networks. Since the latter is physically unable to distribute the Internet to several devices simultaneously, this task the router will take over. This is convenient when it is impossible to organize the usual cable connection or there is no desire to get confused in the wires laid around the office or apartment.

What kind of device distributes the Internet at your home?

We are sure that you have already received the answer to this question yourself, but just in case, we will voice it again. If an external cable is connected to this device, it is either a classic router or a modem with router function. If the signal enters the building wirelessly, and the Internet connection is used on one device, this is a classic mobile modem for 3G or 4G networks. More exact information O network equipment Your internet service provider will provide it to you. You can also find out which device is suitable for servicing the number of devices you have at home. Often a family of 3-4 people owns the same number of smartphones, a couple of tablets and one laptop or PC. And the TV also needs the Internet, and some smart kitchen gadget is about to need it - for example, Samsung and LG are already releasing smart refrigerators with Wi-Fi! If you are just planning to connect to the Internet, visit the OnLime online store - we have routers, hybrid devices, PLC adapters and other equipment that you will need to organize a home network.

By the way, this article describes common features network devices and ways to identify them. Seeing how technology is developing in digital world, we would not be surprised if in 2-3 years the concept changes, and new hybrid devices will serve Internet consumers.

Important information about routers, routers and modems

  • Router and router are two names for one device.
  • The router distributes the signal between network participants, and the modem only decrypts it and transmits it to one device.
  • The router has its own IP address, but the modem does not.
  • Router – multifunction device which supports fine tuning, the modem performs one function.
  • Routers (routers) and mobile modems can work together, distributing the Internet to several devices.

In this article I want to tell you about existing network devices.

Often, those who begin to get acquainted with network technologies have a question: why is it that on some sites it is written about a router, but on another, it is slightly different and is already a gateway, and on a third it turns out that the gateway is a program? How to understand all these terms and where to find the truth about what is what?

I will give you a detailed answer to this question. After reading the article, you will know which is which, as well as the differences between them.

Let's start this article with network card, the same one that is installed on your computer or laptop.

LAN card

You may come across such names: NIC, Network Interface Card, Network adapter, Ethernet adapter, network card - it's all the same thing.

Your computer needs a network card to communicate (exchange data) with other network devices.

Based on the method of implementing a network card into your computer, they can be divided into 3 types: built-in, internal and external.

An embedded card is when part of the network card is built into the motherboard, i.e. The motherboard has a built-in connector for connecting a cable and a chip for processing information ( additional functions, which must be processed at network card are being processed central processor by using special driver). Now all laptops have such an implementation, and there is no room inside the case for a normal board. Home computers nowadays do not lack a built-in network card solution. Motherboard manufacturers have made sure that upon purchase you immediately have both a network card and sound card, and a video card, and some other card (progress does not stand still).

Internal is when the network card is installed inside the computer (system unit). This means that there is a separate network card, with a network connector, inserted through a special connector (PCI, PCI-E, ISA) into the motherboard. It can be pulled out of one computer and inserted into another.

External - now such an implementation can be found when a tablet or communicator is connected via a network interface to local network, also on laptops without a network connector or with an outdated (or non-functional) network connector. Most often this is a network card in plastic case with USB cable for connecting to a computer.

The difference between a modem and an adapter

You can often come across the name of a network device as a modem. In one store we see a Wi-Fi modem, and in another a Wi-Fi adapter. So what is the difference between a modem and an adapter or a network card? Now let’s try to figure this out (if you’re a little lazy, you can skip the main part of the study and read only its last sentence).

Research: What is a modem and what is the difference from an adapter.

So, let's do a little research and find out what a modem is, what an adapter is, and how they differ.

Let's look at what the words modem and adapter themselves mean.

Modem. This word is an acronym, i.e. an abbreviation (short spelling) formed from the initial letters of the English words mo(dulator) and dem(odulator). A modulator (lat. modulator - keeping the rhythm) is a device that changes the parameters of the carrier signal in accordance with changes in the transmitted (information) signal. A demodulator is a detector of a radio receiving device that restores information from a radio signal embedded in it by a modulator.

Simply put, a modem converts data bits into a signal (corresponding to the data transmission medium) and vice versa, the signal into data.

Adapter (adapter or adapter). Translated into Russian it turns out: adapter, transition device, device, transition coupling, connecting device, pickup, one who remakes a literary work (adapts it). Since the word Adapter comes from Adapt, let’s consider it too. To adapt means to adapt, facilitate, adjust.

Just like with a modem, saying in simple words, the adapter takes the signal from the cable (or any other transmission medium) and converts it into data bits and vice versa.

Now I will consider where and for what purpose these two words are used.

The word "modem" is used only as a modulation/demodulation device: modem, soft modem, wireless modem, voice modem, satellite modem, fax modem.

But with the word “adapter” things are more interesting: power supply, network adapter, DOF adapter, adapter adapter (adapter ring for photo optics), network card (board), interface between devices, video adapter, graphics adapter(converts graphic image into a different form). And a few more clippings from sentences where this word appears: “Adapter, Adapter or Wrapper / Wrapper is a structural design pattern”, “a plastic mouth adapter is designed specifically for metered dose aerosol”, “on the bottle adapter and pierce the tip of the adapter into the bottle cap center", "To recognize amino acids in the cell there are special "adapters", transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules.", "standard iterator tags, reverse iterator adapters and insertion iterators", "For playback in a video recorder, it is placed in a special adapter with external dimensions standard VHS video cassette.", "The majority of modern mice have USB interface, sometimes with an adapter for PS/2.", ""electric violin" - S. with an adapter to amplify the sound", "electric guitars on which string vibrations are converted into electric vibrations using an adapter", "An on-camera video recorder was rigidly attached to the television camera, forming a single block."

Let us summarize the results of our research. I repeat that the word “modem” is used only as a modulation/demodulation device. “Adapter” is a much more universal word, although it has general meaning. Wherever something needs to be converted, transformed, changed and adapted, the words “adapter” can be used. Actually, the functions of the modem fit the definition of an adapter, so we can consider these words (within network technologies) are identical in meaning and, if necessary, replace one with the other. Moreover, since “modem” is a more ‘narrow’ and specialized word, it should be used to replace the word “adapter” with caution. On the contrary, an “adapter” can replace any “modem”.

Now, in the age of high technology, you won’t surprise anyone with a network card; everyone already uses 3G modems, USB modems, GSM modems, etc. It's all the same thing. As shown in the figure below, a 3G modem is a device that is inserted into the USB port of your computer, laptop or tablet (In addition to USB, you can also find other interfaces, for example PCIMCI). Inside this device is a SIM card from a mobile operator, which allows you to be connected to the Internet in the coverage area of ​​this operator’s network (for example, in the country) or while roaming (for example, abroad).

There are also very similar devices: 4G modems, WiMAX modems - these are devices that work using a technology called Wireless MAN (IEEE802.16 standard). Provide access to the Internet and local network within the coverage area. Some communicators and laptops have built-in WiMAX adapters.

It's time to mention Wi-Fi technology, more precisely about devices that work on it: Wi-Fi modems, Wi-Fi adapters, Wi-Fi cards and similar Wi-Fi. These devices, like network cards, can be divided into three groups according to the installation (implementation) method: built-in, internal and external.

Built-in Wi-Fi adapters observed in the same devices as network cards, plus in almost all mobile devices.

Internal - they look like a regular network card with an antenna. It is not uncommon now to find a network card at the same time as a Wi-Fi module.

External ones are very similar to the 3G modems and 4G modems listed above, only they have become much more widespread, and therefore there are many more devices on sale. If desired, you can find a modem with an external antenna, which means that you can connect more good antenna, which will provide greater reception range and best quality(but don’t forget about the sizes, they will also increase).

Where the antenna is not visible, but Wi-Fi is present, there it is hidden in the case, because of this the power characteristics may deteriorate - the antenna becomes very small. But as device manufacturers assure us, the power either does not decrease or does not decrease significantly.

At this point I will probably finish talking about user devices.

In the future, let's combine all these user adapters into the word NIC - Network Interface Card, which means Card Network Interface or Map Network Interaction(however, the same thing). This definition, whatever one may say, corresponds to all of the above user devices, so we'll focus on it.

When transmitting data in any physical medium, the signal gradually attenuates.

The length of the physical medium varies depending on the technology used. For example, for coaxial cable corresponding to Thick Ethernet technology maximum length segment 500 meters, for Thin Ethernet coaxial cable - 185 meters, for twisted pair cable - 100 meters, multimode optical fiber - up to 500 - 2000 meters (depending on technology), single-mode optical fiber - up to 50 kilometers, Bluetooth or bluetooth - up to 200 meters, Wi-Fi - up to 300 meters, since July 29, 2011, IEEE has released the IEEE 802.22 (Super Wi-Fi) standard - within a radius of up to 100 km, WiMAX - up to 80 km, GSM - from 400 m to 50 km.

The question naturally arises - what if you need to connect devices that are located at a distance exceeding the capabilities of the physical environment (for example, the maximum length of a segment implemented on twisted pair is 100 meters, but we need 200)?

Repeater

In such a situation, a device comes to our aid - a repeater. From its name it becomes clear that it repeats the received signal. In other words, where the signal is almost becoming unrecognizable (it’s better not to let it get to this point, there will be a lot of errors, speed, stability will decrease, etc.), a repeater is installed there. A fading signal is received into it, the repeater recognizes it and sends it to original form further. Thus, the length increases by the distance we need.

A repeater is a device with one input and one output, allowing you to connect two network devices (for example, two network cards installed on computers). But progress does not stand still and we already need to connect several computers to a local network.

Hub

For these purposes, we will use a hub, or as it is also called a hub. Based on its operating principle, the hub can be unmistakably called a multiport repeater. It works as follows: as soon as a signal arrives at one port, the hub recognizes the signal and transmits it to all active ports. Each connected computer receives this signal and recognizes it before link layer OSI model, and checks whether this data was intended for him (if not, then discards this data), etc.

On this moment concentrators are not at all popular (although they are still used), because... there are problems associated with them.

Firstly, if any signal arrives at two (or more) ports of the hub at the same time, then a collision of these signals will occur, they will mix with each other and it will become impossible to restore the information. In small networks this will rarely happen, but as the number of computers gradually increases, collisions will also increase.

The process of signal collision is called collision.

Secondly, due to the fact that the received signal is distributed to all ports, an attacker can connect to the local network and begin collecting all the information received from the hub.

Perhaps it's time to switch to next level =)

Network bridge

Network bridge (bridge, bridge). The transition to the next level means a transition from the physical (first) level to the channel (second) level.

The bridge is already a second-level device network model OSI is the most important difference from hubs and repeaters (let me remind you that the last two are devices of the first (physical) level, and when a signal arrives at their port, they recognize it and resend it to all active ports).

When on network bridge a signal arrives, it recognizes the signal at the first level, and then converts (decapsulates) the signals into frames (frames). Here the work of the second level already begins, on it a header (header) and a trailer (trailer) were added to the PDU. The bridge calculates the frame checksum and compares the result with the value in the trailer; if the values ​​do not match, the frame is destroyed. If the sum matches, the bridge examines the frame header, which contains the physical address (MAC) of the recipient. The bridge itself stores a table in memory that contains information about which port to send the frame to, if the MAC address is such and such. And if a physical address is found in the table, then the frame is transmitted to the corresponding port. If it is not found, the mechanism for searching for MAC addresses in connected network segments is turned on; more about this in other articles (if you want to find out in advance how this works, look towards the ARP protocol).

This is how the bridge works, the advantages are obvious:

  • all frames that arrive at the network bridge with errors in the checksum (CRC) and do not comply with the standard are discarded (destroyed);
  • if a signal arrives at different ports at the same time, the bridge processes both in turn order;
  • support for additional protocols;

There is also a downside: data transfer delay, because... Each frame has to be processed by the central processor.

Switch

A network switch (switch, switch, switch) can improve the situation (very significantly). It is also a second-level device and you can even sometimes hear it called a multiport bridge. The switch also has a table that associates MAC addresses with ports - a switching table, but unlike a bridge, a switch looks for a MAC address in hardware, while a bridge looks for it in software.

The switch has three switching modes:

  • Store and Forward – Store and forward. In this mode, the switch receives a signal and recognizes it. Next, it checks the frame checksum (CRC). Then it learns from the frame header the physical address of the recipient. Looks for this address in the switching table and sends the frame (converting it into signals before sending) to the appropriate port (or in some cases, ports, you will learn about this in a separate article about switches, with examples in the laboratory).
  • Cut-through - Through. This is the most quick way frame transmission on the switch. When the switch receives a signal, it recognizes it and converts it into a frame, then immediately reads the frame header and, having received the physical address of the recipient, sends the frame to the appropriate port. The checksum is not calculated, and therefore errors may appear.
  • Fragment-free – Fragment-free. This mode also does not check the checksum, but it can detect an error. Before sending a frame to the appropriate port, the switch checks the first 64 bytes of the frame. Often the error occurs at the very beginning of the frame.

To understand in more detail what the PDU (part of the data) of each level of the OSI network model consists of, read THIS article, in it, at each level according to the picture, it should help in understanding where exactly the physical address, network, check sum, sender addresses, protocol used, logical port, etc.

Switches are an integral part of the network today (2012).

In CCNA, the entire third part is devoted to switching. But the place of the second part is taken by routing and third-level devices - routers. Let me remind you that the first part is almost all about the OSI network model.

Router

A router, router, network gateway, just a gateway, router, gateway, and also (not always) a firewall, brandmauer, firewall, firewall - this is all one device (note: a gateway, firewall, etc. are not necessarily routers, and these the names correspond to the tasks performed, which in turn can be performed by the router).

A router is a third (network) layer device of the OSI network model. The router is already forwarding packets over the network. Also, guided by the rules, both statically and dynamically, he can select the route (path) for the packet to reach its destination (recipient).

Since the router operates at layer 3, it already processes the logical addresses of hosts on the network - IP addresses. Routers have a special routing table that guides them when choosing the best way. This table is filled with special routing protocols.

The router is capable of dividing networks into subnets, as well as combining networks with different physical data transmission media (for example, optics, copper, etc.).

There is still a lot that a router can do (network security tools) and it definitely won’t be covered in a couple of articles.

Router, implementation examples, routing protocols, security, etc. there will be a lot of articles dedicated to it, so I recommend you write me an email asking for notifications (look out for RSS and quick subscription). Read sequentially (and not sequentially), print it out, use cheat sheets, do laboratory tests and see examples of those already done on this site. Exchange information and become professionals in this field and more;)

Choice betweenWi— Firouter andUSBusing a modem may not be obvious and sometimes difficult.

In order to understand this, let's look at the main advantages of routers and modems.

Well, let's start with the most obvious, the presenceWi— Fi.

Yes, connect viaWi— Fimuch more convenient and practical, because in our timeWi— FiIt’s even in cars, refrigerators, TVs and God knows where else. In this case, the choice is obvious, a router, period! But I wouldn't write this article if it were all that simple. Let's imagine for a second that you are a simple PC user, you don't have a bunch of mobile devices, and you have a stationary computer. Well, everything is the old fashioned way, the processor (aka system unit ), monitor, keyboard and mouse. The question arises, where can I get this one?Wi— Fi. On motherboards(in stationary PCs) modules are not built inWi— Fi(no, of course, they are built in, I can already feel the indignation of gamers), but this can be found on standard motherboards for $500-700. Agree, this is not our case. There is such a device asWi— Fiadapter. Connects toUSB, and voila! You haveWi— Fi, but these are additional costs. This is where they come to the rescueUSBmodems. It connects through the portUSB(it’s everywhere) and it works!

So it turns out thatWi— FiThe router is not always suitable (for all its versatility).

Now let's continue about the essential attributeWi— Firouters - battery.

There are some here too underwater rocks. Router, like any other mobile device, for autonomy, you need a battery to be powered by it. But there is a problem with batteries. They run out of resources, they deteriorate, but the main problem is that they sit down at the most inopportune moment.

It is also worth considering such a nuance as battery capacity, that is, how long your router will actually last you.

Now let's imagine a different situation. You work in an office, you have a workhorse laptop, but you don’t carry it with you (it’s working!), don’t sit on a bench with it, don’t go to the dining room with it. He just stands peacefully and collects dust a little. In this case, you can cross out all the shortcomings of the router related to the battery in one fell swoop,USBmodem fits better Total. Moreover, a mobile modem sticking out of a laptop that rests peacefully on the table is unlikely to bother anyone or someone will get caught on it.

As you can see, even at this point the choice may not always be obvious.

External antenna and its output

Now a nuance related to the external antenna. If the signal level is poor, it becomes just a panacea, but also a leash with which you become tied to your workplace. IN in this case, I think it will fit perfectlyUSBmodem. It will not twitch once again (if it is necessary to put it on charge), it will not be accidentally thrown off or pushed. If you needWi— Fi, then in this situation the link will work perfectlyUSBmodem and landlineWi— Firouter. Maybe not so mobile, butWi— Fiwill also work in the yard (as some neighbors claim).

Well, the last argument asideUSBmodem In most cases, the output for an external antenna is provided preciselyUSBUSB modems, notW— Firouters.

What's good aboutWi— Firouter? This question arises naturally. I will answer that too.

Let’s imagine that you are the owner of a laptop, a phone, and in addition, let’s shove a tablet in here. You often use these devices on the go. For example, when traveling to work, being late in a traffic jam, when visiting your grandmother in the village or on a business trip... you never know where you are going. The main thing is thatWi— Fithe router will become an indispensable friend, will allow you to connect any of your devices to the Internet, will not take up much space and will make you trulyMobile Hot Spot, more precisely mobile point access. Well, the advantages are obvious.

Next, connect viaWi— Fi, it's very simple. Selected the network, pressedConnect, entered the password and went online, even if you are trying to do this from a vacuum cleaner. This is where versatility lies.Wi— Finetworks.

AlsoWi— Fia router allows you to be more mobile, it does not interfere and can be located at a distance from your device (in a backpack, bag or pocket).

Now let's sum it up, briefly summarizing everything we talked about.

Wi— Fithe router has several distinctive features:

— mobility;

— versatility;

— autonomy.

In its turnUSBalso owns specific features, such as:

— independence from the battery;

— often equipped with an antenna output;

— reliable and convenient for stationary PCs;

— works with stationary routers.

So the choice has become a little easier. If you are the owner of the heap mobile gadgets, you need the Internet everywhere and always, you love reliability and practicality, your choice isWi— Firouter

If you are the owner of a desktop PC, you need stable internet, independent of batteries, you use an external antenna, then your choice isUSBmodem.

Do right choice, and don’t forget: it’s better to think 7 times and call a consultant once than to buy once and then return it.

Always be online and always with us.

Mikhail_V

When you need to connect your computer to the Internet, you first have to deal with two basic concepts: “modem” and “router”. Although they denote tools for creating and maintaining a communication channel between a PC and a network, they refer to different devices and are used in different situations.

What does a modem do?

A modem is a device similar in appearance to a USB drive (flash drive). It provides connection to one device (usually desktop computer or laptop) with internet. When the user activates the modem, the following happens: the modem determines which Internet operator it will work with, connects to it, begins transferring user data and downloads information from the network to the computer. The modem is only responsible for maintaining the Internet connection for one device.

The modem looks like a USB flash drive and is also inserted into the USB connector of the computer.

There are two types of modems: 3G/4G and ADSL. Today, the first type is mainly used, as it provides more stable, faster, cheaper and available connection with the network.

3G/4G modem

Modems of this type connect to the Internet using a SIM card. Almost all popular operators cellular communications(MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Yota, Tele2 and others) offer their services and special tariffs for modems. At the same time, most modems are ready to work with SIM cards connected not to a special tariff for computers, but only to a tariff with a mobile traffic package.

4G modems provide more fast connection than 3G modems

Connecting to the Internet via a 3G/4G modem occurs as follows: a SIM card with a pre-selected and paid tariff is inserted into the modem, the modem is connected to the computer and, using a special program supplied with the modem, establishes a connection to the network.

The price of a modem can range from one to several thousand rubles. An important factor influencing the price is 4G support: modems that support this standard are more expensive.

The difference between modems supporting 4G and 3G modems

When buying a SIM card and modem, remember that a modem with 3G support is only capable of providing a connection in 3G and 2G cellular standards. If the name of the modem states support for 4G, then the device can provide communications in 4G, 3G, and 2G standards.

4G modems can cost more, and 4G internet plans are also generally more expensive than 3G. But for more high price you will get a fast Internet connection, several times faster than the best 3G standard. average speed 4G connections are 40–50 Mbit/s, and 3G connections are 5–15 Mbit/s.

Cons of 3G/4G modems

When choosing a modem, be sure to pay attention to the coverage area. All 3G/4G modems depend on it.

The term “coverage area” refers to the area where coverage is available in your area. cellular network. People living in Moscow and St. Petersburg will most likely not encounter the problem of lack of communication, since operators usually concentrate their efforts precisely in the territory of these cities. But if you do not live in a large city, then before buying a modem, be sure to check on the operator’s official website to see if your region is in the coverage area. If the SIM card does not see the network, that is, it is outside the coverage area, the modem will not be able to work. The coverage area must be determined separately for 3G and 4G networks.

On the operator's website mobile communications you need to find out where the network “catches”

Video: comparison of 3G and 4G modems

An ADSL modem is a device that will provide your computer with an Internet connection via a telephone line. Such a modem appearance resembles a router and can also distribute the Internet to several computers, since it has Ethernet ports for outgoing cables.

The ADSL modem has an input for connecting to a telephone line

Internet connection via ADSL modem

The connection is carried out as follows: a telephone cable is supplied to the modem and connected to the connector of a special port, and a USB or Ethernet cable is connected to another port, which is connected to the computer at the other end. The modem in this case serves as an intermediary, providing a suitable frequency range for data transmission. Sometimes there are more complex designs that connect a computer to an ADSL modem using a router or access point.

Disadvantages of ADSL modems

ADSL technology is practically not used these days for two reasons: connecting to a telephone line is more difficult than connecting to an Internet cable, and maximum speed with such a connection - only 24 megabits per second. For comparison: 3G modem with ideal conditions can reach speeds of up to 63.3 megabits per second.

What does a router do?

The router connects to the Internet via a modem or Internet cable and Wi-Fi networks connects to " world wide web» multiple devices: computers, tablets or smartphones. Often, in relation to a router, you can also hear the word “router” - it means that the router distributes traffic coming from different devices.

The router has inputs for a modem, Ethernet cable and WLAN cables

Let's say two computers and one phone are connected to a Wi-Fi network. On each device, the user does something on the network, sends some data to the Internet and receives information from the Internet. All these data streams pass through the router, which must independently determine what part of the information to send to specific computer, and which one - on mobile phone, and do not confuse anything.

Main characteristics of the router

When preparing to buy a router, pay attention to the following characteristics:

  • price: the cheapest options - from 1 thousand rubles, the most expensive - over 10–20 thousand rubles;
  • list of supported modems: list of models that the router can work with;
  • support for 3G/4G technology: all modern routers can work with a 3G network, but not all support a 4G connection; if you try to distribute 4G Internet from a router that does not support this technology, something will happen automatic switching to the 3G protocol, the router will continue to work, but high speed will not work;
  • range of action: the radius over which it will spread depends on it Wi-Fi signal; Manufacturers usually indicate the range under ideal conditions (no rain, excellent quality connection to a satellite, without concrete or other barriers), but in reality the router will be hampered by walls and other obstacles, as well as possibly a low level of Internet signal (its quality depends on the modem), so feel free to cut the declared range by 5–10 m; The average range of action of routers is 100 meters under normal conditions and 300 meters in open areas, and the connection speed drops as you move away from the router.

Pros and cons of the router

Using a router has two main advantages: signal strengthening and the ability to distribute the Internet to several devices. All routers have antennas that help the modem catch a signal from the satellite, and how better signal, the higher the speed of receiving and sending traffic.

The disadvantages of the router include:

  1. Its size. Standard device occupies an area of ​​about 300 cm2 (about the size of a book).
  2. In addition, the router requires permanent connection to a power outlet while the modem is powered from the USB port.
  3. When connecting wired Internet to a router, problems may also arise: it is not possible to lay an Internet cable everywhere.

Does a router replace a modem?

The router does not replace the modem, they work in pairs. The router itself does not know how to establish a connection with the satellite; the modem does this. The modem is inserted into the router and takes on the task of receiving and sending data, and the router only sorts what to give to which of the connected devices, and from which to receive and where to send.

A modem and router together create home Wi-Fi network with Internet access

The router can work not only with a wireless modem, but also with wired internet. In this case, the connection to the network will be provided by Ethernet cable, but the functions of the router will not change.

Video: what is a router

What to choose: router or modem

Selecting only a router will not work for the reasons described in the paragraph “Does a router replace a modem?” When choosing a specific connection configuration, it is recommended to proceed from the following considerations.

  1. If you need Internet for one device, but not tied to one point, buy a modem. You can plug it into your laptop and use it anywhere in your region (and abroad too, but outside home region Usually special conditions stipulated by the tariff come into force).
  2. If you need Internet throughout the house for two or more devices at the same time, buy a modem and connect it to the router. At any time, you can remove the modem from the router and start using it outside the home. In addition, modern routers are so small and light that, if necessary, you can always take them with you on the road.
  3. If you need to provide Internet access to a large number of devices, for example, in an organization or club, you need to install a router and connect to it either a powerful modem that can provide speeds sufficient to work on all computers at the same time, or an Internet cable.
  4. If you plan to travel with a device that has USB port or those that support a SIM card (you can remove the SIM card from the modem and put it in a phone or tablet), then it is better to buy a modem and choose the appropriate tariff for travel.

Table: differences between router and modem

Video: differences between a router and a modem

The modem ensures data exchange with the Internet: receiving and sending information. The router provides access to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network. A modem allows you to use the Internet on only one device, a router allows you to use two or more. Bandwidth The router is installed by the manufacturer.

IN modern times With the universal computerization, many new expressions have appeared in everyday life, which are encountered by many novice users who purchased a computer and began to explore the Internet. Many people know what a modem is. It is through the modem that the majority of connections to the Internet occur, although you can use other, more modern views connections. But many users act the old fashioned way and are happy to connect to telephone lines. The modem is especially useful in remote places where local Internet networks exist only in the project, and wireless network not present at all.

Connecting a satellite connection costs a lot of money, so here it is The modem comes to the rescue. The device itself consists of a signal modulator and demodulator, and is responsible for receiving and transmitting information. Most often used analog modems, through which the connection to the Internet is made via telephone network. In general, there are many types of modems. So there are wired and wireless modifications of modems, that is, you can connect not only through cable connection. Many novice users are interested in what is the difference between a modem and a router. After all, the functions of these devices are somewhat similar. The router is a router, that is, it is used for high-quality information exchange between several computers united in shared network. Modern modems have a router function, which allows you to connect to small network several computers.

But a router differs from a modem in its functionality. Such devices are successfully used in large enterprises. The router’s functions allow you to exchange information between networked computers at the most optimal level. The router has many varieties and can be classified depending on the supported functions into upper, middle and lower class devices. Upper and middle class routers are used in enterprises and firms, and have a significant cost. Lower-class routers are much cheaper and are used on low-frequency leased lines and at home. It is widespread wifi router, as the most convenient in both industrial and domestic conditions. The use of such routers eliminates the need to lay new communications. This is especially convenient in domestic conditions. Using a router without special problems you can combine the required amount of equipment into a common network. Enterprises usually use an industrial wifi router. Such devices have complex functionality and corresponding cost. But for industrial enterprises this option is the most convenient. At home, an amateur router is quite enough. If you are choosing a wifi router for your home, you should base it on your needs. For example, to create a local network, you don’t need a router at all, all you need is an access point, but if you need a wifi router to make working with Internet networks more convenient, you should pay special attention to its choice. The parameters of interface conversion, traffic filtering, IP address conversion and much more have an impact here. Also, before purchasing a router, you need to check with your provider what kind of connection is required. Using a router, it is also possible to organize a secure connection to the network at work, if the enterprise has VPN server. So choosing a router is not an easy task and requires certain knowledge of computer technology.