Asked by: Abdelmoghit Chafino
technology and computing computer networking

Can a modem have a built in router?

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There are a few easy ways to check if your modem hasa built-in router. Ethernet ports – If your modemincludes Ethernet ports on the back, it also doubles as arouter, though this does not guarantee it supportsWi-Fi.


Just so, can a modem be used as a router?

You can use any wireless router you want,but the modem you purchase has to be approved by your ISP tofunction with their network. In a sense, you can think ofyour router as a device that's part of your home network andthe modem as a device that's part of your ISP'snetwork.

Beside above, can a cable box be used as a modem? The cable modem will have an Ethernet port to usewith computers and network devices, but it will also have anRF jack to use with your cable box. After running coaxialcable from the modem to the cable box, youcan connect the television to the box.

Similarly, do I need a WiFi router if I have a WiFi modem?

To establish WiFi in your home, all youneed is either a modem connected to a wirelessrouter, or a wireless gateway, which is a modemand wireless router in one unit (see What is aWireless Gateway? for more information). AWiFi-capable device can then use this signal to connect tothe Internet.

Is it better to have a separate modem and router?

Getting a separate router and modem givesyou a lot of flexibility because if you want to upgrade your homenetwork to have faster speed or more features, you just needto replace the router. What's more, most routers onthe market have more settings and features than therouter part of a combo device.

Related Question Answers

Chengjie Bourguignon

Professional

Do I need both a modem and a router?

Note: A Wifi point is a router. To use a Wifipoint, you will need to connect it to a modem with anEthernet cable. This can be a standalone modem or amodem+router combination provided by your ISP. Keepin mind, some apartment buildings and dorms don't requiremodems for broadband connections.

Retta Schedlich

Professional

Do I need a router if I already have a modem?

Your modem shares this connection with a computeror a router via an Ethernet cable. Modems aren'tone-size-fits-all solutions; the type of modem you'llneed depends on the type of internet service you receive.If that's DSL, you'll need a DSL modem.If your ISP offers cable internet, you'll need acable modem.

Ponç Satori

Professional

What is the best modem router combo?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Motorola AC1900 Wi-Fi Gigabit Router andModem.
  • Runner-Up, Best Overall: Motorola MG7700.
  • Best for High Internet Speeds: NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 (24x8)Wi-Fi (C7000)
  • Best Value: Netgear N300 Wi-Fi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router(C3000)
  • Best for DSL: Motorola MD1600.

Lur Llido

Explainer

What is the difference between modem and router?

The difference between a modem and arouter is that a modem connects to the internet,while a router connects devices to Wi-Fi. It's easy to getthe two devices mixed up if your internet service provider (ISP)rents both to you as part of an internet package.

Saioa Voelkmann

Explainer

Can you set up router without modem?

If you have modem then it is easy tosetup router, but if you don't have modem thenit is slightly different. If you want to connect yourrouter without modem, there are some router that haveinbuilt modem and another way is If you have Ethernetcable (LAN or WAN) You directly attach with routerand and computer.

Consagracion Korfhage

Explainer

Can a router be used without a modem?

Yes, you can use a router without amodem, provided it is actually a modem withrouter functionality. That's not what you bought, though. Amodem acts as a buffer between your network and theinternet, so I highly recommend you don't even try to connect yourrouter directly to the internet.

Halima Jeremy

Pundit

What do you use a router for?

A router is a tool used to hollow out an area ina piece of wood, metal, or plastic. It can be used to cutfancy edges, patterns, and grooves, and is most often used forcabinetry and decorative moldings. The power tool form of arouter consists of an electric motor-drivenspindle.

Senorina Avakyan

Pundit

What is difference between WiFi and Internet?

WiFi, or wireless internet, is accessingthe internet while near an internet connection. Thisis usually in your home, motel or coffee shop. Anywhere someone hasa router setup. Wireless coverage is for the most part free,although some places might charge you to use it.

Ximo Cortiñas

Pundit

How often should you replace your modem?

Generally, we recommend you upgrade to anew router every three to four years. That accounts for howoften people typically upgrade devices like smartphones (everytwo years) and computers (every three to four years).

Dinora Aureli

Pundit

How can I get WiFi in my house without Internet?

Here's how to get W-Fi without an internet serviceprovider.
  1. Mobile Hotspot. The best way to make sure you have internet onyour laptop at all times is to use a mobile hotspot.
  2. Tether Your Smartphone or Tablet.
  3. Find Public Wi-Fi.
  4. Wi-Fi USB Dongle.
  5. Share Someone's Internet.
  6. 23 comments Write a Comment.

Kang Dvorak

Pundit

How do I turn off the router in my modem router combo?

To disable Wi-Fi, connect a computer directly toyour modem/router combo with an Ethernet cable. Loginto your modem/router combo and find its settings toturn off Wi-Fi. To access your router's settings, youmight need to open an internet browser and enter yourrouter's IP address in the address bar.

Bacary Calçato

Teacher

Do all routers have WiFi?

Today, since most homes include multiple wirelessdevices, many people now have wireless routers thatprovide Internet access to all connected devices. AllWi-Fi routers should include the "Wi-Fi" logo or atleast the word "Wi-Fi" somewhere on the device.

Kirsti Godde

Teacher

How do you hook up a wireless router?

Just follow these steps:
  1. Turn off your modem,
  2. Unplug the modem's Ethernet cable from the PC,
  3. Connect that cable to the WAN or internet port on your newrouter,
  4. Power on your modem (wait for a minute or two),
  5. Next power on your router (wait for a minute or two),

Saura Alzuru

Teacher

What does a router actually do?

A wireless router is an electronic device thatworks as a router — meaning it sends data from theinternet cable to a device — and as a wireless access pointso this data can be shared through radio signals instead of anothercable.

Elkin Etzold

Teacher

How do I connect my modem to the Internet?

Part 2 Installing
  1. Attach one end of the coaxial cable to the cable output.
  2. Attach the other end of the cable to the input on yourmodem.
  3. Plug your modem's power cable into an electrical outlet.
  4. Insert the modem power cable's free end into the modem.
  5. Place your modem in its spot.
  6. Attach the modem to a router.

Elica Jahnichen

Reviewer

How many routers can you connect to a modem?

Running two routers off of one cableInternet connection allows you to do manythings, including increase the number of computers at your businessthat you can connect to the Internet or set up more thanone wireless network if you have two wirelessrouters.

Meriem Radolf

Reviewer

Do you need a coax cable for modem?

You do need a coax connection from the street tothe location of the modem if you want to subscribe toconventional Comcast internet service. A Comcast installer wouldneed to run the coax cable, but will need writtenpermission from the landlord on a rental property.

Evangelino Zhigalin

Reviewer

How do you connect a wireless router to cable modem?

Connect one end of one Ethernet cable intothe back of the modem, then connect the other endinto the Wide Area Network (WAN) port on the router.Connect the router power cord into an electricaloutlet, then connect the other end to therouter.

Jonay Mari

Reviewer

Does Internet and cable use the same line?

Cable internet service uses the samecoaxial cable network as cable television to provideyour home with internet. The modem then uses anEthernet cable to connect to your computer or router, whichis what gives you access to high-speedinternet.