A modem turns your inbound connection (coax cable, telephone line, fiber optic line, or other) into an Ethernet connection, which then allows a Wi-Fi router to connect to
the Internet
. Modems are usually provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
How does a modem connect to the Internet?
Modems bring the Internet to your home
A modem is a device that connects your home, usually
through a coax cable connection
, to your Internet service provider (ISP), like Xfinity. The modem takes signals from your ISP and translates them into signals your local devices can use, and vice versa.
What device connects to the modem?
A Router
Connects Your Devices to the Modem (and Each Other)
A router connects all your home's devices to each other—through Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi—and then connects to the modem. It gives each device its own internal IP address, which it uses to route traffic between them.
How do you hook up a modem?
Plug one end of the coaxial (or coax) cable that came with your modem into
the TV wall jack. Plug the other end into the coax port on the back of your cable modem. If you're using a cable modem, you'll see a coax port where you can screw in the other end of the coax cable.
Does a modem connect a computer to the Internet?
Modem. Once you have your computer,
you really don't need much additional hardware to connect to the Internet
. The primary piece of hardware you need is a modem. … Dial-up access uses a telephone modem, DSL service uses a DSL modem, cable access uses a cable modem, and satellite service uses a satellite adapter.
Is it better to connect to modem or router?
Your modem will give you a
reliable, wired Internet connection
. If you only have one device that needs to connect to the Internet, like a PC or laptop, you can get away with just having a modem. But if you have multiple devices, or want to use your devices wirelessly (WiFi), then you will need a router, too.
What's the difference between a modem and a router?
Your modem is a box that connects your home network to the
wider Internet
. A router is a box that lets all of your wired and wireless devices use that Internet connection at once and also allows them to talk to one another without having to do so over the Internet.
Can I just use a router without a modem?
You can use a router without a
modem to transfer files or stream content between devices on a wireless network
. However, you need a modem and an internet service provider (ISP) if you want to access the internet.
Can you connect directly to a modem?
As you've discovered, you can, in fact,
just plug your computer directly into your
broadband modem and start browsing the internet. … Your desktop computer is linked directly to the modem which is in turn connected directly to your ISP and the greater internet.
How do I setup a modem without a computer?
- 1) Plug in your router, and wait a minute or two for it to completely power up.
- 2) Using your smartphone/tablet, turn on your Wi-Fi and connect to your router's network. …
- 3) You will be prompted to provide a password. …
- 4) When connected, open your device's browser.
How do I connect my modem to my modem wirelessly?
- Step 1: Connect your router to your modem. Don't plug your router into the power outlet just yet. …
- Step 2: Download the app and connect. …
- Step 3: Create a username and password, or find the existing one. …
- Step 4: Continue setting up your router.
How do I connect my cable modem to my computer wirelessly?
- Connect the Ethernet cable to a yellow LAN port on your modem.
- Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer or laptop.
- Make sure that the Ethernet light is green and flashing next to the port you have used on your modem.
Does fiber optic require a modem?
Necessities for Fiber Optic Internet
You'
ll need more than just a new modem to use fiber optic internet
, too. You'll also need to have fiber optic cables hooked up to your home. Most telecommunications companies are offering what's called fiber to the home service these days.
