router and modems

poggwea · March 10, 2015

I have been trying to learn about networking but I am stumped at routers and modems. I know switch<firewall<router<modem<internet

But what is the difference between rouy

Terms and modems.

Also I have a Verizon red router:

http://www.actiontec.com/products/images/41__m1424WR.png

I know I have no other device.

Is this router possibly a gateway? And if not what would a modem help with or improve.

Altecice · March 10, 2015

You are correct in somethings you say:

A router is a gateway (from your internal network to the internet) it is the gatekeeper so to speak as to whats allowed in or out, You router will have an external (Public) IP for talking outside of your internal network but it will also have an internal address (192.168.x.x) that is used by your devices as an address to send data if it needs to go out of your internal network. From then onward its up to your router to pass information back and forward. Hence why its referred to as the "default gateway" .

A modem (modulator-demodulator) is somewhat an old fashioned term as a standalone device (was previous required for dial-up connections) They are used to translate signals into a format that is required for your network. For example from light in a fiber optic cable to electric signals for copper connections.

The reason I say its old fashioned is for today's consumers is that its normally a function inbuilt from the hardware your internet provider will give you. Most if not all hardware you will get from your ISP will be a Router + Switch + Modem all in one. This will be the case with your ISP.

I hope this helps explain the basics of what they are, No you wont require to buy anything like that as its inbuilt into your current hardware Router.