Modem/Router and Ethernet Question

[nightlitezzz]

I've never spent too much time in the networking stuff so this might be a weird question to some. I often see people looking to buy a router. Why do people need to buy one? What's wrong with the one your ISP gives you (well at least in Canada they give you one). Also how do I know if I have gigabit Ethernet?

[Godlygamer23]

My ISP does not provide a router. Only a modem.

[nightlitezzz]

My ISP does not provide a router. Only a modem.

Okay, I'm confused now. What's the difference between a modem and a router?

 

And let me change the title.

[DyGr00339]

My ISP does not provide a router. Only a modem.

Well duh your in mars

[Wferr]

Okay, I'm confused now. What's the difference between a modem and a router?

 

And let me change the title.

Modem takes the cable and changes it into eathernet, router (depents) is the place that you get wifi and gets directed to everything in your house.

[Godlygamer23]

A modem is a device that takes some kind of signal and makes it usable by the router. The router transmits everything towards the other devices. It's in charge of making sure the information gets to where it goes and it's the right information.

[nightlitezzz]

http://www.actiontec.com/products/product.php?pid=191#.UdzSnvnVAT4

 

According to that I have a 2 in 1, a modem router. Is this correct?

[Wferr]

Yes

 

http://www.actiontec.com/products/product.php?pid=191#.UdzSnvnVAT4

 

According to that I have a 2 in 1, a modem router. Is this correct?

[nightlitezzz]

Also it says it supports gigabit ethernet but how do I use it? And what does the WAN port do? Sorry for all these questions but i just want to get this over with. I have an ASUS P8B75M-CSM motherboard if that matters and some cheapo CAT5 cable.

[ShadyHost]

My ISP (time warner cable) gives the most crappy modem/router combo ever. 

 

I put that POS into bridge mode and now I use a nice Asus router. I prefer a dedicated router so I can change my IP address at will. 

[nightlitezzz]

My ISP (time warner cable) gives the most crappy modem/router combo ever. 

 

I put that POS into bridge mode and now I use a nice Asus router. I prefer a dedicated router so I can change my IP address at will. 

I see now.