New Internet Question

[King_Gamma]

Ok. I am moving to a house next month and I am trying to set up internet service for it.

 

The provider I am using says I need a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and needs to be on Cox's approved cable modems list. Also it is a 50 Mbps connection.

 

http://www.cox.com/residential/support/tv/article.cox?articleId=%7Bb2ec95d0-7ef9-11df-5590-000000000000%7D

 

What's the difference between a modem and a router?

 

Do I need both?

 

What would be the best configuration?

 

And lastly what should I buy?

[VincentiusIV]

What's the difference between a modem and a router?

 

Google is your friend buddy ^^ http://pc.net/helpcenter/answers/difference_between_router_and_modem

[Nineshadow]

Sometimes ISPs give combined router/modem units.

[Lord_Karango17]

The modem demodulates (were the name comes from) the analogue signal from the telphone line, to a digital one that can be sent to your devices through a wireless/ wired router

 

A model usually has a plug on it that looks like a smaller lan port, and usually only has one lan port on it, while the router usually has multiple lan connectors on it to also act as a basic switch.

[Sauron]

A modem connects you to the internet, a router connects your pcs together (be it through wifi or ethernet). Modems usually offer basic router services as well, but not always. So you NEED a modem if you want to connect to the internet at all, and if you want to use multiple device you'll either need a modem that acts as a router, or a dedicated router.