Read more: Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2025 Modem vs. router takeaways A modem acts as a translator between your internet service provider and your home network.

A modem connects your home network to the internet, and a router lets your devices talk to one another and use that internet connection. Most people need both.

A cable modem and WiFi router are the heart and brain of your home network. A modem is what establishes and maintains a consistent connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

With a separate modem-router combo, you add extra layers of protection to your home internet by adding firewalls, WPA2 password encryptions, giving your network a name or even a virtual private ...

The router forwards traffic to the modem that is destined for the Internet, while keeping internal traffic (computer to computer, computer to printer, etc.) inside the network.

The main purpose of a Wi-Fi router is the create (or extend) your home’s wireless network, but many of them also have Ethernet ports, which allow you to use them as a wired networking switch.

The Orbi Home Mesh Wi-Fi router with Cable Modem (model CBR40) has a 2x2 (2.4GHz) 400Mbps channel, a 2x2 (5GHz) 866Mbps channel and another 2x2 (5GHz) 866Mbps channel.

Router vs Modem – Which do I need? When setting up your home network, you’ll need both a router and a modem. Make sure to choose devices that are compatible with your ISP and meet your ...

The NETGEAR Orbi Home Mesh WiFi Router with Built-in Cable Modem, model CBK40, combines fast 802.11ac wireless networking with a DOCSIS 3.0 cable - Page 2 ...