A wireless home network needs a connection to the web (the modem) and wireless access to that connection for your devices (the router). That doesn't mean that you need two separate devices, though.

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.

However, a mesh network is not to be confused with being a total substitute for a modem-router connection. Instead, a mesh network is a way to extend the reach of your wireless router.

How the router works A router creates a local access network (LAN) that connects devices by forwarding “data packets” between them, according to MakeUseOf, a site devoted to consumer tech.

If you’re choosing between router vs modem for gaming – we’re here to help you decide which is better for gaming. It’s no secret that modern PC games are only getting bigger both in scope ...

When asked about what configuration people should strive for in a home Wi-Fi network, most experts gathered at the Canadian ISP Summit agreed that tacking on an external router to the ISP-provided ...

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 network created by your router is known as a local area network (LAN), and it connects you to a larger wide area network (WAN). In most home cases, your WAN is, for all intents and purposes ...

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 ...

A router connects to all your home's devices (and links them to each other)—through Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi—and then connects to the modem.