These two devices help power your home internet connection. It helps to know how they function. Here are the details.

Any Wi-Fi device in range of that network can use whatever password you've set to connect wirelessly to the router and, through it, to the modem and the web.

What’s the difference between a modem and a router? Getting the most out of your internet connection requires the right hardware, and deciding which components are right for your setup can be a ...

What’s the difference between a modem and a router? Getting the most out of your internet connection requires the right hardware, and deciding which components are right for your setup can be a ...

The wireless router adds Ethernet switching and a Wi-Fi access point (see wireless router). Modem and Router in One Unit This Xfinity gateway combines the cable modem and wireless router in one unit.

What’s the difference between a modem and a router? Getting the most out of your internet connection requires the right hardware, and deciding which components are right for your setup can be a ...

What’s the difference between a modem and a router? Getting the most out of your internet connection requires the right hardware, and deciding which components are right for your setup can be a ...

Wireless Router creates a network so that devices can connect to it. Wireless Access Point creates an access point that other devices can use to connect.

What’s the difference between a modem and a router? Getting the most out of your internet connection requires the right hardware, and deciding which components are right for your setup can be a ...

While there's no shame in that, having a basic understanding of how your Wi-Fi works at home is still beneficial. A good start is learning the difference between your modem and router.

You don’t actually have to buy your modem and router separately. Instead, you can buy a modem and router combo unit, often called gateways, which makes the entire process a little bit easier.