When talking about networking, you often hear a lot of different terms: routers, gateways, modems. It becomes even more confusing when these terms are used in very similar contexts. This article aims to discuss the functionality and explain the key differences between routers, gateways, and modems.
Modems
Let's start with modems. A modem is one of the oldest terms used in networking. A modem is a piece of hardware built solely to perform one task and one task only: to send traffic from A to B without interfering with the data.
Historically, modems have been considered primitive devices that are not programmable, so data security and routing capabilities are not present in these devices. Most modems do not connect to the internet without the help of the software of the device to which they are connected.
Routers
As we've established, modems are among the simplest networking devices. Let's move on to routers, the most advanced networking devices.
Routers, like modems, are used to set up and manage an internet connection. Every router has a built-in modem. However, this is where the similarities end; once the router is in use, there's no need to use another device to control it.
Routers can establish an internet connection autonomously. Furthermore, routers can provide internet connections to multiple downstream devices via multiple interfaces. They have data routing capabilities, allowing internet access to multiple devices simultaneously. This ability to handle multiple interfaces and various connected devices makes routers highly versatile and applicable to many use cases.
Another major difference between modems and routers is the software functionality. Routers are typically equipped with advanced data security features such as firewalls and multiple data tunneling services. These features provide comprehensive data security and a lower risk of cyberattacks.
All in all, routers can best be defined as network devices that provide a secure internet connection to multiple devices simultaneously.
Gateways
Finally, let's look at gateways. "Gateway" is a term that's often used and misused when talking about networking. It's often confused with router, and for good reason: they're very similar.
If you look at the functionality of most gateways and routers, you'll find many similarities. Both routers and gateways operate independently, and both are usually equipped with extensive security features such as firewalls and data tunneling capabilities.
So how are they different? The main difference between routers and gateways is the number of interfaces they can support. While routers are designed to manage multiple interfaces, gateways are typically designed to have only one.
So it can be said that routers are meant to connect multiple devices to the internet and gateways are meant to connect only one device.
If you would like more information about modems, routers or gateways and the possibilities of these devices, please call or email Delmation.