Definitions: modem vs. router

[Zaphod234]

I'm turning my attention to my home network for the first time in trying to buy something to replace the modem that comes with my DSL plan. But I find the sales nomenclature confusing. While "modem" still seems to mean a device that connects your computer to the Internet, "router" seems sometimes to mean just the device that connects a modem to several computers, printers, etc., but then also sometimes means a combination router and modem. (For example: "Cisco CISCO871 Ethernet Integrated Services Router with Ethernet WAN Port.") Then there is the "modem/router." Next is the "residential gateway," which seems to be a modem or modem-router. Finally, there is the "switch" (which I can't really distinguish from a "router").

What I need is a good home-use DSL modem that will also serve as a router (or switch) for printers and other computers, and that will have a mixed 802.11b/g/n network (later on, just an "n" network). I may want to play with 3rd-party software, but this is not really a priority.

Thank you.

 

[rclarke250]

Depending on who your DSL service is through, they will provide the modem/router/switch/wireless. Verizon did for me in my office. Actually Mo(dulator)dem(odulator) is actually only correct for a device that uses tones to communicate between two or more terminals. It would have been better if the high speed internet providers had used the proper term which is "Bridge" instead of modem. In the early days the cable company just used a bridge to "bridge" one network to another. Your home network, even if it was a single pc, and the isp network to the internet. And it was up to the owner to install and setup the router/switch/wireless if anyof it was needed, and they would not help you. But as more and more households have more than 1 PC, they have started to come around and offer a little help. Although it is questionable as to the "help" they give is worth it. But the easy answer without the history or tech lesson is D-link,Linksys,Belkin,Trendway and others easily found at Best Buy, or a local computer store, or online at Newegg,Microcenter,or others will have everything you need.

 

[Zaphod234]

Hi, RClarke250:
Thanks for the reply. I actually ended up with a Netgear Netgear DGND3300. So far I'm pretty content.