While nearly all cable ISPs provide you with a compatible modem, ISP-provided models aren’t always the most recent and can have some shortcomings in terms of performance and security updates. If you have cable internet, you have the option of investing in your own cable modem. An ONT is managed remotely by the internet service provider (ISP), and you won’t have to worry about getting your own or tweaking any settings. Modemsįor starters, if your ISP uses a fiber connection, the company should provide you with a small box that’s called an optical network terminal (it’s also sometimes referred to colloquially as a modem). Everyone, including cable and fiber users, should consider getting their own router for those same reasons. If you have cable internet, it’s worth investing in your own cable modem for performance, reliability and security purposes. Meanwhile, the router distributes that stream to multiple connected users via ethernet or, more commonly, Wi-Fi.
CABLE MODEM VS ROUTER PC
The modem (short for modulator/demodulator) is the piece of equipment that translates the cable signal into a digital stream your PC can use. Getting the most out of your internet connection requires the right hardware, and deciding which components are right for your setup can be a little confusing. What’s the difference between a modem and a router?