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.

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.