Modem vs router: what’s the difference?

A modem is a device that connects your home to the internet. It works by taking the signal from your internet provider and converting it into a form your computer, phone, or other devices can understand. Without a modem, you wouldn’t be able to access the internet at home. 

Modems come in different types depending on the type of broadband you have at home. If you have cable internet, for example, your modem connects to a coaxial cable, like a TV cable, while if you’ve got fibre broadband, you’ll have a special modem called an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) to handle high-speed fiber-optic signals. 

A modem usually has one port for connecting to the ISP and another port for connecting to a router or a single device, like a computer. Some modems also have built-in routers, which means they can both connect to the internet and share the connection with multiple devices. 

A router is a device that helps share the internet connection with multiple devices in your home or office. It takes the internet signal from the modem and sends it to your phones, computers, tablets, and other devices, either through WiFi or Ethernet cables.  

A router is essential for modern internet use because it allows multiple devices to connect at once and ensures a smooth, secure connection for all users. Without it only one device could connect to the internet at a time. 

Most routers today are wireless, creating a WiFi network that lets devices connect without needing cables. Most still have Ethernet ports for wired connections for those looking for faster and more stable wired connections. But if you have a large home, you might need a mesh router system to spread the WiFi signal evenly in every room. 

A modem and a router are both important devices for connecting you to the internet, but they have different jobs. A modem is responsible for bringing the internet into your home, while a router helps distribute it to multiple devices in your home. If you only had a modem, you would only be able to connect one device to the internet at a time, and there would be no WiFi.  

A router also helps protect your home network by acting as a barrier between your devices and the internet. A modem, by itself, does not offer much security -it simply connects you to the internet – so it’s the router’s job to add security layers like firewalls, passwords, and parental controls. 

Today, most broadband providers combine a modem and router into a single device, so you don’t have to have two separate devices. The Virgin Media SuperHub, for example, acts both as a modem and a router, so you don’t need to buy a separate router to get everyone connected.  

If your broadband provider gave you a single box that both connects to the internet and provides WiFi, then you likely have a modem-router combo. Many ISPs, including Virgin Media, provide these devices by default, and if you’re connected to the internet over WiFi, that’s what you’ll be using.  

If you’re unsure that you have, look at the device’s labels and ports. If it says "modem mode" in the settings, it is likely a modem-router combo. If it only has an internet input and one output, it is a modem. If it connects to a modem and only provides WiFi, it is a router. Knowing this will help you decide if you need to upgrade your setup or separate your devices for better performance.  

If you prefer simplicity and convenience, the modem-router combo that most broadband providers offer is probably your best choice. It takes up less space, reduces cable clutter, and is often easier to set up, and most broadband providers provide these devices by default, and for most households, they work just fine. 

But for those who want more control, flexibility, and better performance, having separate devices will give you more control over your home network. A standalone modem allows you to choose a high-performance router that suits your needs, whether you want faster speeds, better security, or a wider WiFi range.  

Having a separate router is also often the best choice if you plan to install a mesh WiFi system. Most mesh routers require a direct connection to a modem, so an all-in-one modem/router combo might not be ideal. 

If you have a Virgin Media Hub and want to separate your modem and router, you can simply put the Hub into modem mode and connect it to a separate router. This allows your new router to handle the WiFi and networking while the Hub only manages the internet connection. 

Here’s how you do it:  

Powered by unlimited lightning-fast broadband, our Hubs provider you gives you all the WiFi strength you need to scroll, meme and stream. Featuring speeds of up to 1130 mbps with our gigabit broadband, our router and modem-combo devices give you all the speed you need at home and for all the family.  

Check out our broadband deals to explore all of the full Virgin Media range and find a package that suits you. If you’re not sure what’s available in your area, use our helpful postcode checker to see what you can get.