What is a modem and how does it work?

A modem is a device that connects your home network to the internet. It works by changing digital signals from your networks into signals that can travel over cables, phone lines, or wireless networks, and converting incoming signals back into digital form so your home devices can understand them.

When you send an email, visit a website, or stream a video, your router sends digital data to the modem. The modem then changes this data into a signal that can travel through the cables or phone lines, and when information reaches its destination, another modem converts the signal back into digital data that the receiving computer can understand.

Today, many modems are built into routers, allowing your devices to connect to the internet over WiFi. But many people choose to separate the two if they want to customize their setup or create a mesh WiFi system around their home.

A modem changes the type of signals so that your devices and the internet can understand each other. Most devices use digital signals, while the internet mostly uses analog signals that travel through phone lines or cable wires.

The modem converts digital signals into analog signals when sending data and then changes analog signals back into digital signals when receiving data. This is called modulation and demodulation, which is where the word modem comes from.

The process might look something like this:

1. Your computer sends the data: When you open a website or send a message, your computer creates digital data and sends it to the modem.

2. The modem converts the data: The modem changes the digital data into signals that can travel through your internet connection (like phone lines, cables, or fiber-optic networks).

3. The data travels to the internet: The signals go to your Internet provider, which connects to the larger internet to find the website or person you are trying to reach.

4. The internet sends data back: Once the requested information is found, it is sent back through the internet to your modem as signals.

5. The modem converts the data again: The modem translates the signals back into digital data so your computer can understand and display the website, message, or video you requested.

This process happens very quickly, often in just fractions of a second, allowing you to browse, stream, and communicate online smoothly.

There are different types of modems, and each one works in a slightly different way depending on how you connect to the internet.

Here are some common types:

Resetting a modem is a simple way to fix temporary internet problems like slow speeds or connection issues. You can usually reset it by simply turning your device on and off again.

Here’s what you usually need to do:

1. Turn Off the Modem: Unplug the modem from its power source. If your modem has a power button, you can press that to turn it off instead.

2. Wait for 30 Seconds to 1 Minute: Let the modem sit unplugged for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This gives it time to fully shut down and clear any temporary issues.

3. Plug the Modem Back In: Reconnect the modem to the power source and turn it on (if there’s a power button). Wait for the lights on the modem to turn on and stabilize. This might take a couple of minutes.

4. Check the Connection: Once the modem is fully restarted, test your internet connection by opening a website or using an online speed test.

5. (Optional) Restart Your Router: If you also have a router connected to your modem, you might need to restart it too. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in after the modem has fully restarted.

Some modems also have a reset button, usually found on the back. If your internet is still not working, you can try pressing and holding the reset button for about 10-15 seconds using a small object like a paperclip.

Is your internet too slow?

Restarting your modem or router may not always fix your connection issues. If you're having issues with your internet speed, it may be time to upgrade your broadband package to get a speed boost.

If you're unsure, you can use our helpful broadband speed test to see how fast your internet is. And if the speed you get isn't enough, remember to check out our superfast broadband deals to find a package that suits your home.

The modem is responsible for connecting your home to the internet, receiving  data from your broadband provider and translating it into a form that your devices can understand. But a modem can usually only connect to one device at a time, which is where the router comes in.

The router takes the internet connection from the modem and distributes it to multiple devices, either through WiFi or wired connections. For example, if you're watching a video on your phone while someone else is playing a game on a computer, the router makes sure both devices get the internet speed they need.

Do I have a modem or a router?

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 broadband providers, including Virgin Media, combine both a modem and a router into one unit, called a modem-router combo. This makes setup easier, but some people prefer to have separate devices for better performance and flexibility.

For this, you can turn on modem mode to turn off the router part of your hub so it just acts as a modem.

If you want to turn on Modem Mode on your Virgin Media Hub, follow these simple steps. Modem Mode disables the router functions of the hub and allows you to use your own router for better performance and control.

1. Open your browser

Make sure your computer or device is connected to the Virgin Media Hub using an Ethernet cable or WiFi. Open a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, etc.).

2. Access the Hub Settings

In the address bar, type 192.168.0.1 and press Enter. This will take you to the Virgin Media Hub’s settings page.

3. Log In to the Hub

You’ll see a login screen. Enter your Hub’s admin password, which is usually found on the sticker at the bottom of your hub. Click Sign in or Log in.

4. Enable Modem Mode

Once logged in, go to the Modem Mode section.Select Enable Modem Mode. Click Apply changes.

5. Restart the Hub

The Hub will restart, and the Modem Mode light will turn purple (on most models). Now, the hub is acting only as a modem, and you can connect your own router.

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. 

However, if you want to connect a separate router or set up a mesh WiFi system in your home, modem mode can be a great way to boost your connection.

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.