Dictionary · Networking Hardware
Modem
Devices · Beginner
A device that converts between a provider's signal and a local network interface. The name comes from modulator-demodulator, though many modern units also include a router.
It is the box that speaks the provider's physical technology, such as cable or a phone line. People often confuse it with the router that creates the home network.
Example: A cable unit hands a public address to a separate router, which then serves private addresses to the house.
Common misconception
- A combination box can hide the distinction, but converting the provider signal and routing the home network are different jobs.