what is the difference between a router and a modem?
A router is used to connect two or more networks while a modem is used to connect to a phone line. 2. A router only connects to RJ45 connectors while modems need an RJ45 and an RJ11 for the phone line. 3. A router provides security measures to protect your network but a modem does not.
This box is usually both a router and a modem. A modem is a device that negotiates the connection with your ISP through your telephone line while a router is a device that is used to connect two networks together, in this case your network to your modem. Traditionally modems were stand alone devices that can be connected straight to your computer or to a router.