Modem or Router? What’s the difference?

As of 2018, every Italian consumer has the right to choose a modem or router independently, regardless of the solution offered by the telephone operator with which they have an active contract. This is laid down in Resolution 348/18/CONS of Agcom (the Communications Guarantee Authority), which implements the 2016 European Regulation, preventing ISPs (Internet Service Providers) from imposing their supply exclusively, and allowing users to choose the network solution best suited to their needs.

In the face of this legislation, consumers now need to navigate the different functions of modems and routers, consumer electronic devices that are often confused and associated with similar operations. Just as network coverage changes for those who live in a very large house and those who live in a small flat, so do the needs change between those who need ADSL or fibre for a single terminal and those who need access to the home network from multiple devices. Let's take a look at the difference between modems and routers and what factors influence their choice.

What is a modem?

A modem is a device for simultaneously translating electromagnetic signals from the telephone line into digital data packets addressed to the receiving electronic device (such as a computer). In turn, digital data are decoded by the modem in order to be fed back into the telephone line. Information entering and leaving the modem travels via transmission cables, which can be of two types: copper and tied to the phone line (ADSL) or fibre optic and not tied to the phone line (Fibre). It is a double MODulation and DEModulation operation, which defines the acronym - modem - and makes this particular device so essential for connecting to the global computer network, the Internet, and thus for surfing the web. Modems can be connected to a computer or another device via a USB port, an Internet stick or wirelessly.

What is a router?

As its name implies, the router has the task of routing data between different networks and allows the same connection to be shared among different electronic devices (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches...). The router organises and distributes incoming and outgoing data packets from the nodes of a network, whether local, i.e. a LAN, or geographically extended, such as the Internet. Within a connection network, in fact, each node is a meeting point connected to others by multiple pathways.

The router's task is to find the best possible path for data packets, according to specific protocols, routing tables, which respond to delay, capacity and speed parameters. In this way, the volume of traffic is managed efficiently, reducing data loss errors.  The router, therefore, has a data sorting function; it is usually equipped with an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi connection and can operate independently of a network connection.

Key differences between modems and routers

Modems and routers are therefore different devices with separate operations. While the modem transforms electromagnetic signals into information data packets, the router sorts the packets onto precise paths along the connection network. If the networks are dissimilar, the router can also break down information into smaller data packets to enable faster transmission. A modem, therefore, is the device that creates the first contact with the ISP (Internet Service Provider) and allows connection to the global computer network, the Internet.

However, it allows a one-way exchange with the receiving terminal, but cannot manage and control information between several connected devices. This is where the router comes in, monitoring the exchange of information between several electronic devices on the same local area network or LAN. Modems and routers are therefore not interchangeable, but their functions are consequential. The modem is the only device that can decode the telephone line signal, but it cannot distribute the connection to multiple devices or create a local network. Although modems and routers can be used separately, the integration of their functions offers an efficient connection formula, the modem-router.

Factors for choosing a modem or router

The choice to buy a modem, router or modem-router depends on the consumer's connection needs. With the regulation in Italy of net neutrality, since 2015, everyone has free access to the network, without Internet service provider operating privileges or discriminating against traffic management, and without contractually imposing a specific model of modem, router or modem-router. Consumers can now choose according to their home coverage, frequency of network use and the number of connected devices. A key influencing factor is the type of connection (ADSL or Fibre).

ADSL connections use traditional telephone lines to transmit data via copper cables, arriving wherever there is a telephone line and operating at a maximum speed of 24 Mbps. Fibre connections (also known as VDSL), on the other hand, use fibre optic filaments for data transmission, and are much faster (able to reach from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbs), but their range only covers the area in which the infrastructure has been built.

There are different types of fibre, but two are the best known. If the connection covers the area of the building/neighbourhood of residence, but requires copper cables to reach the home, we speak of Fiber To The Cabinet (FTTC), otherwise, if it reaches the home directly, as with Enel Energia's Fibre offer, we speak of Fiber To The House (FTTH). In the latter case, you only need to purchase a router, as fibre transmits data by sending light signals and without the aid of a telephone line. For FTTC, however, you also need a modem. If you only have one electronic device to connect to the network and only want to purchase a modem, you can connect the device directly to the modem ports via Ethernet cable. However, a modem cannot provide data sorting and security in the same way as a router.

Fibre by Enel Energia

Enel Energia offers a WiFi 6 Modem on loan for free but also respects net neutrality. You are therefore free to use an alternative modem to the one provided, free of charge. Surf with Fibre from Enel Energia, with download speeds of up to 1 Gigabit/s download and free activation costs. First check your coverage and find out if your home is reached by Enel Energia's Fibre. Discover all our offers.

Enel Fibra Per Te Wow

If you have already signed a contract with Enel Energia for your power supply in the free market and one for your gas supply that is active or being activated, you can request Enel Fibra Per Te WoW at just €18.90 per month and with no activation costs.

Enel Fibra Per Te

If you have already signed a free market power supply contract or a gas supply contract with Enel Energia that is active or in the process of being activated, you can request Enel Fibra Per Te at €21.90 per month with no activation costs.

Enel Fibra

If you have not signed a power and/or gas supply contract with Enel Energia, you can request Enel Fibra for €24.90 per month with no activation costs.