There are 17 Asus routers that support the AiMesh tool and can automatically create a mesh network topology to fill a home with wireless data. Only an 802.11n or ac router will do.įinally, Asus AiMesh routers can link together to create a mesh network on their own. Do the math: If you have a 100-Mbps connection and the extender is limited to a peak of 11 or 54 Mbps, you'll likely be wasting most of your bandwidth with an older router. If so, chances are that you can indeed use your old router as an extender.īe careful with routers from the 802.11b and g eras they won't work well, because they have a lower maximum bandwidth, which creates bottlenecks in your network. See if the router can use open-source firmware (like DD-WRT). If the router doesn't support running as a repeater or an extender using the manufacturer's firmware, there's another way.
Modem vs router vs repeater manual#
If you have an old router sitting around, check with the manual to make sure the device can be converted into an extender or a repeater, and get specific instructions. If you don't have one or something similar (like an R6700 or R6900), you can get a used one for about $20 online.
Even then, it's possible to turn off the WiFi component of your gateway device to welcome the latest WiFi system technology into your home.The general process for other routers is similar but not exactly the same.
Modem vs router vs repeater software#
The trade off, though, is that router technology continues to evolve, opening doors to WiFi systems with great management software ( residential managed WiFi). Gateways also support firewalls and proxy servers, allowing heightened security in the home network. The benefit of a modem/router combination is that it's one simple device that has inherent interoperability between the modem and router components. Which device is right for me?īecause of the capabilities of current devices and user needs, it's more than likely you'll likely need both a modem and a router or a modem/router combination. In this case, gateway may be interchangeable with a default gateway or primary router. In the broadband industry, gateway is often colloquially used to refer to a device that is acting as a primary node (forwarding host), connecting other access points or networks. This is often seen combined with a phone service in the same hardware device. If you own a dual router and modem device, then it will connect your ISP’s network to your local WiFi network or Ethernet. GatewayĪ gateway is a single device that can do the jobs of both a router and a modem.
Now that we've explored modems and routers, let's take a look at the combination modem/router. Because of the router's central position to home internet communications, it is the most common target for cybercriminals. Often, a router has a set of firewall rules to prevent malicious traffic across your devices and out to the internet. There are both wireless and wired router options available. The router connects your devices via WiFi signal and Ethernet, tunneling information between them and out to the modem. Screenshot taken from Amazon on JRouterĪ home router connects to the modem and acts like a traffic director on your local network. The Motorola MB7621 is a high-performance modem that is certified for COMCAST service delivery. Be sure to check with your provider on compatible modem devices (or look for certification in device specs) before making a purchase.įor example, popular modem brand Motorola shows in this Amazon listing that the device is COMCAST certified: Modems undergo certifications with the ability to operate on your provider's network. While some homes opt to purchase their own modem, saving a leasing fee of about $120 a year, it's important to note that you can't buy just any modem. The modem has a public IP address for your service provider to direct traffic.īroadband providers typically lease modems to their subscribers, which can come with the added benefits of having a better managed service. It does this by connecting to the broadband company's telephone lines, optical fiber, or coaxial cabling and converts the information to a digital signal. Your modem acts as a tunnel to carry information from your ISP’s network to your local network. ModemĪ modem ("modulator-demodulator") is a device used to connect to the wider internet access, provided by an ISP. gateway-when purchasing and managing home networking equipment. Here, we break down the three most used terms-modem vs. Each available device is different and has its own purpose for networking, but it's easy to become confused from all of the available choices. Often, your broadband provider's available hardware is what dictates your experience. The end goal is to have a fast, consistent WiFi experience, but there are many parts that come into play toward delivering on that experience. It’s easy to get confused when dealing with networking equipment at home.