Does a router or modem affect internet speed?

Understanding the roles of routers and modems is crucial for maximizing internet speed and reliability. Let’s examine each device’s significance for your home network.

A modem, also known as a modulator-demodulator, acts as the gateway between the local network and the internet, allowing various forms of online communication and data transfer.

It converts digital data from devices into signals suitable for transmission over various communication channels, such as telephone lines, cable lines or fiber-powered infrastructure used by internet service providers. Simultaneously, it demodulates incoming signals from ISPs into digital data that the devices understand.

A router is a device that connects to the modem and distributes the internet connection to various devices within your home network. It creates a LAN (local area network) and routes the internet traffic between devices on the network, ensuring that data packets transmit to the correct destinations.

The router distributes internet traffic wirelessly via WiFi or through wired Ethernet connections.

The modem acts as a gateway to the internet, while the router directs the internet traffic to and from the modem. When you access a website from your device, the router sends the request to the modem, which sends it to the internet through your ISP.

The modem then receives the incoming data and sends it to the router, which routes it to your device, allowing you to access the website’s content.

Many modern devices combine the functions of modems and routers into a single device called a modem-router combo. These devices simplify the setup process and reduce the number of devices needed to set up a home network.

Modems are the first point of communication between your home network and your internet service provider, which is essential in determining the maximum internet speed you may get.

They come in various types, each with specific speed capabilities and compatibility requirements. The different types of modems available include:

• DSL Modems: These are used for digital subscriber line (DSL) internet connections and typically offer speeds up to 100 Mbps.
• Cable Modems: These are commonly used for cable internet services and come in different standards. These standards include the DOCSIS 3.0 modem, which handles speeds up to 1 Gbps and the DOCSIS 3.1 modem, which handles speeds up to 10 Gbps.
• Fiber Modems: These are also known as Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) and are used for fiber-optic connections.

To ensure optimal performance, the modem you use must be able to handle your internet plan’s maximum speed. If your modem does not match the internet service provider’s plan, it will be a bottleneck, leading to slow internet speeds and inconsistent connections. For example, a modem that supports up to 1 Gigabit speeds will not be effective for a 5 Gigabit internet subscription.

Check with your internet service provider for the best modems that fully support your service plan’s speeds.

An outdated modem may not receive the latest firmware updates that include features that enhance network performance, leading to slower speeds and more frequent connectivity issues.

In addition, a modem’s age and condition can also impact its performance. Over time, modems can experience wear and tear, overheating or even total failure to connect.

It’s important to regularly assess the condition of your modem and consider upgrading to a newer modem to ensure you’re using the latest technology to maintain optimal internet performance.

Optimizing your internet speed not only involves subscribing to a fast internet speed but also setting up your home network correctly to maximize the speed of your internet plan.

We’ve outlined tips you can apply to boost your internet connection’s speed.

Upgrading to a new router or modem can significantly increase your internet speed and general network performance.

Consider upgrading to a new router if:

• Your router or modem is several years old and may not support the latest WiFi standards, such as WiFi 5 or WiFi 6, which facilitate higher speed tiers.
• You have upgraded your internet plan but are still using older equipment. Old routers may not support faster speed tiers like Gigabit speeds, so you won’t fully benefit from the increased speeds.
• Your household has added more connected devices, leading your router to struggle to handle the increased traffic and bandwidth demand. Upgrading to newer routers with higher bandwidth capacity and better processing power can handle multiple devices running simultaneously.
• You want better network security and features. Many modern routers and modems come with built-in security and performance features, such as WPA3 encryption, parental controls, firewalls and Quality of Service (QoS) options, which can improve network performance.

If you are an avid gamer, consider upgrading to a gaming router. These routers offer improved speed and performance with lower latency, advanced QoS features, broader coverage and comprehensive network customization options.

Router placement is crucial for optimizing WiFi signal strength and ensuring comprehensive coverage. Here are some best practices for optimal placement:

• Place your router centrally in your home to ensure even coverage, minimize dead zones and maintain a strong signal throughout the space.
• Elevate the router off the floor and place it on a shelf or wall. The higher placement allows the signal to travel more freely.
• Avoid obstructions like walls, floors and large furniture, which can impede the WiFi signal. Position your router in an open space, away from these barriers.
• Keep the router away from electronic devices that might cause interference, such as microwaves, cordless phones and baby monitors.

While WiFi provides convenience and flexibility, wired Ethernet connections offer several advantages, particularly for tasks that require high-speed and stable internet access.

Some of the advantages of using wired connections include:

• Stable connection: Ethernet connections are less susceptible to interference and signal loss than WiFi connections. This stability is crucial for online gaming, video conferencing and streaming HD content.
• Maximum speeds: Ethernet cables provide faster internet speeds than WiFi.
• Lower latency: Wired connections typically offer lower latency than wireless ones due to less interference. Lower latency is essential for real-time applications such as gaming, live streaming and video calls.
• Security: Ethernet connections are inherently more secure than WiFi connections because they are not susceptible to wireless hacking attempts. Using a wired connection adds an extra layer of security for sensitive data transmissions.