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Original poster

The most stupid question you will see on this board...

19 replies

SleighlyMadSanta · 31/12/2007 22:40

DO I need a router and a modem or is a router a replacement for a modem?

OP posts:
LadyOfTheHollyAndTheIvy · 31/12/2007 22:42

dunno!
dh rigged/rigs it all up.

DoesntTheFestiveSeasonDragOn · 31/12/2007 22:42

"Can someone help me spec out my Dell PC?"

Original poster
SleighlyMadSanta · 31/12/2007 22:43

Sorry.......

I am going round in knots....

OP posts:
LadyTophamHatt · 31/12/2007 22:44

i thought a router is the new modem.

or the same thing....

Original poster
SleighlyMadSanta · 31/12/2007 22:44

I guess that is what I am asking?!?!?!?!

OP posts:
LyraSilvertinsel · 31/12/2007 22:45

Router and modem not the same thing afaik. Prob wrong...
Duh.

TrinityRhinosDhWonHerAnIPOD · 31/12/2007 22:45

a modem is a modem
a router is a router
sometimes a router combined with a modem is called a router

but really it is a router and a modem

so really you need to read the box and check what it is

If I were you I would go for a router and modem combined

Nappyzone · 31/12/2007 22:45

i thought a router was something you needed to find your modem when your wireless ??? but i know f all!

Nappyzone · 31/12/2007 22:45

i thought a router was something you needed to find your modem when your wireless ??? but i know f all!

discoverlife · 31/12/2007 22:46

Hi a router is a device whereby multiple computers connect to each other, a network device in other words. (It routes information around)
A modem is the device needed to connect to the internet. A modem router combines both in one pice of kit.

PeachesMcLean · 31/12/2007 22:47

Are you wireless? The router is for the wireless bit and the modem does the actual dialling in to the internet. Sometimes the router and modem is in one box, sometimes they're separate.

LadyOfWaffle · 31/12/2007 22:47

Ooooh, you're actually asking!? I thought you had found the stupidest question on the board, I was looking for more! You need a router and modem.

Sidge · 31/12/2007 22:47

I think you need both for a wireless network? (unless you have one of those fancy-pants all-in-one jobbies)

The modem receives the signal and the router sends it to the wireless computer. The router is connected to the modem.

If you don't need a wireless connection you can just connect the modem to the computer.

ALomonderfulLife · 31/12/2007 22:47

You need a modem to connect to the internet. I think a router (wireless) is if you want to be able to use a laptop or other computer but don't want to have to plug it in. It sends a signal which ables you to connect.

Hope someone who knows what they are talking about comes along for you!

ALomonderfulLife · 31/12/2007 22:49

they did lol

Original poster
SleighlyMadSanta · 31/12/2007 22:50

Right thats it I am F^cked off with this (as I am sure you all are with me).

I need a new PC
I have decided I have had enough of AOL

I can't spec my PC until I decide on ISP (cos I want to be careful with vista)
DP won't listen to me when I say I am scared of Vista
The new ISP I am looking at has a free router, I jsut don't know if I will still need to buy a modem/use the one I have/is it compatible?

I have gone to a special geeky board to ask but I am getting newbie treatment and no-one is talking to me
And I couldn't have the name SMS or any varient of it
And it is NYE and I am stone could sober

I want to go oto bed and wake up to find a new fully funcitoning computer and internet connection....but it isn't going to happen...

OP posts:
Original poster
SleighlyMadSanta · 31/12/2007 22:51
OP posts:
SevenRustySwansASwimming · 31/12/2007 22:57

This is a helpful site - try the Readers to the rescue link on the right.

opinionateddad · 02/01/2008 16:14

Hey. this is nice and easy..

Modem - MODulate/DEModulate - device used on analogue or digital telephony communication lines - i.e. normal phone line or ISDN line

Router - device used on an IP based network to connect different networks together.

Now.. if you are talking about broadband.. a simple USB DSL MODEM will connect you to the BT line and convert the phone signal to a network signal and then the USB connection will connect to the PC (sometimes an ethernet connection is used instead)... to the PC this will look the same as an analog Modem. This is generally used when you have only a single PC to connect to the internet and is a little old now.

If you are in an environment with wifi and more than one PC (xbox, PS3, Wii, laptop, etc, etc) then you will require a braodband router (this will have a DSL modem built in) this will connect to the phone line and then handle all the different communication channels between all the various devices on your network.

Hope that explains a little.. sorry if it is technical but it is tought to break these things down to basic parts without writing a hundred pages...

Let us know if you have a more specific question.. e.g. device to purchase or configuration

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