What Is the Difference Between a Router and a DSL Modem?

Routers and modems are used in the field of computer networking. These devices are used for connecting two or more than two computers or other devices, where the devices including computers can communicate with one another.
The main difference between a modem and a router is that; if the modem is used to connect to the internet, routers are used for connecting networks or computers to each other. A certain level of security is provided by the routers, as modems do not provide any kind of those.
One definition given to the DSL modem is that it is a device, which connects the computer to the digital subscriber line of a telephone company for accessing internet. It uses a telephone line to get connected to a telephone jack fixed on the wall. From there it gets connected directly to a PC or to the router via an Ethernet cable.
The router’s role is allowing a number of devices to communicate with each other on the same network. A router houses several ports those can be used by Ethernet cables to get connected by plugging in. These ports are always ready to connect to the network a new device.
A modem is required to connect to the internet. The signal received by the modem is transformed ito a form that can be understood by the computer. As a matter of fact, a router is not mandatory for connecting to the internet.
Furthermore, most of the modems hardly offer security against hackers or viruses. Nevertheless, routers come armed with firewalls, which offer some security against such threats. Every ISP generally offers its customers a single type of modem, while a number of varities of routers are available in the market.