Modem vs. router
Learn the difference between a modem and a router, more about the AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway, and what equipment you’ll need to power your home internet.
What is the difference between a modem and a router?
If you’ve ever wondered how the blinking boxes plugged into your wall keep your home internet up and running, let’s learn the basics.
First, here are the key functions of a modem:
- Connects your home to the internet through your provider’s network
- Forms a WAN (wide area network) by passing information back and forth between your home network and the public network
- Has an automatically assigned public IP address that identifies it on the internet
- Does not have Wi-Fi to connect your wireless devices
Now, here are the key functions of a router:
- Connects your devices to the internet
- Forms a LAN (local area network), allowing all devices in the network to use the same internet connection and communicate with one another
- Assigns local IP addresses to every device on your network and directs the flow of data
- Connects to multiple devices via a Wi-Fi radio signal or via ethernet cables
- Enables internet security, such as parental controls and firewalls
If you want to connect to the internet and join multiple devices via Wi-Fi, you’ll need a modem and a router, or a device that performs both functions.
What is the AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway?
The AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway functions as both a modem and a router to connect you and your devices to the internet. Since it’s both a modem and a router, the gateway is easier to set up, takes up less room, and doesn’t require as many cables, wires, and outlets. AT&T provides the gateway when you purchase AT&T Internet, including AT&T Fiber®.
Common Wi-Fi gateway models provided by AT&T include: BGW320, BGW210, Pace 5268, NVG599, and NVG589, but you may receive a different Wi-Fi gateway model. Other popular internet service providers also offer similar equipment.
What equipment do you need to power your home internet?
You may be provided internet equipment when your home internet is installed by your internet service provider, including but not limited to:
- A modem and a router, or a gateway device that functions as both
- One or more Wi-Fi extenders to provide Wi-Fi coverage in hard-to-reach areas in your home
- An ONT (Optimal Network Terminal), which provides internet to your home by changing fiber light waves back to electrical waves
- A fiber jack, which connects to the ONT and should never be removed
- An ethernet jack if your ONT is not close to your Wi-Fi gateway
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