- The Signal
- Category:Internet Devices
Internet DevicesCategory
4 min read
If you have home internet, you likely also have a modem and a router. However, while modems and routers used to be two separate pieces of hardware, increasingly, they’re combined into one device called a gateway. Depending on your internet service provider (ISP), you might have an individual modem and router or a gateway device.
T-Mobile Home Internet customers, for example, utilize a wireless 5G Gateway device in tandem with the next generation of Wi-Fi technology (Wi-Fi 6) to stay connected at home.
But if you’re not on a T-Mobile Home Internet plan or you're just looking to buy your own hardware, it can be hard to decide whether you need a modem and router or a single gateway. Here's everything you need to know about gateways vs. router and modem setups.
What is a modem?
Your modem is basically your home’s portal to the internet. Your internet service provider connects your home to a central hub depending on the type of internet you have. Then your modem transforms electrical information from that hub into information that your connected devices can process. It also uploads information from your connected devices. Whether you have cable, DSL, or satellite internet, you need a modem. However, modems are not interchangeable, so the type of internet service you have, and the speeds included in your plan determine what modem you need.
If your modem and router are separate pieces of hardware, then your modem looks like a small, skinny black box. Not all modems have antennas, but some have one or two. A modem also has between two and four ethernet ports and one or two USB ports. It connects to the wall with a coaxial cable and to your router with an ethernet cable.
What is a router?
While the modem brings the internet into your home, your routerbroadcasts your internet signal to devices connected to your home's Wi-Fi network. Each network created by a router is private and that network is usually accessed with a unique password. Routers cannot connect to the internet without a modem. So, while they can also be used to connect devices to one another, such as a computer to a printer, without a modem, routers aren’t much use for getting online. Where you keep your router can also affect your internet speeds, so experiment with different locations until you get the best signal.
What is a gateway?
A gateway is a device that acts as both modem and router for your home network, combining the features of both in a single piece of hardware. If you have fiber internet or DSL, your provider may require you to rent one of these gateways. As mentioned earlier, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet utilizes a wireless gateway device to keep customers connected at home— but there’s no additional equipment fee.
Gateway vs. router and modem
If you’re weighing the option of using a separate modem and router, versus a single gateway device, here are a few things to consider.
Pros and cons of separate router and modem
Pros
You can choose the specific devices that meet your need for speed, range, and features. This allows for a more tailored solution. Plus, if you need to upgrade one (e.g., boost Wi-Fi coverage with a new router), you can do it without replacing the modem. While it’s likely not an issue for the average user, this setup also gives you more granular control over network settings, like guest networks and certain security protocols.
Cons
Separate modems and routers usually mean a lot of cords and not much choice when it comes to where you place them, which is not ideal. They’re also a little more complicated to troubleshoot and setup since you’re dealing with two devices rather than one. Unlike gateways, which are generally provided by your ISP, you may have to go it alone if you need an upgrade or support.
Pros and cons of router-modem combo (gateway)
Pros
The main benefit of a gateway device is simplicity. As mentioned, separate modems and routers require connecting them with cumbersome, unsightly cords. And in many homes, keeping cords organized and out of sight is a priority. Gateways are definitely sleeker and are also generally easier to set up than separate modems and routers—and combining devices could cut down on troubleshooting if connectivity problems arise. Using the gateway device, which is generally supplied by your ISP, also means less worry about upgrades. As technology improves or you upgrade your plan, you can often expect upgraded hardware, not to mention ongoing firmware updates, which can be pushed out automatically as soon as they're available.
Cons
You may have less flexibility in settings, security, and customization options.
T-Mobile is America’s fastest growing Home Internet provider. See if it's available in your area now and then find a plan that's right for you.
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