Modem

 

A modem, short for modulator-demodulator, is a hardware component of your network that helps your computer and other devices to connect with the internet. This device converts the digital data that the computer understands to analog data that is transmitted over the cable.

The modems that you usually see are most likely cable modems supporting DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification), which is used to transmit the internet over hybrid fiber-coaxial cables. This way you can get TV, cable internet, digital phone line over the same cable.

With the growing use of fiber optic connections, modems are becoming obsolete. Fiber optic cables are able to transmit higher bandwidth over longer distances. Since you require a high data transfer rate in your office, it is more likely that you will use a fiber optic connection. In this case, you will not require a modem to be a part of your network.

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Router

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A router is that component of your network hardware that transfers packets of data between networks. In simple terms, it transfers data from the internet cable to your device.

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In a simple network connection, the internet cable connects with your router allowing it to transmit and receive information from the internet. Other devices in your office network connect to the router using an Ethernet switch in between and therefore gain access to the internet.