Sometimes a switch, sometimes a hub. Modems and routers have been called all sorts of names. Simply put, a modem is a box-like device that connects you to a wider area network (WAN) or the Internet. A router, on one hand, is a device that joins several networks together and where all wired and wireless Internet connections can take place simultaneously. In this article, we explore the fundamentals of networking routers and modems. We will also examine what you can do to troubleshoot these devices when they are not working as well as they should.
What’s the Difference Between LAN and WAN?
When you join a local connection, that is normally referred to as LAN or a local area network. Your internet provider and where it sources its connection is known as WAN.
The LAN covers all the computers and mobile devices connected to your router or modem. But the WAN operates on a bigger network, linking your local connection to the LAN of businesses and individuals outside of your home.
The easier analogy would be to think of LAN as your home and WAN as your neighbourhood or community. By going to your Internet service provider’s WAN, it is possible to check out the LANs of other households in your area. However, there are security protocols to follow and viewing personal devices without permission breaches privacy.
Why is it Important to Differentiate Terms?
To know how modem networking secrets work, one needs to have an understanding of how a modem works in the first place and the jargon associated with it. Do take note that modems are evolving and newer forms are fused with other devices. Meaning, they provide more than just Internet connectivity.
While some people buy a router separately from a modem, these days ISPs offer an all-in-one device that functions both as a router and modem. It even has an access point. These hybrids are called modem-routers. Innovative companies have launched chargeable prepaid versions you can carry around anywhere. Some prepaid modem-routers have portable mobile phone charging features and can accommodate SIM cards too.
Differentiating terms also help you weigh in the pros and cons of buying a separate modem and router versus buying a deluxe all-in-one device. According to testimonies, placement can greatly affect the efficiency and connection strength of a modem-router with an access point. However, if you separate your access points through different devices, you can secure a better and faster Internet connection.
Easy Router Hacks
Here are a few surprising router secrets you may want to try at home to make things easier for you and those you live with:
- Ever experienced having a choppy connection because there are one too many people in the house who are using the Wi-Fi or playing games? To the gamer folks, ask them to establish a direct cable connection from their console or PC to a LAN port on the router. If you have high-speed Internet, Wi-Fi connections can only do so much but cable networks can give you nearly 1000Mbps on a consistent basis. You will also less likely experience lags and disconnections.
- Do you have a movie or file you want to share with people in your house? The easy way to do this is insert a flash drive into your router’s USB port. Through your PC’s network settings, you can access this drive as well as any other connected device. This method is a good and convenient way to share music, movies and other files with the rest of your household.
- Type in the address of your router in your smartphone or computer’s web browser and you will be redirected to an interface, where you can access advanced settings if you enter the right username and password. Log in with the credentials provided by your ISP. Explore the interface and customise where you find necessary (e.g. device name, password, bandwidth limits, parental controls).
Modem Networking Secrets: Diagnostic Page
The Internet connection suddenly slows down or completely stops. You check with your ISP and you are told that nothing is wrong from their end. Perhaps you can restart your modem or any device you suspect could be blocking the flow of connection? This is where the secret diagnostic page comes in handy.
A diagnostic page is a masterlist of your modem’s connection history. If you have access to it, then you can provide some data to the ISP staff and they will help you analyse the likely causes, if any. How will the staff know if anything was wrong with your modem or there were connectivity issues? The reports produced by the page contain signal levels, uptime data, corrected and uncorrected blocks and errors, providing a clue on the state of your Internet and what appropriate solutions to pursue.
To access the diagnostic page, find your subnet address, usually found on the body of your modem or router. If not, you can personally ask your network provider or go through a list of broadband/DSL hardware models.
Best Modem and Router Products
Now that you know what modems and routers are and the little “secrets” they are hiding, you may want to upgrade your current devices and experience a fast and lag-free Internet connection. View quality, trendy and portable modems and routers from a selection of leading brands and manufacturers on https://www.wireless1.com.au/ .
