Modems vs. Routers

Modems vs. Routers

When choosing between modems and routers for remote
access to a central network or the Internet, consider the
following pros and cons:
Modems
• Inexpensive
• Good for one user or limited remote access for a small group
• Portable, so they can be used remotely from any location with
a phone line
• Compatible with existing telephone lines
• Connections can be made at a relatively low cost (essentially
the same as a local or long-distance phone call)
Routers
• Support faster WAN connections than modems
• Support multiple users
• Many routers have a “live” connection (so you don’t
get busy signals), and you save time not having to dial up
the connection
• The connections are more reliable than with telephone lines
but may be more costly than ordinary phone lines and may not
support voice calls
• Offer data encryption (for enhanced security) in addition to
data compression (for enhanced performance)
Dial-on-demand routing” (DDR) is sometimes used as a
compromise between the dialup method of connecting and fullfledged
routing. “Dial-on-demand” means the router establishes
(and is charged for) a connection only when the connection is in
use. This solution uses a basic router paired with either a modem
or an ISDN line, which makes the calls as needed, when the
router requests a connection.