Heres why They have plugs and jacks on the back that look exactly alike. Theyre about the same size and shape. They both have flashing lights to indicate theyre doing their job. They both have something to do with going online. They both connect to a computer. How To Monitor Internet Activity On Router' title='How To Monitor Internet Activity On Router' />You know that ones called a modem, the other is called a router, and theyre both involved with getting you on the Internet and connecting you to the world. Or at least your friends and family. But for a lot of us, wed be hard pressed to explain the difference between the two to anyone. Theyre kind of like salt and pepper to usdifferent, but more or less the same. Right Not quite. Although theyre working hand in hand to get you connected to your favorite websites, theyre doing totally separate jobs. So what is it that they do Heres the answer, simplified and deliberately non technical, explaining the difference between a modem and a router and why you need one of them, and should have the other. Windows_10-650x393.png' alt='How To Monitor Internet Activity On Router' title='How To Monitor Internet Activity On Router' />Note This article assumes that most of you are getting some form of high speed Internet connection at home from a cable company that is also your Internet Service Provider ISP. Time Warner Cable and Cox Communications are two examples. Internet buddies. The modem connects to a cablewire from the outside, bringing in Internet data email, You Tube videos, Google search results, files from all over the world. A different wire that goes from your modem to your computer delivers your Internet requests and activity to your computer and monitor. What you see is what you asked for. Thanks, modem In case youre wondering, you cant simply plug that cable from your Internet Service Provider directly into your computer. It just doesnt work that way. You NEED that modem between the cable and your computer. No modem, no Internet. You could go online using just your modem and computer, but theres a reason to think twice. Modems are useful, but they are not smart pieces of hardware. They cant do much when it comes to providing Internet safety, like keeping hackers away. Also, one modem connects to only one computer. So with just a modem, your computer is at risk. Youll need to rely on special computer software anti virus programs, etc. And make no doubt, theres plenty of that out there. Enter the router, a good companion for your modem, your computer and you. With a few wires and connections and installing some software, youre modem, router and computer get connected. A router does two special things by leeching on to your modem. Well, three. It can take the digital signal from your modem which the modem gets from the cable companys cable and share it with route it to other computers in the house. You now have a computer network at home. In order to do this, the router monkeys with and modifies the IP address on your computers. Just by doing that, it automatically makes it hard for hackers to now get at your computer. In fact, its harder to target any specific computer linked to the router. A wireless router allows you to connect your Internet connection at home with any wireless device, such as a laptop, Smartphone or i. Pad. Make a note you just need to make sure your wireless network is secure. That information comes with the router. How technical does get it All this Internet cablemodemroutercomputer connection stuff takes a little bit of jiggering and figuringbut its not too difficult your cable company can offer help and the rewards in Internet convenience, speed and safety are worthwhile. One last thing. You might be wondering what role your IP address plays in all of this. The answer It is at the heart of it all. In simple terms, the networking software in your computer follows guidelines Internet protocols that connect you to the Internet. These protocols allow you to send emails and information back and forth through your modem and routerand your IP address helps directs the data YOU requested to YOUR computer and not to someone elses. So remember this simple distinction between a modem and router A modem connected to your Internet Service provider and to a Mac or PC is what makes it possible for you to go online A router connected to your modem is what allows you to share your Internet connection with others in your home, with built in security against hackers. Related Articles. Bitdefender BOX Smart Home Cybersecurity Hub. Safe, Inside and Out. Its hard to believe such a little device can pack so much power. Bitdefender BOX is the Smart Home Cybersecurity Hub that protects an unlimited number of Internet connected devices from malware, stolen passwords, identity theft, spying, and more. And the protection doesnt stop at your front door. Whether youre connecting to public wifi or using your mobile network, your devices stay as secure out in the world as they do in your home. You control it all from your computer dashboard or the easy to use mobile app.