Modem

Think of it as a modulator-demodulator device that converts digital data from a digital format into an analog format and vice versa. This conversion is essential for transmitting data over different types of networks, such as telephone lines or cable systems, which are traditionally designed for analog signals.

How my dad set up modem in our home network:

• WAN Connection:
  • Input to Modem: The WAN connection represents the internet supplied by the ISP. This connection to the modem can be various mediums (in our case fiber).
  • Modem’s role: Receives this WAN signal and converts these signals into digital format suitable for routing.
• Connection to Router:
  • From Modem to Router: Once the modem converts the incoming signal to digital data, this data is then sent to a router via an Ethernet cable. Connection between modem and the router is referred as the WAN port on the router. Handles internet traffic coming from the modem.
  • Router’s Role: router receives the digital data from the modem. Routers are designed to manage and direct the traffic within your home network (LAN) and between network and the internet. Determines the best path for data packets to travel to destination.
• LAN Distribution:
  • Router to Devices: Router has multiple LAN ports. These LAN ports are used to connect different devices within your home network directly via Ethernet cables. These devices connected through these ports can communicate with each other and with the internet through the router and modem.
  • Wireless Connection: In addition to LAN ports, router also provide wireless connectivity. Allows our phones, tables, laptops to connect to the network wirelessly.
• Network Setup and Configuration:
  • DHCP and Routing: router performs functions such as DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), which assigns IP addresses to devices on the network. Also routes traffic between these devices and the internet, handling both incoming and outgoing data packets.