In order to make sure that you do not make any wrong choice by mixing the modem & gateway and thinking that they are the same, you will need to know the differences between the two in the first place.
Here is an article that will help you a lot in that matter and along with the differences between a modem and a gateway it will also let you know which among the two is better to use in the later section.
In This Article
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A modem is a particular type of hardware that uses cable lines to allow a computer to transfer data to and fro.
- The modem transfers data by changing an analogue signal received from a telephone connection or cable into digital signals which a computer can easily identify and understand.
- A gateway is a kind of network equipment that connects the computers that are running different operating systems, protocols or on different platforms.
The 4 Differences Between Modem and Gateway
1. Acts as
The primary function of a modem is to act as the border device between any two networks that are to be used for exchanging data allowing them to get connected for the data transfer.
On the other hand, a gateway is that particular device whose primary function is to act as the ‘gate’ or the ‘entry point’ between those two networks in question.
2. Functionality
The modem functions as a device that allows a networking device to get connected to the internet to transfer data over cable or telephone lines.
On the other hand, the gateway is a particular device that combines the functionalities of a router or a modem both in one single box.
3. Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of the modem is to modulate or convert analog signals received from the cable or a telephone line into digital signals before transferring it.
This particular signal is easily detected and understood by the computer systems.
On the other hand, the primary purpose of the gateway is to link different computer systems that may be using different protocols, different platforms or different operating systems.
4. Types
The most common types of modems available in the market are cable modems or a Digital Subscriber Line or DSL modem.
On the other hand, the common types of gateways are servers, routers, or firewalls.
It practically includes any particular device that allows the traffic to flow in and out of a given network.
Which is Better to Use – Modem or Gateway?
It all depends on the capabilities of the current device that you are using as well as your needs that will determine which one among a modem and a gateway is better to use.
In fact, it is more than likely that you may need both for your needs.
Most people will base their decision simply on the difference mentioned above but since there aren’t many of them, it cannot be said that they make the absolute right choice always and every time.
In order to make the right decisions, it is required to know a few more facts and details about a modem and a gateway, which is what you will come to know in the following paragraphs.
Ideally, any networking device like a router or a computer on the whole will need a modem so that it can connect to the internet as and when required. Here modem is a specific type of hardware device.
A short for the two terms modulator-demodulator, modems play a significant role in the computing world since these devices act as the key to the internet.
However, these devices are considered to be elementary devices that do not work as they should be.
This is because these hardware devices lack traffic steering features and data security.
So, based on this point alone you may think that a modem is much better than a gateway, but tarry a little till you know more about them and before you shun the modems.
Looking from another angle, in the domain of computer networking, a gateway can be referred to as a number of different things based on the use and circumstances.
However, the most important function of the gateway is to act as networking equipment with the purpose to connect two or more separate networks together in general.
The gateway acts as the link between these two connected networks and allows them to make the best use of the discrete platform types, architectural styles, and protocols.
Considering these facts, it can be said that the most significant difference between a modem and a gateway lies in their methods of operation for transferring data signals after changing them from one specific form to another.
They are also starkly different in the way in which they form the networks.
If you use a gateway in your home network, you will get adequate support from the proxy servers and firewalls, both of which will heighten the security of your network.
Any device that allows flowing traffic in and out of a network can be considered as a gateway.
These devices include and are not limited to:
- Routers
- Servers
- Firewalls and other similar devices.
Sometimes, even a combination of a modem and a router in one single box is also called to be a gateway depending on the functions performed.
When a gateway performs the functions of both a router and a modem, it allows the IP packets to get connected to a local network or disconnect from it.
If, in case, a particular target address is not found on the same Local Area Network or LAN, it is a default gateway by which the deliverance of that particular data traffic is pointed out.
Typically, a gateway functions as a node that enables the data to enter into or exit from a network by behaving like the bridge that closes the gap between two given and separate networks.
For example, a router, which is a classic example of a gateway device, is that particular piece of hardware that is used most commonly in home networks.
This piece of hardware forwards the IP packets from one particular network to the other.
This eventually helps the personal computers to get connected to a LAN and start sending and receiving data across many different networks.
A firewall is also considered to be an example of a gateway for the simple reason that it will examine each and every packet incoming or outgoing before allowing entry to or exit from the particular network.
This is usually done with the help of a predefined set of rules that looks for dangerous and malicious data.
Now, considering the same setting, your home network that is, and looking into the modem it can be said that it is that particular piece of hardware that helps in establishing a link between your home network and the ISP or Internet Service Provider.
This is done through a coaxial cable which is the same as that which carries the TV signals to your home television.
However, in the case of a computer, its capability to correspond through the cable lines is made possible with the use of a border device, and this device is referred to as the modem.
Therefore, it is the modem that allows you to access and use the broadband internet connection that usually has a very high speed of operation, by connecting your home network to the ISP over the phone line.
The modem makes it possible to send digital signals over a phone line that is known to carry analog signals.
It alters the data signals into the desired formats as necessary for the phone lines.
Therefore, with all these said, it can be concluded that both a modem and a gateway are important in their own merits.
However, the gateways will typically follow a specific configuration or set of rules.
On the other hand, the modem will not follow any path. This results in zero traffic maintenance.
Conclusion
Though there aren’t many differences between a modem and a gateway, they surely are two different devices as the article has pointed out.
Now you surely will not make any mistake if and when you need to make a choice between the two since this additional knowledge will make things much easier for you.