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Can I connect a weaker modem to a more powerful router to get a better wifi signals? (alien.top)

submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

9 comments fedilink hide all child comments

The title pretty much describes it. So, should I connect my older, weaker modem (which in its own can broadcast a wifi signals) to a new router that can broadcast much better through an Ethernet cable? If so, would the signals get better or would it stay the same?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

If it has Wifi, it's not a modem but a modem/router combo(AKA gateway). What model is it and the router your thinking of?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

If it has wifi it's not a router it's an access point, possibly a router with an access point built in

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Modems MODulate and DEModulate.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

That is correct, however what you said previously is false as a router is nothing but a firewall and directs network traffic. It has 0 responsibility in providing a wireless signal. hence why we have Wireless Access Points (WAP) so one can wirelessly access the network

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

But he was responding to the op who referred to his modem as having weak wifi, therefore correctly stating he most likely had a modem,router,ap combo aka a gateway.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Router - directs traffic (aka "routes") and enforces access rules between different devices on the local network, and (if it's also a "gateway router") between devices on the local network and the internet

Access Point ("AP") - creates a WiFi "hotspot" that's connected to the local network (and from there, through a gateway router to the internet usually).

Modem - converts and transmits network traffic between two different physical formats: e.g. between fiber optic and ethernet, between cable internet and ethernet, between DSL and ethernet, etc.

The device that you get from your internet provider often has all three functions built in. Confusingly, many people refer to it as just a "router" or "modem" which doesn't accurately describe it.

I would disable the WiFi in the cable modem and add an AP, or better yet, buy your own modem, router and AP and return the cable company device (and stop paying the monthly rental fee).