GoKawiilExplainer clarifies differences between modems, routers and gateways in home networks
A networking explainer breaks down the three core pieces of home internet hardware: modems, which translate signals between your ISP connection and digital devices (replaced by an ONT on fiber lines); routers, which distribute that data to devices over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, manage local traffic, and provide security features like firewalls; and gateways, which combine a modem and router into one unit, commonly supplied by ISPs.