Router and modem or gateway: What’s actually in your home network?

A home internet setup may contain a modem, a router or a combined gateway, and knowing which does what can help people troubleshoot problems and understand what they are paying for. The article also says that buying equipment can offer more choice and avoid ongoing rental costs.

A modem connects to the internet service, while a router distributes data to devices over Wi-Fi or Ethernet and can help manage and protect the home network. A gateway combines both functions; fibre connections use an optical network terminal instead of a traditional modem. ISP equipment may offer basic Wi-Fi and coverage, while newer Wi-Fi 6E or 7 and mesh systems can improve performance, though upgrades may add fees. The article gives AT&T’s All-Fi Pro as an example: it costs an extra $25 per month for many customers, or $300 over a year.