Modems, Gateways, and Routers
What's The Difference?When it comes to network engineering, terms like "modem," "gateway," and "router" are often used interchangeably. However, despite those terms often being used in conjunction with each other or within similar contexts, they are not interchangeable.
In a Residential (Non-Commercial) Context At-a-Glance
Modems
A modem connects a home or business network to the internet by receiving and decoding signals from the provider, typically using broadband technology like cable or DSL. It's essential for accessing the internet.
Routers
A router connects to a modem to provide connectivity to various devices within a home network, generally facilitating Wi-Fi communication among computers, printers, and other devices.
Gateways
A gateway, commonly found in residential settings, combines modem and router functions, providing a hardline connection to wired systems while also connecting wireless and smart devices to the internet.
In a Business (Commercial) Context At-a-Glance
Modems
Routers
A router also serves the same function as those in a residential settings, though typically routers within these applications are embeded with fixed or modular modems (but this combination does not make them gateways) and boast advanced firewalls and other specialized features.
Gateways
A gateway, in this setting is not the same as a gateway in a residential setting. Strictly speaking, the definition of a gateway for residential uses is a misnomer, but due to overly popularized use, the inaccurate definition persists. Gateways are specifically engineered to encode and decode messages between dissimilar networking protocols. The need for true gateways generally does not exist for residential, or even standard business applications as most devices utilize standard and consistent TCP/IP communications standards. When dealing in industrial and commercial applications when converting TDM to IP, LoRa to IP, and other protocol mixes, that is when a gateway is required.
Modems
The phrases "M2M modem," "M2M gateway," "M2M router," "wireless modem," "wireless gateway," and "wireless router" are often used interchangeably. The most common term, M2M Modem, is generally the least accurate because it is a broad term coming from its days when acoustically coupled MOdulator DEModulator (MO-DEM) devices converted data signals to fit the transport medium available (POTS lines).
An M2M modem - strictly speaking, an M2M Radio Modem - would not have much device-level intelligence, hence the proliferation of terms for more sophisticated devices referred to as intelligent wireless gateways and wireless routers. Devices with no routing capabilities, which run on AT commands and have no locally sophisticated Operating System or OS, are the most like an M2M modem.
Wireless Modems
Routers
M2M routers or intelligent wireless routers - such as the Digi IX30, Cradlepoint R920, and AirLink RX55 - perform all the functions of a wireless gateway but often add sophisticated routing capabilities across multiple Ethernet and WLAN connections. These capabilities involve port forwarding or mapping and port routing, something MCA's CNS engineers spend time designing and refining for our clientele.
The single public IP assigned from the carrier may be mapped in the M2M router so that one port of the single public IP is mapped to a camera sensor, another to manage the M2M router, and another to a locally connected network for web access.
Some M2M routers can also aggregate data collected from local wireless sensor networks such as those running over 'open' sensor networks such as ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, DASH7, BlueTooth or 'proprietary' networks such as DigiMesh, Xbee, and Xbee Pro (Digi International's former MaxStream product).
Gateways
M2M or intelligent wireless gateways work in the cellular radio space and add intelligence and routing to connecting a device to the internet. They will translate a private local IP to a public network IP assigned by the cellular service carrier.
They can provide VPN tunnels, modem-level password security, keep alive pings, automatic timed restarts, Network Time Protocol updates from US atomic clocks, and IP block and IP white (friendly IP) lists. They can also have some routing capabilities, although these will not be as robust as an intelligent wireless router.
M2M gateways often involve one-to-one or one-to-few connections. The gateway connects a local private device or local private network to the internet. These are sometimes considered intelligent modems.
A great example of a commercial gateway, are our devices from Multi-Tech Systems, specifically those for LoRaWAN applications.
Other Communications Devices
Network Switches
Switches are fundamental networking devices operating at the OSI model's Layer 2 (Data Link layer). Unlike hubs, which broadcast data to all connected devices, hubs intelligently switch forward data packets to their intended destination. This enables more efficient use of network bandwidth and enhances overall network performance.
Switches are commonly used in Ethernet networks to interconnect devices such as computers, printers, servers, and other networking hardware.
Access Points
Access points are devices used to create wireless local area networks (WLANs). They're the central connection point for wireless clients, allowing them to connect to the wired network infrastructure.
Access points facilitate wireless communication by transmitting and receiving signals to and from client devices. They are often used with routers or switches to provide wireless connectivity in homes, offices, public spaces, and enterprise environments. Access points are crucial in extending network coverage and providing seamless wireless connectivity for users.
About MCA and Our CNS Team
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.
Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.
Our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.
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