Frankly, the reson for all the confusion is because the boxes sold as MODEMs are no such thing - they are stripped down routers. A true MODEM converts the frequency streams sent by the distribution operator [telco or cable operator] to data on an 8P8C modular connector (It's NOT ethernet at this time). It does nothing at all to the content of the data. It is just a "Media Converter" with no software at all. Consumer MODEMs include several router functions like logging in to your ISP. If you're lucky they have a "transparent mode" which turns these off. In this mode the output must be connected ONLY to the WAN port of a router (also NOT ethernet). I use a professional DSL MODEM connected by a Cat5e patch cable to a pfSense router that handles everything. When FTTP arrives then I will need a new MODEM. Nothing else to change. Interestingly, in the UK where I live, the "Full Fibre" package includes the MODEM in a tiny wall box with an 8P8C socket in it and you can use any router you like with it.
Unless your ISP is Australias NBN. I had to get a router replaced from a lightening strike through them. They're still using the same routers from 10yrs ago 😂. But they do get updates through the ISP regularly and usually at the most inconvenient time
I had no idea that modems needed updates mind you I'm Down under... Thanks for the Heads up Sir.
👍 - 👍
Frankly, the reson for all the confusion is because the boxes sold as MODEMs are no such thing - they are stripped down routers.
A true MODEM converts the frequency streams sent by the distribution operator [telco or cable operator] to data on an 8P8C modular connector (It's NOT ethernet at this time). It does nothing at all to the content of the data. It is just a "Media Converter" with no software at all. Consumer MODEMs include several router functions like logging in to your ISP. If you're lucky they have a "transparent mode" which turns these off. In this mode the output must be connected ONLY to the WAN port of a router (also NOT ethernet). I use a professional DSL MODEM connected by a Cat5e patch cable to a pfSense router that handles everything.
When FTTP arrives then I will need a new MODEM. Nothing else to change. Interestingly, in the UK where I live, the "Full Fibre" package includes the MODEM in a tiny wall box with an 8P8C socket in it and you can use any router you like with it.
Unless your ISP is Australias NBN. I had to get a router replaced from a lightening strike through them. They're still using the same routers from 10yrs ago 😂. But they do get updates through the ISP regularly and usually at the most inconvenient time