{"id":6578,"date":"2021-09-18T08:44:07","date_gmt":"2021-09-18T12:44:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.4kcc.com\/blog\/?p=6578"},"modified":"2021-09-18T08:44:10","modified_gmt":"2021-09-18T12:44:10","slug":"things-you-should-know-about-modems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.4kcc.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/18\/things-you-should-know-about-modems\/","title":{"rendered":"Things You Should Know About Modems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Three<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you use one, there are things you should know about modems. But, let’s start with some basic information first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is A Modem?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The word “modem” is actually short for modulator-demodulator. If you search for the definition of the word modem, you might get lost in all the technical babel<\/a><\/strong>. In simple terms, a modem is a piece of hardware which takes one type of signal (telephone, cable) and converts it to another type (computer – Ethernet) and vice-versa. Without a modem, you wouldn’t be able to get onto the Internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A modem can be just a modulator-demodulator or it can also include a router. (A router, simply put, is a device which takes an Internet signal and distributes it between devices, both wired and wireless.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do You Have A Modem?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you deal directly with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), like AT&T and Comcast, then you definitely have a modem. However, if you live in a building or a community which provides Internet for you, then you’re more likely to have a router in your home. Generally, the modem would be in the office or equipment room and you wouldn’t have access to it. If that’s the case, anything from this point on in my post will be for educational purposes only!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things You Should Know About Modems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A Modem’s Default Password Needs Changed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As I talked about in my post, “Modem Default Passwords<\/a><\/strong>,” not changing your modem’s password gives a hacker easy access. All of your computing devices in your home might be compromised if the modem password is not changed. How you access the modem to change the default password varies based on the brand and model of the modem. You can find information about logging in HERE<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When A Modem Includes A Router<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Modems that include a router are usually easy to distinguish. If you only have a modem and it includes wireless access, then you have a “combo.” Instead of two pieces of hardware – a modem and a router – you have one that functions as both items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s an important point: when you do have a combo modem and wireless router, each function is separate. In other words, if something goes wrong inside the modem, you could have Ethernet Internet but not wireless Internet. Or, you could have wireless but not Ethernet. Either way, the modem needs replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Your Computing Device Says “Connected” But You Can’t Get On The Internet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the most confusing aspects of computing devices and modems is the message “connected.” When you see this message, it doesn’t mean you’re connected to the Internet. It means you’re connected to either your modem or your router. You can be connected but still not have Interne access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you receive this kind of message and you can’t get on the Internet, you should unplug the power cord to your modem, leave it out for 5 minutes, plug it back in and then give the modem time to restart (usually around 5 minutes.) You may find that this simple procedure will get you back onto the Internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You Have Separate Pieces Of Equipment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you have a modem and a router as separate hardware components, there are a couple of rules you need to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. In the scenario above – connected but no Internet – you need to unplug the router power, as well. Additionally, the modem should always be restarted before the router. Once the modem is up and running, then plug the power back into the router and let it restart.<\/li>
  2. Don’t plug the modem and the router into a power strip that you turn off and on regularly. When you turn the strip back on, if the router boots (starts up) before the modem, you may not get online.<\/li>
  3. The modem should always boot before the router.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    Lease Or Buy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Often, people ask me whether they should lease or buy their modem. Generally, I suggest that their modem be leased. Yes, I know, everyone wants to save on their monthly Internet bill! Getting rid of the modem lease amount would help. However, there are some downsides to purchasing your own modem. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n