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What's the difference between a modem and a router?
Many people use a modem and a router to connect to the internet, but depending on what you need it for, you might not require both devices.
Just as the internet has evolved, so too have connection methods. Early modems relied on telephone cables and prevented users from making calls while online – and made downright iconic sounds. These old devices were slow and only supported one connected computer at a time. Nowadays, you can hook multiple PCs and several smart home devices into the network, all using one modem. Sort of. Technically, you need a modem and a router, which has led to all sorts of confusion. What’s the difference between a modem and a router? Do you need both or just one?
How to reset an Xfinity router
Trying to reset your Xfinity gateway? Clear your data and start fresh in just a few steps.
Resetting your Xfinity router can be an important troubleshooting step, or just a good way to remove your data before returning it to the internet provider. An Xfinity router is actually a modem and router combination called a gateway, and you will see it referred to this way in the documentation. Resetting a router refers to removing all data and returning it to factory-fresh settings, often called a factory reset. If you just want to power cycle your router safely, you can unplug it from the wall and simply plug it back in a few moments later.
Best router-modem combos in 2023
If you want to eliminate rental fees or are just ready for an upgraded router, getting a router-modem combo gets it done with a single purchase.
For millions of people, the best way to get connected to high-speed internet is through a local cable provider. While the companies are happy to provide a router-modem combo unit, often called a gateway, for a monthly fee, you’re stuck using their hardware and software, which may not be a match for your needs. If you’re looking to get rid of modem rental fees and don’t want the hassle of setting up a separate modem and router, getting a combo is the way to go.
What is NAT on your router?
Wondering what those pesky NAT warnings are about? It's a little complicated.
The only time most of us think about NAT is when it’s a problem. If you’re a gamer, there’s a chance you’ve seen the dreaded double NAT warning or have been informed that your strict NAT type could cause issues. A strict NAT type can also make it more difficult to connect to a specific device from an external network. In gaming, this usually manifests as longer than ordinary matchmaking times or the inability to hear others in voice chat.
Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon X35 modem for 5G wearable and IoT devices
Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon X35 modem aimed at bringing 5G to devices such as wearables and Chromebooks.
5G has been around for quite a while now, though it's not entirely commonplace yet. Wearable and IoT devices still pretty much only support 4G LTE, which has left them a bit behind the rest of the industry. That's set to change though, with the Qualcomm X35 modem being aimed at providing 5G support to smaller devices. This technology is called 5G NR-Light, or reduced capability, with Qualcomm saying that downlink speeds will top out at around 220Mbps and uplink of around 100Mbps.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X70 5G Modem-RF gets new features
Ahead of its commercial availability, Qualcomm has announced some new features and milestones for the Snapdragon X70 5G modem.
In February, Qualcomm announced its fifth-generation 5G modem design: the Snapdragon X70. The latest modem RF system doesn’t bring substantial improvements to raw download and upload speeds, but it does offer several new features, namely, the new AI processor for enhanced performance, improved power efficiency, and more. Qualcomm has announced new features and milestones for the Snapdragon X70 5G modem ahead of its commercial availability.
[Updated] Intel: Atom Is Not Dead And We're Not Leaving Mobile
After speaking with Intel PR enough we clear up some of rumors going around. Read on to find out more. (Updated with additional Intel response)
Late last week we covered stories reporting the possible death of Intel's Atom lineup and a presumed withdrawal from the mobile market. Since then we've had a chance to speak with Intel's public relations team and they've helped clear a few things up. After getting this additional information it seems that Intel's decisions are not only reasonable but possibly better in a longer-term picture.