difference between wireless router and modem

[filthiestfis]

Im unsure of how a wireless router works. Tiscali is offering broadband with a free wireless router...whats it for? Alternatively for 2 pounds more per month they offer broadband with free modem. Whats the difference? Here is the link:

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/broadband/?c ode=ZZ-NL-12LG&srccode=

[Lucy Thomas]

A modem connects directly to your PC so it limits where you can position the PC. A wireless router however, allows you to connect wirelessly anywhere in your house. Handy if you use a laptop. I would say the router would be your best option as it does everything a modem does but gives you more freedom.

[fo3nix]

You need a modem to convert computer signals to the phone line signals. This is always needed.

A router is a device that lets many computers access one internet connection -- say, if you have a laptop and a desktop computer.

Routers for ADSL internet connections (the ones over your phone line, such as Tiscali or BT) have a modem built-in too. Hence, you just need the router, and not a router and a modem.

[ACtheTROLL]

the offer seems the wrong way round.

problem with wireless is that if all your neighbours have it ... the airway is saturated ... and everyone is fighting for free air.
wireless is necessary if you can't get wire to your desk .... but if you can ... it's worth using cables

a wired connection is at max all the time (even if the ISP cuts bandwidth) - and is 99.9% secure

modem = modulator - demodulator
so any connection that uses an indirect connection (and they all do) requires a modem.
router is a bit misleading ... it's a device (server(?))
that performs quite a few different tasks ... all stuffed into the same 'ikkle box ... but fo3 is right ... it's basically allowing more than 1 pc connect

[sp1214]

I sense what is behind the cheaper offer is the requirement to switch your BT provider to Tiscali.