When setting up a new internet connection, many people wonder if there are any shortcuts you can take to save money. Specifically, you may wonder if you can ditch the router or the much more expensive modem to save money and still get workable internet.
You can use a router without a modem, but you won’t be able to access the internet with it. Routers without modems can be used to create a home network where you can share files between devices. You can also use this network to set up wireless devices, like printers, or smarthome gadgets.
After reading this, you may still be curious about the concept of a router without a modem. In this article, we’ll go way more in-depth on the idea of a solo router, how to set it up and how to use your home network to share files.
What is a Modem?
A modem like the Motorola MB7621 (example on Amazon) is a device that brings the internet into your home. In more detail, internet data is sent to and from your modem through a cable connected to the back.
The wiring in this cable can only give a high or low frequency. Your modem takes this series of high or low frequencies and converts it into a series of ones and zeros to make the data processable by computers.
Your internet service provider usually provides the modem. It is also usually made for use with whatever internet service provider you use, so if you decide to switch internet service providers, your new one will likely provide you with a new modem.
Can you Use the Internet with Only a Modem?
This may leave you wondering if it’s possible to use the internet with nothing but a modem. The answer is yes, but you probably don’t want to. While modems can bring the internet into your home, they also can’t split the signal, and you can’t connect to them wirelessly.
This means that if you only have a modem, you can only have one device connected to the internet at a time, and you’ll have to connect it to the modem via an ethernet cable. However, if this is your only option, you may be able to split your ethernet cable into multiple devices.
This may be worth looking into if you only need the internet for a single device. However, most people probably don’t want to use a modem alone.
What is a Router?
The router is the modem’s companion device that completes your internet service. The router splits your internet connection and allows you to connect to the internet wirelessly.
This results in you being able to connect more than one device to the internet at a time, and you can connect to the internet without having to plug into your modem with an ethernet cable.
It is also worth noting that routers protect you by using a Network Address Translation (NAT) Firewall. This NAT firewall ensures that your internal IP address is not displayed to hackers, protecting your computer from any data you did not request access to.
This is also why using a router with your modem is a good idea, since using a modem alone can leave your data vulnerable to people with malicious intentions.
Do You Need a Modem to Use a Router?
No, you do not need a modem to use your router, though what you can use it for will be limited. To access the internet, you will need a modem. This means you can’t access the internet with a router alone, but that does not make the solo router useless.
You can use a router by itself to connect devices on a network. Even though your router cannot connect to the internet, you can still connect your devices to it.
If your devices connect to the router, they connect to your local area network or LAN. This will allow you to transfer data and files between the devices without having to connect them via cables.
How to Set Up a Router Without a Modem
Using a router without a modem will allow you to transfer data wirelessly. To do this, you will need to set up a Local Area Network (LAN) and connect your devices to it. This is very easy to do, as long as you follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Connect Your Router
All of the annoying parts of setting up a router are when you have to connect it with a modem; connecting it without a modem is a straightforward process.
All you have to do is take the router and plug it into a power outlet. If the device does not turn on automatically, you may need to find and press the power button.
Step 2: Find Your SSID and Passkey
You’ll use this to connect your devices to the router. Both can be found in one of two places: either printed on the bottom or side of the router or in the instruction manual that comes with your router. Once you’ve found these, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Connect Your Devices to the Network
Once you have the SSID and Passkey, you need to use these to connect to the router. Again, this will depend on what kind of device you’re trying to use, but generically, you will want to go to your network settings and select the network that matches the name of your SSID.
Once you select this, you’ll be asked for a password. Simply enter the passkey you got from your router, and you’re now connected to your home’s LAN network. You will need to connect at least two devices for the LAN network to be of any use, but there is no limit to the number of devices you can connect.
How to Use a Router to Transfer Data Between Devices
A solo router can be used to create a LAN server that will let you transfer files via a home network. This process will be a little different depending on what devices you’re using, but usually, it’s very simple.
Transferring Data From PC to PC
Using a Windows 10 PC to share files is extremely simple due to the new Nearby Sharing feature. To use this:
- You first need to connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Once you’ve done this, click the search bar in the bottom left. Into this, type and select Nearby Sharing Settings.
- A new settings window will open that says Shared Experiences. Turn on Nearby Sharing on both devices.
- Now right-click on any file you want to transfer and click Share.
- Go to the PC you’re transferring to and click on Accept File, and the file should begin downloading.
Transferring Data From Mac to Mac
Like Windows, Apple has a built-in feature to share files between devices. Once again, in order to use this, you first have to connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Additionally, to use the file sharing feature, you first have to enable it.
- First, open your System Preferences and then click on Sharing. Here, you’ll want to check the File Sharing box.
- Now you’ll want to go to the Shared Folders option and select any folders you wish to share. Give read and write permissions under Users if you’d like.
- Now go to the receiving device, turn on File Sharing in the same way, and open Connect to Server. Once you’re here, type the server address of the sending computer and click on connect.
- Finally, select the shared folder and enter the sending Mac’s credentials. After this, your file should begin to download.
If you don’t want to go through these steps, Mac has a second file-sharing feature called AirDrop that is much easier to use.
- First, open AirDrop on both devices.
- Then drag and drop your desired files onto your other Mac’s icon.
- Then, accept the file on the receiving computer, and it should begin downloading.
Do You Need an Internet Service Provider to Access the Internet?
Disappointingly, yes, you do need to pay an internet service provider to access the internet. Even if you already have both the modem and the router prepared, without an internet service provider, you won’t receive any internet connection.
However, accessing the internet without paying an internet service provider yourself is possible. In addition, certain restaurants and cafes will offer patrons free Wi-Fi.
These restaurants do pay an internet service provider for this Wi-Fi, so you’re not entirely free of them, but you won’t be paying these fees yourself and will save on data usage.
So if you’re someone who doesn’t use the internet that much and you’re willing to drive somewhere to use it, you might want to consider forgoing the internet in your home entirely.
What About Combined Modem-Routers?
Nowadays, many internet service providers will offer you a choice between using a traditional modem and router combo or the option of a device known as a gateway. To recap, a modem receives the internet signal and converts it to something usable for computers.
A router takes your modem’s signal, splits it so it can be connected to multiple devices, and lets you connect to it wirelessly. Finally, a gateway combines the features of a modem and a router into one device.
After realizing this, you may be wondering whether you want a router and modem, a gateway, or just a router, but this isn’t exactly a decision worth fretting over. All three devices are for different kinds of people.
Router-Only
As previously stated, the router-only option is really just for people that don’t really want to use the internet but want to transfer data between devices or have wireless devices, like printers.
Gateway
Gateways are network entry and exit points for data. They also provide communication to remote networks, and allow different networks to join up when needed.
They are designed to be simple to set up, easy to use, and not take up a bunch of space. As a result, you never really need to fret when using a gateway, and having one dedicated “internet box” can save valuable space for some people.
Router-Modem Combo
Finally, the router and modem combo are for people who are going to try to tinker with and customize their internet experience. Having a separate router and modem opens you up to being able to replace your router with newer high-speed options as well as more protective options.
Separate modems and routers may also be better for people who value security. For example, you can replace your router with a VPN router. This device encrypts any data you send out, so no one can even tell who you are or where you’re located. If you value these things, you probably want to separate your modem and router.