Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Digital Literacy How the Internet Works The Internet The Big Picture

ROUTER VS. MODEM VS. SERVER

I need a clear definition of each. I understand that all are hardware that allow the internet to function but what is the primary role of each hardware piece and how are they different from one another?

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,184 Points

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks.

A modem is a device for signal conversion, for example, between the digital data of a computer and the analog signal of a telephone line.

And a server is a computer that manages access to a centralized resource or service within a network.