Typically, internet service in a home comes through a box. What do modem, router, and gateway mean?
The following is by my understanding.
A modem connects your home network to the Internet and handles the signal conversion between the two. A single PC, just by itself, could connect to the Internet with just a modem.
A router is needed when more than one device needs access to the same Internet service. So, in a home network, if there are wireless devices (with perhaps some others wired in as well) that are all using the Internet, that’s facilitated by a router. The router manages the traffic, making sure each device behind it gets the signals relevant to its own conversation.
A gateway is a combination of a modem and router.
If a firewall is operating between the Internet and the home devices, said firewall is operated by the router, since it can see which traffic is heading from where and to where.
Source:
Knerl, Linsey (May 28, 2024). “Modem vs. Router: What is the Difference?” hp.com