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When I first meet new clients, I often come across small studios or remote offices that are relying solely on the Internet Service Provider (ISP) loaned modem. It’s like trying to build a piece of furniture using only a Swiss army knife – technically doable, but the results might not be ideal. Just as you utilize a variety of specialized tools to achieve quality outcomes safely and effectively in your profession, the same principle applies to technology. This week, I will break down each component of an ISP-provided modem (which I like to call the Swiss army knife) and highlight the benefits of using the right network hardware for the task instead. Stay tuned as I simplify this topic and make it a fun read with analogies as my secret weapon.
 ISPs want to sign up new customers, and they can only do that if they provide everything we have come to expect, such as WiFi. ISPs navigate this need by consolidating everything into a single device. This strategy is both cost-effective in terms of hardware costs and speeds up the installation process. These devices commonly integrate modem, router, switching, and wireless access point functionalities. First, let’s explore the important roles of each of these components.
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Modem:
Think of a modem as a converter. The internet reaches your house through a cable, but in its delivered state, you can’t directly connect it to anything. The modem converts this service so that it can be utilized by computers.
Router (Firewall):
The router acts as your doorman. It is familiar to all the residents in the building and assists in organizing the movement of people and packages that circulate around the clock. It guides visitors to the correct apartment and, as an additional benefit, helps residents by directing them to their destination as they exit the building. Having multiple doormen on duty, monitoring surveillance cameras, and guarding all the doors is akin to having a firewall. When online, you are surrounded by potential threats from all around the world; having a firewall helps protect your home from unwanted intruders.
Switch:
When you observe the back of your modem, you will probably notice multiple jacks that appear identical. This is the switching function of your modem. Similar to a power strip, it offers additional outlets for plugging in more devices.
Wireless Access Point:
Let’s shorten it to WAP for convenience. WAP is like your cordless phone. While you could stay tethered to a phone jack all day for calls, the freedom to make calls from anywhere without being tied to a jack is a modern necessity. WAPs are sometimes mistaken for wireless repeaters, but the distinction is clear: repeaters boost the range of an existing wireless signal, whereas WAPs are typically hardwired to the network and serve as the source of the wireless signal.
It’s often best to use the modem provided by your ISP but for nothing more. Using a quality firewall you can better guard your network from the outside world and have a much more stable connection among your devices. Business class network switches are like smart power strips if there is something plugged in and not working right, they can prevent it from affecting everything else. And finally, WAPs have much better antennas and dedicated processors to better handle the connectivity of wireless devices. Poor quality connectivity kills productivity and keeping bad guys outside of your network provides security that is not optional. I hope I was able to help translate the important role each network device takes on and that you take steps to ensure you have the right tools in place for your team to provide the best outcomes and for your business to stay safe.
 It’s best to utilize the modem provided by your ISP for its basic modem function while disabling its other features. By integrating a quality firewall, you can significantly enhance network security against external threats. The improved routing capabilities of the firewall lead to more stable connections across your devices. Smart network switches function like intelligent power strips, effectively isolating faulty connections and devices to prevent disruptions across the entire network. WAPs offer superior antennas and dedicated processors that result in faster and stronger wireless device connectivity. Fast, secure, and reliable connectivity is crucial for maximizing productivity while safeguarding your network from unwelcome visitors is a vital security measure. Hopefully, by understanding the essential roles of each of these network devices, I have convinced you to use the right tools for the job and achieve high-quality connectivity and enhanced security for your business. Have questions? Let’s chat!
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– Burak Sarac, Team Lead
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