Your modem and router work together to connect you to the internet through your internet service provider, or ISP. bedo/Getty Images One big factor that may affect the router's connectivity is if ...

Some modems that are provided by ISP’s have the ability to also act as a router and a Wifi network access point. Combined devices like this are great for small networks like the one found in ...

After further thought, and acknowledging that they have access to my bit-stream anyway, I think I will go ahead and swap my ISP's all-in-one for an ISP DOCSIS 3.0 modem and get my own router.

If you were given your modem-router combo device by your ISP, check your bill to see if you are renting it. If so, we highly recommend returning your gateway to your ISP to save money.

A modem translates the data from your ISP (your internet service provider) to your home network, and it translates whatever data you create on your home network to the internet.

Step 1: Connect Your Broadband Modem to the Router Using a standard Category 5 Ethernet cable, plug in your cable or DSL modem to the port on the router marked WAN, or Internet, as shown above.

Routers aren't tied to specific providers, but if you have to purchase your own modem, you'll need to make sure that it works with your ISP. Don't cut corners here.

Our favorite Wi-Fi router currently sells for about $100. That puts your total up-front cost to replace your ISP’s modem-router combo unit at $300 or so.

If I were tasked with picking out a modem and a router, I would go with a Motorola Surfboard modem and a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 router.<BR><BR>.

Thanks to: -Nintendo for creating the GameCube, the Modem and BBA. -Sega for making PSO and boosting the Modem and BBA release. -All the PSO:Ep.1&2 importers for posting their experiences and info on ...