When it comes to the internet, you have most likely heard the terms modem, router, and booster. But do you know what each does and how they are different?
WHAT IS A MODEM?
A modem is a device that connects the internet from your internet service provider (ISP) to your home network. The modem translates the data from your ISP into a format that your home network devices can use.
WHAT IS A ROUTER?
A router is a device that creates the network inside your house. The router’s primary responsibility is to direct, or route, data between all devices in your home and between those devices and the wider internet.
WHAT IS A BOOSTER?
A booster, sometimes referred to as an extender, is hardware designed to improve a Wi-Fi network’s coverage. You can use it to boost or extend your wireless signal to problem areas with low signals.
DOES TWN FIBER INTERNET REQUIRE ALL THREE DEVICES?
The answer is no! You don’t need a modem because of the way TWN Fiber Internet is installed.
TWN will run a fiber line to your home during the fiber connection process. When this fiber line is brought inside the home, it connects to a small box called the Optical Network Terminal, or ONT.
Technically speaking, the ONT is not a modem. However, it acts similarly to a modem because it communicates with your ISP. A modem converts digital signals to analog and vice versa, whereas the ONT communicates through infrared light pulses and fiber-optic wiring.
While you don’t need a modem for TWN Fiber Internet, you need a Wi-Fi router. This is something that TWN provides free of charge during the home installation. When your ONT is hooked to your Wi-Fi router, you are officially connected to the TWN network.
SO, WHERE DOES THE BOOSTER OR EXTENDER COME INTO PLAY?
If your Wi-Fi router does not provide full coverage throughout your home, one or more extenders can be used to further the network footprint and expand the service area.
Maybe you have internet everywhere inside your house, but you want coverage in your garage or a nearby barn. Extenders rebroadcast the existing Wi-Fi signal from your router to the area where you’re not getting a signal and are typically set up midway between the Wi-Fi router and your dead zone. If you would like an extender, it can be purchased through TWN. A technician can also help determine if an extender is needed during your installation.
Making the most of your TWN Fiber Internet service is easy. We provide you with the necessary equipment and do all the work to connect you.
If you haven’t already, visit twncomm.com/heartland or call 833-727-5563 to sign up for service or to sign the Underground Agreement today!
*Services provided by TWN Communications. Not available in all areas. Restrictions, terms and conditions apply. Taxes, regulatory, surcharges and other charges are applicable. A one-time line connection fee of $199.00 may be applicable for internet service. This non-refundable fee will be applied after network construction has been completed in your area. Call for details or visit twncomm.com/terms-conditions for additional information and terms and conditions of services. Residential customers on qualifying internet plans will receive download/upload speeds of 25.0 Mbps to 1.0 Gbps, per respective plan. A 30-day notice is required to cancel service.
