The two major components in a small computer network are a modem and wireless router. The modem is wired to the Internet via the cable company's coaxial cable, the telephone company's DSL phone ...

A device used to connect one or more computers to a cable company's Internet service. The same coaxial cable coming into the house or office also provides TV and voice over IP (VoIP) service.

In the same way that upgrading to one of the best Wi-Fi routers does, purchasing your own cable modem means that you will no longer have to pay equipment rental fees to your internet service provider.