A wireless cable modem combines a wireless router and cable modem into a single device. Instead of requiring a cable modem and wireless router, a wireless cable modem performs all the functions of both devices. A wireless cable modem uses less space and fewer cords than the combination of a wireless router and a cable modem, but sacrifices compatibility and may cost more to upgrade.
Basics:
Cable modems connect computers and other devices to the Internet through a cable system. The cable modem converts the coaxial cable connection provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to an Ethernet cable that can bridge the connection to an Internet-ready device like a computer, TV, Blu-ray player or video game console.
Wireless routers are used to transmit and share the Internet connection from the cable modem to multiple devices wirelessly. Wireless routers can also be used to create a wireless local network that computers and other devices can use to share data.
A wireless cable modem connects to the Internet through the cable system, which shares the Internet connection with one or more devices by radio, and creates a local network for all connected devices.
Space Efficiency:
Wireless cable modems are space-efficient, taking up less space than a combination of a wireless router and a cable modem, because it is the only needed device.
Cords & Cables:
A wireless cable modem uses one fewer power cord and one fewer Ethernet cable than two separate devices do. The reduction in cords and cables creates less clutter and frees up an electrical socket.
Compatibility:
A wireless router will work with any high-speed Internet connection, while a cable modem will only work with a cable Internet connection. Some cable modems are not compatible with all ISPs, so you may have to get a new cable modem if you change services. A wireless cable modem shares the compatibility problems with the cable modem: it will only work with ISPs that support the particular model.
Upgrades:
Wireless cable modems are at a disadvantage with upgrades. New wireless technology can make wireless networks faster, more stable, and have longer broadcast ranges. Upgrading the wireless network on a wireless cable modem means the entire device has to be replaced, whereas only the wireless router needs to be replaced when using separate devices. Additionally, cable service providers upgrade their networks every so often and older models of cable modems and wireless cable modems may no longer work, but the router will still work with the network. The wireless cable modem could become more expensive in the situation where either the wireless capabilities or cable network are upgraded– because the combination of devices can cost more than a device that only serves one purpose.