Glossary · Networking

Modem

In plain language

The box that translates your internet provider's signal (cable, fibre or phone line) into a connection your router can use.

The metaphor

Like the front door of a building where the street meets the hallway: the outside line comes in here and everything inside plugs in behind it.

Going deeper

How it works

It is supplied by your internet provider in most cases.
Often built into one box with a router and Wi-Fi.
If the internet is down, check the modem lights before anything else.
It needs no configuration from you, and a security hole in it is the provider's to patch.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the firewall and switch behind the modem. Many small offices put their own business firewall after the provider's box.

In practice

An office reboots the modem as the first step when the internet drops.
A shop asks its provider to put the modem in bridge mode so its own firewall can do the routing.
A clinic keeps a spare modem label with the provider's account number on the cabinet door.

A question owners ask

Do I need to own the modem? Usually the provider supplies it. Owning your own can save a small rental fee, though it only helps if the provider supports it.

Where WILDCARD handles this

Network

Firewall managed and monitored
Switches kept current
On-prem Active Directory auth

Start with Network

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