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Modems
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The modem i have from my current provider (Virgin) allows me to get wireless signal to operate my computer upstairs as well as downstairs. My current provider is putting up his price so as my contract is over its time for me to move. My query is, do all other providers provide the same type of Modem which has the same wireless capacity as my current provider, ie, to enable working online upstairs or downstairs.
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Modems and routers are a single box, so the name is really interchangeable. A combination modem router or cable modem router combines the function of both a modem and a router into one piece of hardware (sometimes called a gateway). This combined unit (modem router or cable modem router) performs the functions of both a modem and a router to connect you to the Internet and distribute that internet connection to your multiple devices.
Not quite. The modem is what connects the home network to the internet, where the router is a device that lets all of your wired and wireless devices use that internet connection at the same time and also allows them to talk to one another without having to do so over the internet.
That's what the OP is asking about.
That's what the OP is asking about.
In case you're getting confused . . .
A modem connects your home network to the internet. A router connects everything together (such as your computer and a wireless printer) among that network. So, theoretically at least, they're not the same. However the 'box of tricks' that's supplied by just about every supplier of home broadband, which they usually refer to simply as a 'router', actually has both devices in it, so it fulfils both functions.
The modem part of Virgin's 'box of tricks' is different to that which is used by other providers because it has to link to Virgin's own cable system, rather than to the BT/Openreach phone network. However a router (which includes a modem anyway) from any other provider will still create a wi-fi network in your home, enabling you to wirelessly connect to the internet (or to other device in your home, such as a printer) both upstairs and downstairs.
A modem connects your home network to the internet. A router connects everything together (such as your computer and a wireless printer) among that network. So, theoretically at least, they're not the same. However the 'box of tricks' that's supplied by just about every supplier of home broadband, which they usually refer to simply as a 'router', actually has both devices in it, so it fulfils both functions.
The modem part of Virgin's 'box of tricks' is different to that which is used by other providers because it has to link to Virgin's own cable system, rather than to the BT/Openreach phone network. However a router (which includes a modem anyway) from any other provider will still create a wi-fi network in your home, enabling you to wirelessly connect to the internet (or to other device in your home, such as a printer) both upstairs and downstairs.
As Jim indicates, a Virgin Media Hub is usually referred to simply as a wireless router but it actually contains both a modem and a router.
Any other mainstream provider of home broadband services will supply their own wireless router (incorporating a modem), so you'll still have a wireless network throughout your home. Some routers provide better signals than others though, so a router from a different provider might be either a bit better or a bit worse at getting a signal to the upper floor of your home. That shouldn't be any reason to worry though, as the chances are that a different router will work just as well for you anyway. (Even if it didn't, a cheap wi-fi extender, for £13 from Amazon, would solve your problem).
Almost all broadband providers include a free router (or a router on free loan) with their deals but it would best to read their small print to ensure that you're not expected to provide your own. (My own ISP is one that targets business customers, rather than home users, and requires their customers to provide their own routers but such a policy is extremely rare with companies offering services to personal users).
Any other mainstream provider of home broadband services will supply their own wireless router (incorporating a modem), so you'll still have a wireless network throughout your home. Some routers provide better signals than others though, so a router from a different provider might be either a bit better or a bit worse at getting a signal to the upper floor of your home. That shouldn't be any reason to worry though, as the chances are that a different router will work just as well for you anyway. (Even if it didn't, a cheap wi-fi extender, for £13 from Amazon, would solve your problem).
Almost all broadband providers include a free router (or a router on free loan) with their deals but it would best to read their small print to ensure that you're not expected to provide your own. (My own ISP is one that targets business customers, rather than home users, and requires their customers to provide their own routers but such a policy is extremely rare with companies offering services to personal users).
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