Modem, Router, Gateway?

[STR8UP&DOWN]

I'm getting high-speed internet through Comcast (cable) and will be renting their modem for $3 a month. I plan on getting my own wireless router for my netbook, laptop, etc.

My questions ...

1. Do I absolutely need both modem and router?

2. Does a gateway do the job of both?

3. Is there any such thing as a wireless modem? And if so, would that cut out the need for a wireless router?

[crazzeto]

#3, actually yes there is a wireless router/cablemodem product on the market. Like any other wireless router it also has 4 wired internet ports, but typically you need to pony up the cash to get it your self. Check your local electronics store/wallmart/office store to see what you can find.

[STR8UP&DOWN]

#3, actually yes there is a wireless router/cablemodem product on the market. Like any other wireless router it also has 4 wired internet ports, but typically you need to pony up the cash to get it your self. Check your local electronics store/wallmart/office store to see what you can find.

Ok. Is this the same as a gateway?

[Trekker4Life]

I'm getting high-speed internet through Comcast (cable) and will be renting their modem for $3 a month. I plan on getting my own wireless router for my netbook, laptop, etc.

My questions ...

1. Do I absolutely need both modem and router?

2. Does a gateway do the job of both?

3. Is there any such thing as a wireless modem? And if so, would that cut out the need for a wireless router?

Should be able to replace the modem with a broadband cable router. There's a compatible list posted on Comcast's help site.
http://help.comcast.net/

[crazzeto]

Ok. Is this the same as a gateway?

Not familiar with tha term, I can say traditionally no it's not but I'm sure it's possible the CE industry might have repurposed the name to describe such a device. Just look at the stats and capabilities of what you're looking for, the product does exist on the market.

[STR8UP&DOWN]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....s&nrp=15&iht=n

So, looking at the BB page above, to go wireless with Comcast cable, would #4 be my only option? ... Other than having a modem and a wireless router separately?

[STR8UP&DOWN]

All things considered, I think I'll just go ahead and rent the Comcast modem ($3 per mo) and buy a wireless router ... I already got my eye on a good one for about $50.

That way, I'm not stuck with a (cable) device that I might not use in the future.

Thanks for all the help, everyone.