Equipment Needed for Internet Connection | Home Setup Basics

Getting online for the first time—or upgrading an existing setup—usually comes down to a few pieces of gear. The equipment needed for internet connection depends entirely on the type of service you’re buying. Cable, DSL, and fiber each use different hardware, and knowing which boxes you actually need can save you both money and frustration.

Modem vs. Router vs. ONT: What Each Device Does

The modem and router are separate devices with distinct jobs, though many people use the terms interchangeably. Your internet service provider (ISP) typically supplies one or more of these boxes, but you can often buy your own.

A modem connects your home to your ISP’s network. For cable service, it plugs into a coax wall outlet; for DSL, it uses a telephone line. The modem translates the signal from your provider into something your devices can use.

A router creates your local network and shares that single internet connection with multiple devices over Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables. A router alone cannot bring internet into your home—it needs a modem or ONT upstream of it.

Fiber service replaces the modem with an ONT (optical network terminal), which converts the light signal from fiber-optic cable into an Ethernet connection. Verizon’s guide on the modem-router distinction explains that the ONT serves the same handoff role as a modem for fiber service.

Equipment Needed for Internet Connection: The Complete List

The table below shows what gear you need for each type of service, from the wall to your laptop.

Beyond the main boxes, you’ll need an Ethernet cable to connect your modem to your router’s WAN port, plus the correct service cable (coax or phone line) that your ISP installs or provides. Every device needs power, so plan for available outlets near your equipment.

If your ISP gives you a gateway—a single box that combines modem and router functions—you may not need anything else for basic Wi-Fi coverage. This is the simplest setup and what most providers default to.

How to Set Up Your Modem and Router

Once you have the right equipment, setup follows a straightforward sequence. Netgear’s own guidance on owning your modem and router walks through the same basic steps.

1. Connect the service line (coax for cable, phone line for DSL) to the modem’s corresponding port. For fiber, confirm the ONT is installed and active.
2. Plug in the modem or ONT and wait for the status lights to stabilize—this can take a few minutes.
3. Connect an Ethernet cable from the modem or ONT to the router’s WAN or Internet port. This port is usually color-coded or labeled differently from the LAN ports.
4. Power on the router and wait for its Wi-Fi light to turn solid.
5. Open the router’s admin page (usually via a browser at an address printed on the device) and set your Wi-Fi name and password.
6. Connect your devices to the new Wi-Fi network.

The most common setup mistake is plugging the modem into a router’s LAN port instead of the WAN port. If your Wi-Fi works but you have no internet, this is the first thing to check.

Before buying any equipment, confirm your ISP’s compatibility requirements. Cable providers typically maintain a list of approved modems, and fiber service generally requires their ONT—you can’t swap in your own. The FCC’s consumer guidance notes that eligible equipment categories include modems, routers, gateways, and Wi-Fi hotspots, but your provider’s network technology must match the device you purchase.

Do You Need a Router If You Have a Modem?

A modem alone provides internet to exactly one device via Ethernet. If you want Wi-Fi or plan to connect phones, laptops, and smart TVs, you need a router or a gateway with built-in Wi-Fi.

One exception: if your ISP’s gateway already includes Wi-Fi, a separate router is optional. Many homes run fine on just the gateway, though adding your own router can improve coverage in larger spaces.

If you’re shopping for networking gear, verify current compatibility and approval status before purchasing. For tested recommendations, see our roundup of the best devices for a home internet setup.