What distinguishes a cable modem from a wireless gateway?

A cable modem and a wireless gateway serve different functions in a home network, and the distinction lies primarily in their connectivity options. A wireless gateway indeed connects to multiple devices by allowing both wired (Ethernet) connections and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections. This enables numerous devices, such as computers, smartphones, and smart home devices, to access the internet simultaneously.

In contrast, a cable modem typically connects directly to a single device, usually through an Ethernet cable, and does not natively offer the same multi-device connectivity capabilities without additional networking equipment, such as a router. Thus, the defining characteristic of a wireless gateway is its ability to handle multiple devices through both wired and wireless means, while a cable modem’s main function is to provide internet access to a single device directly.

This understanding is essential when designing and setting up a home network, as it clarifies the roles of each component in providing internet connectivity and supporting multiple devices.