When a computer is connected to the network through wired means, whether it is connected to a router or a modem depends mainly on your network settings and requirements.
1. Optical modem: Optical modem is usually the starting point of broadband access, responsible for converting optical signals in optical fibers into electrical signals so that network equipment can understand and use them. In some relatively simple network environments, especially when only one or two devices need to connect to the network, the optical modem may directly provide a LAN port (local area network interface), allowing computers and other devices to connect directly to the optical modem through Ethernet cables for internet access. In this case, the computer can be directly connected to the optical modem.
2. Router: The main function of a router is to connect different networks and process data forwarding. In home or small office environments, routers are typically used to connect optical modem and devices within the local area network (such as computers, phones, tablets, etc.), enabling network sharing among multiple devices. If the optical modem does not provide sufficient LAN ports or if you want to implement more complex network functions such as wireless Wi Fi, network isolation, port mapping, etc., you need to use a router. At this point, the computer will be connected to the router through a network cable.
Summary:
-If your optical modem provides sufficient LAN ports and your network requirements are relatively simple (such as only one or two devices needing to connect to the network), then you can directly connect your computer to the optical modem.
-If your network needs are complex, such as requiring multiple devices to access the network simultaneously, wireless Wi Fi functionality, network isolation or port mapping, then you should use a router and connect your computer to the router through an Ethernet cable.
-In some cases, the optical modem and router may be integrated devices (known as optical modem routers), in which case you only need to connect your computer to the LAN port of this integrated device.
The final choice of method depends on your network environment and needs.