Dongle vs. Modem — What's the Difference?

An adapter facilitating connections between incompatible devices.

A device translating digital data into analog signals and vice versa.

A hardware component ensuring software authenticity.

A device modulating and demodulating digital signals for internet access.

A portable device providing internet access over cellular networks.

A bridge between user devices and internet service providers.

A small device that connects to a computer to provide specific features.

An apparatus connecting local networks to external ones.

A dongle is a small piece of computer hardware that connects to a port on another device to provide it with additional functionality, or enable a pass-through to such a device that adds functionality.In computing, the term was initially synonymous with software protection dongles—a form of hardware digital rights management where a piece of software will only operate if a specified dongle—which typically contains a license key or some other cryptographic protection mechanism—is plugged into the computer while it is running. The term has since been applied to other forms of devices with a similar form factor, such as adapters that convert ports to handle different types of connectors (such as DVI to VGA for displays, USB to serial connection, and in modern computing, USB-C to other types of ports, and Mobile High-Definition Link), USB wireless adapters for standards such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (the term "stick" or "key" is more commonly used to describe USB flash drives, as well as modern forms of dongles with slimmer form factors more akin to flash drives), and small form-factor digital media players that plug into HDMI ports.

A component often paired with routers to distribute internet access.

A hardware device that renders inoperable certain software on a computer if the device is not attached to the computer.

A modulator-demodulator, or simply a modem, is a hardware device that converts data from a digital format, intended for communication directly between devices with specialized wiring, into one suitable for a transmission medium such as telephone lines or radio. A modem modulates one or more carrier wave signals to encode digital information for transmission, and demodulates signals to decode the transmitted information.

(computer hardware) Any small device that plugs into an electronic device, typically a computer, and alters its functionality. Common examples include wireless modems, digital media players, software copy protect devices, and adapters.

A device that transmits and receives data using a modulated carrier wave. Modems are used to establish network and internet connections.

(computer hardware) A hardware device utilized by a specific application for purposes of copy protection.

A device that encodes digital computer signals into analog/analogue telephone signals and vice versa and allows computers to communicate over a phone line.

(computer science) an electronic device that must be attached to a computer in order for it to use protected software

To transmit by modem.

A compact, often USB-based, accessory enhancing device functionalities.

An electronic device that converts electronic signals into sound waves, and sound waves into electronic signals, used to transmit information between computers by the use of ordinary telephone lines; also called modulator-demodulator; as, the latest modems can transmit data at 56,000 baud over a clear telephone line. The speed of transmission of information by a modem is usually measured in units of baud, equivalent to bits per second.

(from a combination of MOdulate and DEModulate) electronic equipment consisting of a device used to connect computers by a telephone line

A modem modulates and demodulates digital signals, allowing internet connectivity.

No, while some dongles provide internet access, others serve different purposes like software authentication or data storage.

Yes, but a router is needed to distribute the connection to multiple devices wirelessly.

Some software uses dongles as a form of anti-piracy protection or licensing.

A dongle provides specific functionalities or features to electronic devices.

Typically, you'd connect the modem to a router via an Ethernet cable, and devices connect to the router.

It's often referred to as a dongle, but it acts as a modem by providing internet access via cellular networks.

No, fiber-optic connections still require modems, albeit different from traditional ones.

Yes, some dongles also function as storage devices.

No, dongles can be used with various devices, depending on their design and purpose.

Most dongles draw power from the device they're connected to, like a USB port.

Typically, households use one modem, but it's technically possible with multiple lines or services.

Yes, some dongles, especially those providing mobile broadband, function as modems.

Any home wanting internet via cable or telephone lines would require a modem.

Yes, some modems also have wireless routing capabilities, but they're often paired with separate routers for optimal performance.