DSL modem is what..

[kprt]

Hi all, I am trying to learn about internet connections, networking, etc. I read that a broadband modem is not really a modem and I learned what a real modem (dial up modem) does (modulator/demodulator). So my question is what is a dsl modem if it's not really a modem? I read somewhere that it is a router, but my dsl 'modem' runs through a wireless router. So now I am all confused. Could someone shine a light please. Thanks

 

[PabloTeK]

A DSL modem works in a similar way to a dial-up modem but they always have a connection to the internet, the 'connection' you make is between the authentication server and your PC to explore the web. A router is always live and keeps the connection alive on its own so there is no user interaction needed.