What's the difference between a modem, wireless modem (aka Gateway), Fiber Terminal and WiFi Access Point (aka Router)?

All of these devices connect you to the internet, but do so in different ways.

Modem
Device that provides just hard-wired connection to the internet but can be connected to a WiFi device.

• Connects directly to WOW! internet via a coaxial cable jack/outlet.
• Does not provide WiFi.
• A WiFi access point (router) can be connected to provide WiFi access to the internet.
• Other devices, like a computer, can be connected to provide hard-wired access to the internet.

Fiber Terminal (aka Optical Network Terminal, ONT)
Device that provides just hard-wired connection to the internet but can be connected to a WiFi device.

• Connects directly to WOW! internet via a fiber jack/outlet.
• Does not provide WiFi.
• A WiFi access point (router) can be connected to provide WiFi access to the internet.
• Other devices, like a computer, should not be connected directly.

Wireless Modem (aka Gateway)
All-in one device that provides hard-wired and WiFi connection to the internet

• Connects directly to WOW! internet via a coaxial cable outlet.
• Also generates a WiFi signal to provide WiFi access to the internet.
• Other devices, like a computer, can be connected to provide hard-wired access to the internet.
• Other WiFi devices, like eero devices to create a mesh network, can be connected. However, in these situations the wireless modem's WiFi is turned off (bypassed) and the WiFi from the eero device is used to provide WiFi access to the Internet.

WiFi Access Point (aka Router)
WiFi-only device that connects to a modem or fiber terminal

• A base device is hardwired to a modem or fiber terminal to receive connection to the Internet
• Additional access points are connected to the base device via WiFi, to connect to the Internet
• All devices (the base and additional access points) distribute a WiFi signal to provide WiFi access to the Internet.
• The connection of the multiple WiFi devices together creates a mesh WiFi network, with one WiFi ID and password, with a stronger connection, higher speeds and additional security than when using a Wireless Modem.
• Other devices, like a computer, can be connected to provide hard-wired access to the internet.