For example, some external modems have serial ports for RS232, RS422, RS485, or USB connections. Other use RJ-45 connectors or work with ISA or PCI buses ... transfers data only fiber optic telephone ...
The modem is wired to the Internet via the cable company's coaxial cable, the telephone company's DSL phone line, Verizon's FiOS network or a satellite modem. The router is wired to the modem.