A router connects your devices to each other and, in hard-wired connection setups, to the modem. The router connects to your modem and then to your devices (laptops, smart TVs, printers, etc.) ... However, a router doesn't need to connect to a modem to function.
Do I Need a Modem if I Have a Router? You don't necessarily need a modem or an internet connection to communicate with other devices on a local area network (LAN). As long as you're connected to a router's wireless network, you can send data to printers, external drives, and other devices.