What is the difference between a Wireless Cable Modem and a Wireless Router?

I'm getting cable at my house and they are giving me a self install kit that my boyfriend is going to hook up but I want wireless for my laptop. What is the difference between a Wireless Cable Modem and a Wireless Router? Can a router be plugged into a router or does a router have to be plugged into a modem or vice versa? What kind of equipment comes with a self install kit? a modem or router?

Ask them what comes in the box.

Usually the self install kits only include a modem which is *not* wireless. If the self install kit just has a modem, then you will need to get your own wireless router. The modem plugs into the wall, and the router plugs into the modem. The instructions for the router will show how to hook things up.But if your self install kit really includes a wireless modem, then you don't need to buy any other equipment, the wireless modem will actually perform the functions of a modem and a wireless router all in one.