The best replacement for modems is routers.

The best alternatives to modems are rated as following:
★★★★★  routers
★★  cable modems
★★  dsl modems
★  n modems
★  hotspots
★  external modems
★  broadband modems
  usb modems
  hardware modems
  telephone modems

Your alternative for modems is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about modems, one probably shouldn't forget about routers.

Other search terms related to modems and their ratings are:
★★★★★ routers
★★★ built in routers
You have in mind a companion for modems and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of modems in all years. Click on graph for more.
modems
routers
cable modems