With Direct WiFi Mode, the monitor is ready to use out of the box for local monitoring between parent unit and camera. With Router Mode, the parent unit and camera are paired to operate via the WiFi router, this also allows remote access to the camera via the VTech app. Once Router Mode set-up is completed, the parent unit will auto switch between Direct WiFi and Router Modes for better connectivity – the camera can then continue to be viewed/controlled via the app even if the unit switches to Direct WiFi Mode.