A router can potentially bottleneck a modem, but it depends on the specific circumstances and devices involved.
In general, a modem is responsible for converting the signals from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) into a form that can be used by your devices, such as a digital signal that can be transmitted over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. A router, on the other hand, is responsible for managing the traffic between devices on your local network and between your local network and the Internet.
If a router is not capable of handling the amount of traffic that is being generated by the devices on your network, it can potentially slow down the connection and create a bottleneck that affects the performance of your modem. This can be particularly true if you have a very fast modem or a high-speed Internet connection, as the router may not be able to keep up with the data throughput.
That being said, it is important to note that modern routers are typically designed to handle high-speed connections and are unlikely to create a bottleneck for most users. If you are experiencing slow Internet speeds or other issues, there may be other factors at play, such as network congestion, signal interference, or outdated hardware. It may be worth troubleshooting your network and devices to identify the source of the issue and determine if a router bottleneck is the cause.