AirPort Time Capsule Router Function

For at least the past ten years I have operated with a stand-alone modem and the Airport Casule (white tower) which I was told was functioning both for my backup storage AND as my router. Now I hear Apple has abandoned the Airport tower and TimeMachine.

I am confused and concerned. Can I rely on my Airport to continue operating as my router? or do I have to install a stand-alone router??