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What is a Modem?

R. Kayne
R. Kayne

Modem, short for modulator-demodulator is an electronic device that converts a computer’s digital signals into specific frequencies to travel over telephone or cable television lines. At the destination, the receiving modem demodulates the frequencies back into digital data. Computers use modems to communicate with one another over a network.

The modem has significantly evolved since the 1970s when the 300 baud modem was used for connecting computers to bulletin board systems (BBSs). Each bit, represented digitally by a 1 or 0, in this original version was transmitted as a specific tone. The receiving modem responded with its own dedicated frequencies so that the two could “talk at the same time.” The technical term for this type of modem is asynchronous.

An ADSL modem is faster than a dial-up modem and doesn't tie up a phone line.
An ADSL modem is faster than a dial-up modem and doesn't tie up a phone line.

While the 300 baud modem could transmit about 30-characters per second, fast enough for text-based BBSs, people were soon sharing programs and graphics. This required faster modems, and the modem went through many incarnations in rapid succession over the following three decades. By 1998 the standard dial-up version maxed out its transmission range at 56 kilobits per second. While many tens of times faster than the 300-baud modem, far greater speeds could yet be reached with an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modem.

An ADSL modem.
An ADSL modem.

The designation asymmetric simply means that the modem is faster at downloading (getting data), than uploading (sending data). The ADSL modem has significant, immediate advantages over the dial-up version. Though it uses a standard telephone line like its dial-up version, it does not tie up the line, making it possible to use the telephone while cruising the Internet. ADSL service is an “always on” connection, unlike a dial-up modem that cannot be left connected indefinitely. Finally, ADSL is far faster than dial-up.

Satellite modems convert digital data into radio waves in order to communicate with a satellite dish.
Satellite modems convert digital data into radio waves in order to communicate with a satellite dish.

ADSL can accommodate a telephone conversation because of available bandwidth on the dedicated copper wire, which runs from households and businesses to the telephone company (Telco). A parallel can be made to a multi-lane freeway with several lanes open for additional traffic. The ADSL modem uses the additional lanes (higher frequencies) without interfering with existing voice traffic. ADSL requires ADSL service through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and won't work with a dial-up account.

Dial-up modems allow computers to connect to the Internet using a telephone line.
Dial-up modems allow computers to connect to the Internet using a telephone line.

Some businesses require as much bandwidth going upstream as downstream. This means they need to upload large files or programs to the Internet, as well as download large files. For equal bandwidth in both directions, one would need a Symmetric DSL (SDSL) account and SDSL modem. SDSL uses voice traffic lanes to expand bandwidth, and therefore a conversation is not possible when also connected by SDSL. For this reason, most businesses also use a dedicated phone line.

Acoustic couplers -- which send and receive computer data through telephone lines -- preceded modern modem technology.
Acoustic couplers -- which send and receive computer data through telephone lines -- preceded modern modem technology.

Cable modems require service from a cable TV provider to provide Internet connectivity. Cable access works on the same principle as DSL, in that digital data is transferred across wires using frequencies that are translated back into digital data. Frequencies used for data traffic do not interfere with existing TV traffic.

A less common version is a satellite modem, or satmodem which converts digital data into radio waves to communicate with a satellite dish. This not only involves a built-in latency factor in most cases, but the service is more expensive than more conventional types of Internet connectivity. A satellite modem can be an option, however, for businesses or enthusiasts in rural areas that do not yet have DSL or cable service offerings.

While most DSL and cable providers offer a modem with Internet service, the subscriber can also opt to use his or her own. Often the Internet provider will make a list of compatible modems available, though these lists are rarely exhaustive. Online manuals and technical specifications will also commonly list which Internet Service Providers the modem supports.

Discussion Comments

anon161654

when i connect the modem, our internet marks a good speed, but after some time the speed slows, Because of that, I waste a lot of time. I want to improve his condition. What will I do for this?

anon101053

The info was quite useful to know about the different types of modems. Thank you! --Dr. N.Subramanian

anon84827

been in the network business 20 years, but never knew exactly what a modem was. well written for any level of an audience.

anon84704

I really want to thank you all for your contributions. it has gone a long way to help and am very happy about it. keep it up and God bless. --

Henshaw

anon54884

thank you for the information.

anon49975

Its really helpful. thanks for your information.

anon36185

hi. i have a question. how do the wireless data chips (relince,tata indicom etc.) work in the network for accessing the internet on your pc?

jackfischer

Do you know whether the manufacturer can track your location through your USB wireless broadband modem if you are using a proxy. In other words, other than the IP address does the modem

provide any other information about your specific location, ie what it picks up locally from the WAN? Thanks

suma

more information on concept of a modem in modern networking topological system.

anon24179

There are many types of Internet service. The cheapest is dial-up (about $9/mo) but it's not practical with today's Internet because it is too slow. It also ties up the phone line.

If your daughter lives where there are standard copper telephone lines, (verses the newer fiber optic lines in just-built communities), and her Father has standard telephone service, she probably has DSL service in her area. DSL is Internet access that comes over the telephone line, but uses a different frequency than voices, allowing you to be online and use the phone at the same time. DSL plans come in tiers that match price with speed, with faster plans being more money. However, the slowest DSL plan is FAR faster than dial-up and would be sufficient if money is a concern. Most lower tiered DSL plans go for $12-$15/mo.

Another option is to get Internet access through the local cable TV company, but this service would be bundled with her father's TV bill, so you probably would not want that. It is also more expensive than DSL.

To find DSL service in her area, enter her town's name in a search engine like Google then +DSL (e.g. Vancouver +DSL) to see providers in her area.

baccabishop

I have a question...I bought my 14yr old daughter a netbook for x-mas. I would like to get her internet service where she lives in Colorado with her dad-I live in Kansas. My problem is that I am totally computer-illiterate and have no idea how to go about getting her connected. Any help, PLEASE!!!

anon19862

thanks for that - you're a legend! :D

anon7804

yes, by ethernet cable, more than 2 will require a LAN in most cases, hub etc, possibly switch.

anon3468

can I conect one computer to the other one room without a modem or a wireless device?

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    • An ADSL modem is faster than a dial-up modem and doesn't tie up a phone line.
      By: Petr Malyshev
      An ADSL modem is faster than a dial-up modem and doesn't tie up a phone line.
    • An ADSL modem.
      By: Scanrail
      An ADSL modem.
    • Satellite modems convert digital data into radio waves in order to communicate with a satellite dish.
      By: bokstaz
      Satellite modems convert digital data into radio waves in order to communicate with a satellite dish.
    • Dial-up modems allow computers to connect to the Internet using a telephone line.
      By: Feng Yu
      Dial-up modems allow computers to connect to the Internet using a telephone line.
    • Acoustic couplers -- which send and receive computer data through telephone lines -- preceded modern modem technology.
      Acoustic couplers -- which send and receive computer data through telephone lines -- preceded modern modem technology.