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What Is a Modem in Computer Networking?
Dial-up modems gave way to high-speed broadband modems
By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 12, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless A modem converts data to a signal so it can be easily sent and received over a phone line, cable, or satellite connection. For transmission over an analog telephone line—which was once the most popular way to access the internet—the modem converts data between analog and digital formats in real time for two-way network communication. In the case of the high-speed digital modems popular today, the signal is much simpler and doesn't require the analog-to-digital conversion. Lifewire The 7 Best Cable Modems of 2022 1:14 What Is a Modem in Computer Networking?
History of Modems
The first devices called modems converted digital data for transmission over analog telephone lines. The speed of these modems was measured in baud (a unit of measurement named after Emile Baudot), although as computer technology developed, these measures were converted into bits per second. The first commercial modems supported a speed of 110 bps and were used by the U.S. Department of Defense, news services, and some large businesses. Modems gradually became familiar to consumers in the late 1970s through the 1980s as public message boards and news services like CompuServe were built on early internet infrastructure. Then, with the explosion of the World Wide Web in the mid and late 1990s, dial-up modems emerged as the primary form of internet access in many households around the world. Dial-Up Modems
Modems used on dial-up networks convert data between the analog form used on telephone lines and the digital form used on computers. An external dial-up modem plugs into a computer at one end and a telephone line on the other end. In the past, some computer makers integrated internal dial-up modems into the computer. Modern dial-up network modems transmit data at a maximum rate of 56,000 bits per second. However, the inherent limitations of public telephone networks often limit modem data rates to 33.6 Kbps or lower. When you connect to a network through a dial-up modem, the modem relays through a speaker the distinctive handshaking sounds between your device and the remote modem. Because the connection process and data patterns are similar each time, hearing the sound pattern helps you verify whether the connection process is working. Broadband Modems
A broadband modem like those used for DSL or cable internet access uses advanced signaling techniques to achieve dramatically higher network speeds than earlier-generation dial-up modems. Broadband modems are often referred to as high-speed modems. Cellular modems are a type of digital modem that establishes internet connectivity between a mobile device and a cell phone network. The word modem is a mashup of the term modulation/demodulation, which is the technical term for the conversion between digital and analog signals. External broadband modems plug into a home broadband router or other home gateway device on one end and the external internet interface such as a cable line on the other. The router or gateway directs the signal to all the devices in the business or home as needed. Some broadband routers include an integrated modem as a single hardware unit. Many broadband internet providers supply suitable modem hardware to their customers at no charge or for a monthly fee. FAQ What is a Wi-Fi modem? A Wi-Fi modem is capable of broadcasting a wireless signal (also known as a Wi-Fi network) and a traditional wired connection. Today, most modems come with built-in Wi-Fi support. What's the difference between a router and a modem? Today, not much. Most modern modems and routers share the same functionality. However, traditionally, a modem handles your connection to the internet. A router is responsible for allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet simultaneously—and it enables devices to communicate without accessing the internet. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Broadband Modems in High-Speed Internet Access and Use How to Set Up PPPoE Internet Access One Home Network Sharing Two Internet Connections Can You Still Use an Analog TV? Can I Share Dial Up Internet Service Over a Wireless Network? Can I Move My Modem to Another Room? How to Connect a Landline Phone to a Modem Types of Network Connections What Does a Modem Do? What Does Modem Stand For? What Is an Uplink Port in Computer Networking? How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista How to Set up Google Wifi How to Connect a TV and Modem to One Cable Outlet What Is an Internet Modem? Do You Need a Modem and a Router? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies