The modem and its types are the networking device that is essential in connecting your computer to the internet. The modem is responsible for modulating and demodulating the signal between your telephone line and your computer. Thus, the modem is a short form of modulation and demodulation.
The telephone network transmits data using analog signals. And the computer can access digital signals. As the computer is not able to access the analog signal. This is why we need a modem to modulate and demodulate the signals.
Modem and its Types
Working of Modem
When you try to upload some data from your personal computer on the internet. The modem intakes the digit signal from the computer and converts it into the analog signal which can then be accessed by the telephone network.
Similarly, when computers request some data from the world wide web. The modem intakes the data signal (analog signal) over the telephone and converts it into a digital signal that can be accessed by the computer.
How to Select a Right Modem?
Now as you know about the working of the modem. Let us discuss what factors you must consider before buying the modem.
The parameters you must be concerned about before buying any modems are as follows:
- Its compatibility with other connected devices.
- Its download and upload speed.
- How secure the modem is from transmitting the data?
- And last but not the least, is its cost? The modem must be affordable.
Device Compatibility
The modem is compatible with the connected devices or not depending on:
- The type of computer it is attached to.
- The types of software installed on the computer.
By knowing this you can determine whether a particular modem supports your device or not by looking into the description manual that comes with the modem.
Speed
The upload speed of the modem is the speed at which you upload the data onto the internet. Download speed of the modem is the speed at which you download the data from the internet.
Now the upload and download speed entirely depends on the potential capacity of the modem. And they vary from modem to modem.
If you frequently upload data on the world wide web or you frequently download the data from the internet then you must select the modem with the faster upload and download speed.
Security
The modem also provides some sort of security as you browse the internet.
Cost
The cost of the modem increases as the features provided by the modem increase. Your internet service provider (ISP) can suggest to you the modem that fits your requirement.
Modem and its Types
The modem is the most important network device that is required to access the internet. You cannot access the internet without a modem.
The modems can be classified into the following types:
Telephone Modem
Telephone modems are the traditional modem. The telephone modem is connected to the telephone line. The telephone modem uploads data at the maximum rate of 36.6 kbps and it downloads the data at the maximum rate of 56 kbps. Thus, the telephone modem is sometimes referred to as 56K modems.
DSL Modem
Digital subscriber line (DSL) is a technology developed by telephone companies to enhance the data rate. Using a DSL modem the computer can access the internet at the high speed.
Like a telephone modem, the DSL modem is also connected over the telephone line to connect the computer to the internet.
Cable Modem
Along with the telephone companies the cable companies are also competing to provide high-speed internet.
As DSL modem connects the residential subscriber to the internet using unshielded twisted pair cable. This might cause interference. Thus, the cable modem came into existence.
The cable Modem uses a cable TV network to provide high-speed internet.
Satellite Modem
The satellite modem connects your computer to the internet through satellite dishes. Here to upload the data onto the internet the satellite modem converts the digital signal into a carrier frequency. And while downloading data, the modem converts the carrier frequency to the digital signal.
The satellite modem is generally used by customers who reside in rural areas where telephone companies, DSL companies, or cable companies are active.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Modem plays a vital role in connecting your system to the world wide web i.e., the internet.
- The advanced modem today can send and receive fax messages.
- The cost of the modem increases with the increase in the services provided by the modem.
Disadvantages
- A limited number of systems can be connected to the internet using a modem.
- The modem does not assure secure transmission of data and is most prone to attacks.
Thus, we have overviewed the modem and its types and concluded the content with the advantages and disadvantages of the modem.
