MODEM is an abbreviation for Modulation Demodulation. A modem converts data into a signal that can be sent and received via phone line, cable broadband, or satellite connection. The modem converts data between analog and digital formats in real time for two-way network communication over an analog telephone line, which was once the most popular way to access the internet. The signal in today’s high-speed digital modems is much simpler and does not require the analog-to-digital conversion.
The Evolution of Modems.
AT&T introduced the world’s first modem, which they called the Dataphone, in the year 1960. In 1977, Dennis Hayes and Dale Heatherington introduced the 80-103A modem, which paved the way for later widespread use of the technology by home users. Modems were the first devices that converted digital data for transmission over analog telephone lines. The speed of these modems was measured in bauds (a unit of measurement named after Emile Baudot), but as computer technology progressed, these measurements were converted to bits per second. The first commercial modems had a speed of 110 bits per second and were used by the United States Department of Defense, news services, and a few large businesses.
Consumers gradually became acquainted with modems in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as public message boards and news services such as CompuServe were built on early internet infrastructure. Then, as the World Wide Web exploded in the mid and late 1990s, dial-up modems became the primary form of internet access in many households around the world.
Through the early part of the 21st century, computers typically connected to the Internet through dial-up modems. However, as broadband Internet became more widely available, this practice began to change. Dial-up modems lost popularity as broadband Internet became more widely available and used, so fewer people used their computers with those. These days, personal computers do not come pre-installed with a dial-up modem; therefore, users who require a modem must go out and purchase one before installing it.
Types of computer modems
There are the following types of modems which are as follows −
Optical Modem
The Optical Modem transmits data over optical cables rather than through other types of metallic media. It does this by transforming the digital data signals into a pulse of light, which is then sent along the optical fiber that it employs.
Digital Modem
A digital modem converts digital data into digital signals. It does so in order to prepare the digital data for transmission on digital transmission lines by modulating the digital carrier signals with the digital data.
Acoustic Modem (AC Modem)
The acoustic modem is a specific kind of modem that can couple the telephone handset with a device that traveling salespeople use to connect the hotel phones. This allows the traveling salespeople to make and receive phone calls. It comes equipped with both a speaker and a microphone.
Smart Modem
The intelligent modem has the capabilities to auto-dial, auto-redial, and auto-answer calls. It utilizes the Hayes AT command set, which is contained within the onboard microprocessor, to perform functions such as auto-dialing and auto-answering.
Short Haul Modem
The modems that are already installed on your home computer qualify as short-haul modems. They are capable of transmitting data for a distance of twenty miles or less, and in general, they are used to connect personal computers within a single building or office that is located within this range.
Dial-Up Modems
Dial-up modems convert data from the analog form used on telephone lines to the digital form used on computers. An external dial-up modem connects to a computer and a telephone line on one end. Previously, some computer manufacturers integrated internal dial-up modems into the computer.
Modern dial-up network modems can send data at up to 56,000 bits per second. However, due to the inherent limitations of public telephone networks, modem data rates are frequently limited to 33.6 Kbps or less.
When you connect to a network using a dial-up modem, the modem relays the distinctive handshaking sounds between your device and the remote modem through a speaker. Because the connection process and data patterns are consistent, hearing the sound pattern assists you in determining whether the connection process is functioning properly.
Broadband Modems
A broadband modem, such as those used for DSL or cable internet access, uses advanced signaling techniques to achieve significantly faster network speeds than dial-up modems of previous generations.
Broadband modems are also known as high-speed modems. Cellular modems are a type of digital modem that connects a mobile device to a cell phone network to provide internet access.
Note: The term modem is a combination of the technical terms modulation and demodulation, which refer to the conversion of digital and analog signals.
External broadband modems connect to a home broadband router or other home gateway device on one end and an external internet interface like a cable line on the other. As needed, the router or gateway directs the signal to all the devices in the business or home. As a single piece of hardware, some broadband routers include an integrated modem.
Many broadband internet service providers provide suitable modem hardware to their customers for free or at a monthly fee.
Characteristics of Modem
The following are the primary characteristics of modems:
- They have fast upload and communication speeds. An X2 modem has an upload bandwidth ranging from 28.8 to 56 Kbps.
- They can be upgraded to meet almost any universal standard using a software patch.
- They enable high-speed downstream data transfers by digitally encoding all downstream data while maintaining upstream rates of 33.6 kbps.
- Some modems support dual simultaneous voice and data (DSVD), which means they can transport both analog voices and computer data.
- They can detect the caller’s originating phone number and thus serve as caller ID.
- Some modems have advanced voice mail features that allow them to function as intelligent answering machines or digital information systems.
Frequently Asked Question
What exactly 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 is the distinction between a router and a modem?
Not much today. The majority of modern modems and routers perform the same functions. Traditionally, however, a modem handles your internet connection. A router is in charge of allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet at the same time, as well as allowing devices to communicate without using the internet.
What is the function of a modem as an input and output device?
A modem is classified as an input and output device because it sends and receives data (upload/output).
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