When you sign up with one of the Internet service providers, you typically get an internet connection within the welcome kit. The device is responsible for connecting you to the internet service provider , and then connecting to the World Wide Web. In simple words, a modem is a device that transmits digital data across a network of computing devices and servers, and is short for “modulator-demodulator.” It becomes a modulator when it encodes digital signals for transmission, and takes on the role of a demodulator when it decodes the received signals.
The kind of internet modem you own – wired or wireless, internal or external the reception of your internet and experience could be different. There is the option to lease the modem from your ISP or have it included for free in your package, which is the case with Spectrum Internet which offers speedy speeds thanks to its high-performance modem and does not require you to pay for a monthly rental. You can also buy your own modem from the marketplace, however, only when it’s compatible with your internet connection.
Whichever method you decide to use, knowing what kind of modem you own can be extremely beneficial in every way. The following are the major kinds of internet modems you must be aware of:
Kinds of Internet Modems
- External Modem
External modems are device in the network that can stand on its own. The modem connects externally to a computer and has small light bulbs to indicate the speed of data transfer. In general, Ethernet cables are used to connect an external modem to a computer and a second cable is run between the device with the power outlet in the wall which allows the modem to transmit as well as receive signal signals or from the ISP.
It could be a dial-up or broadband modem, which is compatible with DSL and cable as well as fiber, and other types of connections. External modems are simple to set up and operate and don’t consume much time.
- Internal Modem
Internal modems, also called the or an on-board device is another kind of modem that is installed in the motherboard the system. It’s designed like an expansion card and like an external modem it is not equipped with LED indicators, which can display the status of the data transfer. This kind of modem typically is installed on desktops and utilizes the power supply in the computer to operate. Because it doesn’t require space outside of the computer, it’s less expensive than the majority of modems. It also doesn’t have to worry about maintaining of the equipment.
On the other hand an internal modem may not be the best choice for you if your home is in an area that is prone to high-outage. Why? It’s because it doesn’t display any “no internet” warnings that leave you wondering whether you’re in the clear.
- wireless Modems
They are made to work with cell technology and wireless local networks. They are also referred to “Radiofrequency Modems.” The wireless modem technology is developing, and the technology appears to be constantly evolving, making it better and more efficient. The Wi-Fi modem is able to convert the data packets transmitted through the ISP and then distribute wirelessly to all devices that are in the area. Dual-purpose makes it bit costly.
- cable Modem
Cable modems are an internet-connected device which allows high-speed data connections through the cable TV network. Today, most cable modems are external devices that connect to personal computers (PC) or wireless router that has an ordinary Ethernet cable, and also to an outlet in the wall that has wire that is twisted.
The service providers provide you with an divider cable that splits cables in two. One cable goes in the modem cable, and the other cable goes to the TV for internet connectivity.
- DSL Modem
A different type is a DSL modem that stands for Digital Subscriber Line. The modem connects to your ISP through phone lines. The DSL modem can be connected to your computer or wireless DSL router using Ethernet. It’s easy to set up.
- Fiber Optic Modem
A fiber-cable modem an additional kind of modem that is connected to the fiber optic service provider by using fiber optic cables. These cables transport internet information as light signals. The modem transforms signal of light into digital signals in order to allow them to be processed and read by your router or computer.
Fiber cable modems differ from regular modems in that they are specifically designed to Gig-level speeds and need powerful routers that can transform wired signals into wireless ones. They are usually offered by companies that offer fiber internet to provide top-quality Internet plans that use fiber.
Specifications of Modems
Modems come with a variety of options and specifications. Some of them include:
- Speed:
The decoding and encoding processes, or modulation and demodulation standards control the rate at which the modem operates. The speed of data that passes through the modem’s circuit is known by its velocity. This speed is measured in “bps” which is the measurement unit which is “bits every second”. Each modem comes with a distinct speed. For instance, the speed for modems could be as high as 2400 bps, 9600bps, or 56.5 kbps.
- voice over data
A lot of modems allow a switch between data and voice modes. When in the data mode the modem functions as an ordinary modem. The majority of the time, voice means that the modem is capable, with appropriate programming, to work with answering machines on the telephone and.
The Final Words
Although there are many different types of modems but we’ve listed the ones that are regarded as the most important and are more frequently used than other types of modems.
If you are able to comprehend these concepts, you’ll be able to recognize the various types of modems that will be available in the near future and evaluate their characteristics using the criteria previously mentioned.