Which Modem Types is Suitable for You to Connect to the Internet?

MODEM - Acronym for MOdulator (mixer)/DEModulator (separator) which describes the method used to convert digital data used by computers into analog signals used by the phones and then back into digital data once received by the other computer.



A modem is a device that lets your computer communicate with other computers such as connecting a computer to the Internet.

 

The above pictures help represent a digital signal and an analog signal. All computer data is stored and transmitted within the computer in digital format 0s and 1s. In order for this data to be transmitted over analog phone lines the data must be transmitted into an analog signal which is the noise you hear when connecting to another computer. Once the other computer receives this signal it will then translate the signal back into its original digital format.
Normally, you need to have a modem to go online. There are several ways to access the Internet include:

• Dial-up
• DSL
• Cable
• Satellite

A variety of types, models, and speeds of modems is available, which all depends on how you eventually connect your computer to the Internet.

Dial-up modems
The most common computer modem is known as the dial-up modem. That's because it uses standard phone lines to connect to the Internet and has to dial the phone to connect online. These are the slowest modems, and least expensive. There are 2 types of this kind modem:
1) Internal: Modem would be PCI card that plugged into the PCI slot located on the computer Main board.
2) External: Modem is located outside/externally to the computer. Normally you can found two types of external modem:

• Serial - connect to the serial port at the rear panel of the computer case.
• USB - connect to the computer USB ports.

Dial-up modem speeds: Data transmission rates for Internet connections are measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or kilobits per second (Kbps). Those old times the dial-up modems are transmitting 14.4 kbps and most of the modem today are using 56kbps.
Dial-up modem brands: There are lots of different manufacturers, such as Aztech, Artnet, Prolink, etc.
Beyond the dial-up modem are high-end modems for the faster Internet connection. Three types of high-end, faster modems are available: Cable, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and satellite.

DSL modems
DSL modems services are available in limited areas, usually within a few miles of the service provider office. You need to register with the service provider to get the username and password to setup the account.
You have option to buy different types of external DSL modems:

• USB - The modem is connected to your computer USB port. The limitation of this kind of modem is that you only can connect to one PC, hence one PC can go online. The modem driver will come together and you need to install it before can use it.
• Router - A device that connects multiple computers to a single DSL line. Initially, you need to setup the router once and the settings will save into the router itself. Subsequently, you can directly go online if you computer connect to the router (using the network cable).
• Wireless Router - It is same like the router besides it goes wireless. This means your computer/laptop can go online directly without connecting the cable to the wireless router. For PC, you will need a separate wireless adapter with proper driver installed.

Cable modems
Cable modems service uses a combination of fiber optics and coaxial cable, which are capable of a far larger frequency range than the telephone company can use on their simpler twisted pair wires. Cable modems can go up to 1,500 Kbps or faster but the service isn't available everywhere. Most cable modems are external.

Satellite modems
The satellite modem is a great option for areas where cable or DSL isn't available. However, the setup cost remains high because you need not only the satellite modem but also a satellite dish.

Even though you have a fast modem, consider keeping a dialup modem in your computer. You can use the modem as a backup, and it's always good for sending and receiving faxes with specific software installed...