What is Modem: Types and Characteristics

Jaya Sharma
Assist ant Manager - Cont ent
Updated on Jul 1, 2024 19:40 IST
A modem is a type of network device that helps devices in getting connected with
internet. It converts digital data in a suitable format for analogue transmission. This
device has different types that can be installed according to the your data
requirement.

In this article, we will learn what is modem in computer network. We will also learn
about these network devices in detail. We will learn about different modem and its
types that have been in use from past till the present times.

Table of Contents
Def ine Modem in Computer Network

Working

Characteristics

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 Types

Future Trends

What is Modem?
A modem is a type of network device that modulates and demodulates analog
carrier signals to encode and decode digital information for processing. Modem is a
hardware that transmits the data by modulating carrier wave signals to encode the
digital information. The receiver will demodulate the digital signal for recreating the
original digital information.

Modems are classified according to the maximum data (bit/s) that they can send in a
given time period. These are the variable-rate due to which they can be used over a
medium that has less than ideal characteristics.

While choosing a modem, you have to consider the following:

Is data transmission through the chosen modem secure?

What is the upload and download speed of the modem?

How much is the cost of the modem? Is it af f ordable or expensive?

What is the modem’s compatibility with the connected devices?

How does a modem work?

Whenever a user uploads data from a computer on the internet , the modem takes
in the digital signal from your computer and then, converts these signals into analog
signals. Analog signals can be easily accessed by telephone networks. When
computers try to download data from the internet, the modem takes the analog
signal over the telephone and converts that signal into a digital signal. The digital
signal is accessible by the computer.

Characteristics of a Modem

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The following points highlight the characteristics of a modem:

Modems are usef ul in converting digital signals into analog signals.

They help in connecting the devices to the internet.

Only a limited number of systems can be connected to the internet

through a modem.
Modems are prone to cyber-attacks which reduces the probability of
secure transmission.
The cost of a modem is dependent on the number of f eatures it
of f ers. More inclusion of f eatures will lead to an increase in the cost
of modem.
Modems slow down when it is connected to a hub.
They are unable to track traf f ic between the LAN and the internet.
Modems require RJ11 Jack to communicate with telephone lines and
RJ45 f or connection with computers.
For modems to work, device drives must be installed in the operating
system f or conf iguration and communication.

These devices must be conf igured with an Internet Service Provider

(ISP) and computer f or using the internet.

What is Rout er in Comput er Net works?

Ro uter is a smart netwo rking device that wo rks in the netwo rk layer. It co nnects
multiple packet switched netwo rks and subnetwo rks. Ro uter manages traffic
between these netwo rks and also allo w multiple...re ad m o re

What is Bridge in Comput er Net work?

A bridge is a netwo rk device that co nnects multiple subnetwo rks to create a
single netwo rk. It pro vides interco nnectio n with o ther co mputer netwo rks that

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use the same pro to co l. Thro ugh a bridge,...re ad m o re

What are Repeat ers in Comput er Net works?

a repeater in co mputer netwo rks is po werful netwo rk device that regenerate
signals when they travel o ver a lo nger distance, ensuring that the signal strength
remains co nstant. These devices are co mmo nly...re ad m o re

Types of Modem
There are following different types of Modem:

1. Cable Modems
Cable modems help in establishing communication between computer and ISP over
landline connection. These modems allow the access to high-speed data with the
help of a cable TV (CATV) network. Such modems are external devices connected
to your PC with the help of a standard 10 BASE-T ethernet card and twisted pair
wiring.

2. Telephone Modems
These modems are network devices that allow data communication between two
computers over voice-grade telephone lines. Telephone modems convert bits to
analog signals for transmission through physical channels. These also convert the
analog signals in the local loops into bits that are understandable by a computer.

3. Dial modems
These modems convert the data between analog form (used on the telephone
lines) and digital form (used on the computers). These networking devices plug into
the computer at one end and a telephone line at another end. These modems can
transmit the data at a maximum rate of 56000 bits/sec. Whenever you have
connected to a network with the help of dial up modem, it relays distinctive

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handshaking sounds between the remote modem and your device. This sound helps
in verifying if the connection is working.

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4. Satellite Modems
These modems provide an internet connection with the help of satellite dishes.
They transfer input bits into output radio signals. It then executes the vice versa.
These modems are more reliable for providing an internet network in comparison
with other modems.

5. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

DSL are used for transmission of the digital data over telephone lines. These
modems offer high-speed internet connection through telephone lines. Two types
of DSL modem include asymmetric and symmetric DSL that use existing telephone
wiring within your home wiring. Due to the use of existing wiring, these modems are
cost-effective.

Applications of Modems
Initially, these devices were used for either sending faces or for connecting the user
with the internet. These days, modems have more than just two applications. These
include the following:

1. Data transf er: Dial modems provide secure connections for smoothly
transferring the data. These come along with the redial functionality in case a call is
dropped.

2. Reliable backup: Modems act as a backup in the absence of stable broadband

or server connection. With modems, data can be retrieved and servers can be
configured even if the status of the broadband connection is not known.

3. Remote management: These networking devices can be installed at remote

or sensitive locations. Along with that, modems help in remotely controlling certain

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applications. This helps in a quick resolution to issues that will otherwise require
physical assessment.

Future Trends and Advancements in Modems

Based on general trends in technology and networking, we can anticipate that:

Gigabit-Speed Modems: As internet speeds continue to increase,

we can expect to see more widespread use of gigabit-speed
modems. These modems will be able to handle higher data rates,
providing f aster and more reliable internet connections.

Integration with Next-Generation Networks: With the advent of

5G and beyond, modems will likely need to be able to integrate with
these next-generation networks. This could involve supporting new
f requency bands, handling higher data rates, and possibly integrating
with other types of networks (such as satellite or f iber optic
networks).
5G and Beyond: As 5G networks become more widespread,
modems will need to be able to support these networks. This could
involve supporting higher data rates, lower latency, and more reliable
connections. In the f uture, we may even see the development of 6G
or 7G networks, which would require f urther advancements in modem
technology.

Conclusion
We hope that through this article on what is modem and its types, you have been
able to understand what is modem and where it finds applications. There are
different modems with different characteristics. You should choose a modem based
on your speed and internet requirements.

FAQs

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Def ine modem write its three types.

What is the purpose of a modem?

Can I use any modem with my internet service?

Why is a cable modem classif ied as a digital model?

Which device modulates analog signal to encode digital inf ormation

and demodulates carrier signal to decode the transmitted inf ormation
over the telephone network?

Which of the f ollowing network device is used to transmit digital

signals over analog telephone lines?

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 0 2-Jul-20 24.