What is Modem?

A modem and router are two of the most frequent components in a home network configuration. A router establishes a local area network (LAN), whereas a modem connects to an internet service provider (ISP). For a home network to work, both devices are necessary.

What is a Modem?

Modem stands for Modulator/Demodulator. The modem is defined as a networking device that is used to connect devices connected in the network to the internet. The main function of a modem is to convert the analog signals that come from telephone wire into a digital form. In digital form, these converted signals are stored in the form of 0s and 1s. The modem can perform both the task of modulation and demodulation simultaneously. Modems are majorly used to transfer digital data in personal systems. The modem is also known as a signal translator as it translates one signal into another signal by modulating the digital signal into an analog signal for transmission and then demodulates receiving analog signals into digital signals.

Features of Modem

• Modems can modulate as well as demodulate the signals simultaneously.
• Modem allows to connect only a specific number of devices to the internet.
• According to the features of modem, it’s price ranges.
• Modems can be upgraded with the help of a specific software patch.
• To use the devices over the internet with a modem devices need to be configured with an Internet Service Provider(ISP).
• When the modem is connected to Hub it slows down its process.

Working of Modem

The two main components of a modem are modulation and demodulation. Where the modem can perform both tasks simultaneously. The step-by-step working of the modem is given below:

Step 1: Data Generation: When data needs to be transmitted it is first generated. Therefore computer system generated the data which is in digital form of 0s and 1s.

Step 2: Modulation: Modulation is defined as a process of converting digital data signals of the computer into analog data signals so that these signals can travel on the internet. The digital data is encoded onto a carrier wave.

Step 3: Transmission: The resultant of modulation that is modulated data is transmitted over the communication line to the modem that is receiving it.

Step 4: Demodulation: Demodulation is defined as a process in which analog data signals from the internet are converted into digital data signals so they can be understood by computer systems. In the process of demodulation the digital data from the carrier wave is decoded.

Step 5: Decoding: The resultant of demodulation that is demodulated data is being sent to the computer systems for their further use.

Types of Modem

There are different types of modems available. Each modem has different features and provides with different benefits. Below are the different types of modems:

1. Optical Modem

In modem, different type of media is used to transfer the signals. Optical Modem is the type of modem that makes use of optical cables instead of using another metallic type of media. The digital data is converted into the pulse of light that is transmitted on the optical fiber used in the optical Modem.

2. Digital Modem

Digital Modem is defined as a type of modem that is used to convert digital data into digital signals. Digital data is in form of 0s and 1s. For this, it performs the process of modulation. Digital Modem modulates the digital data on digital carrier signals for transmission.

3. Cable Modem

Cable modems are defined as a type of modem used to establish a communication between computer systems and the Internet Service Providers. A cable modem helps to access high-speed data through cable TV networks. Such modems are usually connected to desktops or systems and work like external devices.

4. Satellite Modem

Satellite Modems are defined as a type of modem that provides with the internet connection through satellite dishes. This type of modem works by sending the input bits into output radio signals and vice versa. The internet network that is provided by such types of modems is more reliable and efficient as compared to other types of modems.

5. Dial Modem

A Dial Modem is a type of modem that converts data used in telephone and data used on computers. In short dial modem converts between analog form and digital form. The networking devices connected to the computer are all at one end and the telephone line is at another end. This type of modem transmits the data at a speed of 56000 per/sec.

Advantages of Modem

• A modem converts digital signals into an analog signal.
• The cost of a modem increases according to the features it has.
• The modem helps to connect the LAN to the internet.
• Modem performs both modulation and demodulation processes simultaneously

Disadvantages of Modem

• The working of the modem slows down when connected to the hub.
• The modem cannot track the traffic between the LAN and the internet.
• When using a modem a limited number of network devices can be connected to the internet.
• Modems have a high rock of security-related attacks.
• The modem does not provide maintenance of traffic.

FAQs on Modem

Q.1: What are standard modems?

Answer:

Standard modems are defined as a type of modem that makes use of generic device drivers. Standard modems can be internal modems or external modems. Whereas internal modems require less physical structure.

Q.2: Is it possible for computer system to communicate directly with Internet Service Provider?

Answer:

No, a computer system cannot directly communicate with ISP as a computer system and the internet makes use of different types of signals. To provide a connection modem is required.

Q.3: What is the main difference between a modem and a router?

Answer:

The basic difference between Modem and router is that modem takes internet signals from provider and router receives internet signals from the modem and then this signal is being transmitted to the devices connected in the network.

Q.4: Which transmission medium can be used between two different modems?

Answer:

A switched telephone network or a dedicated circuit is used as a transmission medium between two different modems.