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The modulator part of a modem converts outgoing digital information from a computer
into an analog signal that can be sent over a telephone, DSL, or cable line. The
demodulator part of a modem converts incoming analog signals into a digital format
that can be used by a computer.
When personal computers became popular in the late 1970s, many users connected
their computers to a modem to access the internet and Bulletin Board Systems (BBS)
through their home telephone line. These first modems operated at 300 bps (bits per
second).
In the 1980s and 1990s, modem speed increased from 300 bps to 56 Kbps (kilobits per
second). In 1999, ADSL became available with speed up to 8 Mbps (megabits per
second). In the early 2000s, broadband internet became available to more users, and
broadband modems became common among home users.
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What Is a Modem in Computer Networking?
Next, the host computer responds to the request, again in digital format. The modem
converts the digital signal to an analog format and sends the response back to you,
where the modem converts the signal into a format that can be read by your device.
After you�ve finished browsing the web and go offline, your computer sends a signal
to the modem to disconnect the network connection.
An external modem uses an RJ11 jack for DSL connections or a coaxial connector for
cable connections. It is contained in a separate box that connects to the computer
through a serial or USB port. It also has a cord that plugs into an electrical
outlet. The external modem supplied by your ISP may be a combination modem and
router.
Onboard modems are built into the computer motherboard. Onboard modems cannot be
removed but can be disabled by switching off a jumper or changing the CMOS setting.
Internal modems use an RJ11 jack or a coaxial connector. These modems are an
expansion card that connects to a PCI slot inside a desktop computer.
Dialup Modem
karimian/via Flickr [Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]
Removable modems connect to a PCMCIA slot in a laptop. Removable modems can be
added and removed.
To find the internal modem on a computer, look for an RJ11 jack, an RJ45 connector,
or a coaxial connector on the back or side of the computer. The RJ11 jack is used
for phone lines and looks like a wall jack. The RJ45 connector is an ethernet cable
connector. A coaxial connector is used for cable connections.