About Modems Tips
Read these 7 About Modems Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Dial Up tips and hundreds of other topics.
Features of a modem.
About modems: A modem is an internal or external device used to transmit data over a phone or cable line through a computer. The word modem is short for modulator-demodulator. There are many types of modems available and they come as an internal modem, external modem, and a wireless modem. The information that passes through a phone or cable line does so via analog waves. A phone or cable line is analog because they are continuous feeds of variable information. Computers are digital because they are only able to understand a code of ones and zeros. The analog waves are converted by the modem into a digital signal of ones and zeros so that the computer can process the information. The modem is the catalyst that brings the reaction to completion with regard to data transfers.
Wireless makes life simple.
There are many different times when a wireless modem would be extremely helpful to a consumer such as retrieving a file, accessing email, downloads, a company network, conduct transactions, etc. With a wireless modem all of these things are possible and will reduce the time and stress that comes from the need to access such items on a regular basis within a controlled environment. Before wireless modems a person would have to drive to wherever their computer is located to retrieve their information or make a phone call and this requires valuable time and effort. Now people can do just about anything anywhere they can take a cell phone, laptop, PC, or even a PDA with a wireless modem installed. Many of these items come preinstalled with a wireless modem and older equipment can be upgraded with one at a reasonable price. It is technology working at its best to serve people on the go.
Speed capability of a modem.
The speed by which a modem or wireless modem can transfer data is bits per second (bps). If the modem is a slow one then it is measured in baud rates rather than bits per second. A modem can run as slow as 300 baud or as fast as 57,600 bps. If a modem compresses the data being transferred it is capable of an even larger bps rate. Data can be sent and received quicker if the transmission rate is faster. The downfall to having a fast modem is that data being sent at a slow bps or baud rate cannot be received any quicker than it is being sent.
Modems convert data from analog to digital and vice versa.
A modem whether it is a wireless modem, external or internal modem, are capable of more than converting analog data to digital data and vice versa. If supported, a modem can act as a telephone by allowing the user to make phone calls through their PC with the use of speakers and a microphone. This means that the modem is capable of switching from data mode, converting information, to voice mode, telephone usage. The modem can automatically answer the phone when the user is away if necessary. Also, many modems are able to send and receive faxes.
Modems are used for cable based internet connections as well.
More about modems: The typical modem from years back was capable of dial-up internet access only. Now technology has advanced and has incorporated modems for use with cable internet providers. The motorola modem is not a wireless modem and is most commonly used with regard to cable internet connections because of its security features, ease of transferability, and end user satisfaction. It is extremely easy to set-up. The television cable cord from the wall connects directly to the back of the modem and the ethernet or USB connects directly from the modem to the computer. Once the power cord is set-up the modem can be turned on and is ready to go. The easy read out on the side display lets the user know it is working and there is a stand-by button on top that can be pressed to disconnect the PC from the modem without actually disconnecting the cable from the modem. This wireless modem is used by many cable companies to provide internet service and typically is free with service. It provides fast, reliable, and easy internet access.
Cell phones now offer wireless modem connections.
Once upon a time ago internet access was obtained from a phone line. Since then it has expanded to broadband, cable, DSL, and now wireless modem capability to allow the internet to travel with the consumer. One of the most common and semi-practical uses for a wireless modem is found in the modern day cellular phones. Most cellular providers such as Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, Cingular, etc. offer internet access via special wireless modem technology available in the form of a cell phone. The web accessed is a modified version from that found on a home PC or laptop because the screen is smaller and the connection can only handle a certain amount of data transfer depending on the make and model of the phone. Most wireless providers have their own home page, email, and download sites for their customers. The customer can also type in URLs of sites and off they go venturing the information superhighway from the palm of their hands. The easiest features to use on the internet via a cell phone is email, instant messaging, picture downloads, and modified sites available in a wireless edition. The cellular wireless connection becomes extremely helpful when important emails are anticipated or for trading digital pictures. The technology is simple to use and very pocketbook friendly. The average cost for web access on a cellular plan is $20.00 per month and typically includes free downloads up to a certain value, unlimited text messaging, unlimited digital photo uploads, and unlimited web access. For more information, contact a wireless provider and be sure to purchase or trade in a phone that has web capability.
Dial Up Modems can achieve higher transfer rates.
Once upon a time, dial-up modems had the slowest transmission speeds but with data compression they are making a come back. With a wireless modem, external modem, or internal modem that has the ability to compress data higher data transfer rates are possible. This is how many internet providers are now able to offer high speed internet because they are compressing the information before it is transferred through the phone line. As long as the modem on the receiving end is able to decompress the data in the same manner it is receiving it then the transmission rate can be increased up to five times faster than typical data transmission rates as many ISPs advertise.
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