Purpose of Modem; Why It is Used?

Modems are used for performing both activities like as sending and receiving of the digital data in between with multiple computer systems. Then this data is transmitted over the telephone lines with using V.92, to analog modems which helping out for converting those signals back to digital form for readable format to computer.

Modem plays role as digital translator that helps to get all information signals from cable, fiber or telephone line and convert it into accessible form for your PCs.

Types of Modem in Computer Network

There are different types of modems its functions  which are used in computer networking; below explain each one –

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Dial-up Modem: Dial-up modems transmits analog signal via telephone lines. This modem is uses mostly to make connection with ISP using of analog signals. Dial-up modem has two variant like as external or internal modem.

Cable Modem: In the cable modem, to use the coaxial cables those are connected to the back edge of modem.

ADSL Modem: ADSL stands for “Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line” and these types of modems uses the telephone line for sending and receiving all information. ASDL modems have higher speed compare to conventional voice and modem.

ASDL modem uses two types of data transmission methods like as “Synchronous and Asynchronous“. Synchronous transmission is used into more accurate for your timing signals but asynchronous transmission is used into mistaken correcting formulas.

DSL Modem: DSL stands for “Digital Subscriber Line“, and it is also known as “Broadband Modem“. DSL modems offer broadband services for using of different types of internet connections. DSL modems are comfortable for higher internet speed.

External Modem: External modem likes as standalone modem because it doesn’t integrate any router. This modem is connected with the computer through USB stick, WIFI or Ethernet cable. It has option for getting connection with separate router, if you want to share make connection with several network terminals around small zone.

Router/Modem Combo: This type of modem is contained with router that allows several devices and computers to attach within single network. So, users do not require a extra router and modem.

Integrated Modem: This modem is embedded into computer in the form of USB or PCI card. But, this type of modem allows only single computer system to make connection with internet.

Onboard Modem: Onboard modems are embedded onto motherboard, so this modem has not any chance for removing, but it can be disable with using of jumper or BIOS setup.

Removable Modem: This modem can be inserted or removed as per the requirement, and these modems are used into traditional laptops PCMCIA slot.

Wireless Modem: Wireless Modem is also known as “Radiofrequency Modem“, and these modems are developed to work with cellular technology and wireless local area networks.

Fax Modem: Fax modem is used for transmitting and receiving any document over the telephone line, and this modem works like as fax machine.

ISDN Modem: ISDN stands for “Integrated Services Digital Network“, and it provides to make communication standards for using of digital transmission of voice, video data over wire or optical fiber.

Intelligent Modems: Intelligent Modems are more costly to other modem because it is able to diagnostic error checking within the modem itself. This modem consists internal read only memory (ROM) coding and microprocessor chips to offer sophisticated communications protocols.

Function of Modem

Here, we will explain various functions of modems in computer networking, such as – 

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Data Compression: To decrease the amount of time when it try to send data and for cutting down on the percentages of  errors in the all flowing of signals, then modem required the data compression mechanism. So, this data compression method helps to reduce the size of signals, which are required for sending data. .

Error Correction: In the error correction techniques, all devices monitor all information while receiving is undamaged. It splits all information into small units that is called the “Frames“. In this process, it tags all frames along with checksums, but it is done before sending information. Checksum is a special technique that helps to check redundancy in the presented data in the computer. If,  this information matches with checksums then device grabs the verified information. That is sent by error-correcting modem. But, if it gets to fail in matching with checksum then information is moved back.

Modulate Signals: The main function of modem is to transmit and decode all signals which allow sending digital data from one node to other nodes without getting any damage of information.

Flow Control: Each modem has different speed of sending signals. so, it can generate issues during to receive signals if any one device’s speed down of them. So, in the flow control technique, slower one signals the faster one to pause, by sending a ‘character’. If, slow device will try to send character to faster modem, then this character would be a signal to the faster modem for Pausing the information transfer until the slow modem gets caught up.

Connecting to the Internet: One of the primary uses of modems is to make a connection along with the internet that is allowing users to access online services, browse websites, send emails, and communicate with others in real-time time frame.

Facilitating Remote Access: Modems are enabled with remote access to corporate networks that is allowing employees to work from home or access resources while traveling.

Seamless Data Exchange: Modems also facilitate seamless data exchange in between the computers and networks, playing a crucial role in today’s interconnected world.

Adapting to Transmission Mediums: Many modems are variable-rate, allowing them to be used over mediums with less than ideal characteristics, such as poor quality telephone lines.

Optical Modem Capabilities: Some modems can be utilised with various means of transmitting analog signals, including radio and optical networks.

Other Modem Functions Are:

• To modify the digital data such as (0s and 1s) into accurate analog signals

• Help to line control and signaling to other edges of phone line.

• If, modems are made to dial up then it can send dialing signal without knowing of users.

• Help to provide security while line overloading and other issues.

Uses of Modem

Modems are used in different areas; below mentioned each one in detail:

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Point of Sale (PoS): Today, every consumer try to pay through debit card, credit card or net-banking where modem plays major role in the behind with data transferring as well as returning an approval.

Examples are:

• ATM Machine
• Shop Online with net-banking
• Use for ticket machine in airport, bus station, and railway station
• Pay bill via credit or debit card in PVR, hotels or shopping mall.

Remote Management, Maintenance, and Logistics: Modems are installed in to remote areas at off site locations tight enclosures, or inside sensitive locations. Due this process, those applications can be managed without place boundation and not need to visit to certain location. So, it can save money and time in travel costs.

Examples are:

• Gas/Petrol station maintenance
• Grocery Store Freezer and Cooler Call Center
• Roadside Digital Signs
• Vending machine inventory and status
• Stoplight Timing Control
• Golf Course Irrigation system

Out of Band Access, Broadband & Server backup: Many small and large scale companies trust on the broadband connectivity for their employees for making communication with each others. So, here need trust able backup while getting down speed of broadband or server connections, it is known as “Out of Band Access“.

Examples are:

• Backup for ADSL connections in DVD rental or car washes
• Server backup
• Backup for VPN dial in connections

Data Transfers: Many large scale organizations have main head office location where to send data every day from all their franchise. So, it needs reliable transfer data with protective connections.

Examples are:

• Daily Sales data move to a headquarter
• Make synchronization of data at a headquarter location from other branches

Machine to Machine: It helps to make communication in between two machines for transfer data without any interaction of users.

Examples are:

• Medical devices help to move patient test report to doctor’s PC.

Other Modem Uses are:

• Home security monitoring
• Property listings
• Cinema screening approval
• Cell phone tower maintenance
• Gasoline vapor containment system

Features of Modem

There are various features of modems, below shown all:

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Modulation and Demodulation

Modulation: The modem converts digital data from a computer or network into analog signals suitable for transmission over analog communication channels (such as telephone lines).

Demodulation: On the receiving end, the modem converts incoming analog signals back into digital data.

Data Transfer Rates

Modems have specific data transfer rates, often measured in bits per second (bps) or kilobits per second (Kbps). Faster modems allow for quicker data transmission.

Connection Types

Modems come in various types, including dial-up, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, fiber-optic, and satellite modems. Each type is designed for specific types of communication channels.

Compatibility

Modems need to be compatible with the communication infrastructure they are intended to work with. For example, a cable modem is designed to work with cable TV lines, while a DSL modem is designed for telephone lines.

Interface

Modems connect to computers and other devices through interfaces such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), Ethernet, or telephone line connections.

Voice and Data Support

Some modems support both data and voice communication, allowing users to make phone calls over the same line as their internet connection.

Error Correction and Compression

Modems often include error correction and data compression capabilities to improve the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

Full-Duplex/Half-Duplex

Full-duplex modems can transmit and receive data simultaneously, while half-duplex modems can only perform one operation at a time.

Standards Compliance

Modems adhere to communication standards, such as V.90, V.92, or DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification), to ensure compatibility with other devices and networks.

LED Indicators

Modems typically include LED indicators to show the status of the connection, such as power, data transmission, and connection status.

Security Features

Some modems may include security features such as firewall capabilities or support for virtual private networks (VPNs) to enhance the security of data transmission.

Power and Energy Efficiency

Modern modems are designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as sleep mode to conserve power when the device is not actively transmitting data.

Other Modem Features are:

• Modems are getting to upload and communication at the higher rate, for example x2 modem offers the uploading bandwidth in between 28.6 to 56 Kbps.

• Modems are enabled with higher-speed downstream data transfer by using of digitally encoding all downstream data while upstream works at rate of 33.7 Kbps.

• Modems are able to identify the callers originating telephone number, hence they allow to provide as caller ID.

• Few modems offer the advanced voice mail features and them serve as intelligent, digital information systems and answering machines.

• Some modems are enabled with dual simultaneous voice and Data, so they are able to carry both analog voice and computer data.

• Modems are able to upgrade with helping of software patch to meet mostly any universal standard.

Future Trends and Advancements in Modems

The future trends and advancements in modem technology are poised to significantly impact connectivity and communication. Here are some key developments and trends in modem technology:

5G Advancements: The latest Qualcomm modems, such as the Snapdragon X35, X72, and X75, are pushing 5G technology forward. These modems are designed to support critical new technologies from the still-in-progress Release 18, which is expected to form the basis for what’s being called 5G Advanced.

Improved Power Efficiency: Future trends in 5G cellular modems as increased the power efficiency that will be contributed to enhance the overall performance and sustainability of 5G technology. Advanced antenna technology, enhanced security, and integration with other technologies are also going to expect to shape the 5G future.

Hardware Advancements: Manufacturers are making advancements in 5G hardware components, with a focus on efficient power amplifiers and system-on-a-chip (SoC) technology. These developments objective to improve the connectivity on smart devices and design the 5G equipment more compact and easy to deploy, especially for enlarge-scale IoT devices. Advanced SoC technology might be replaced with multiple base station and network functions, and next decreasing costs and energy consumption.

Market Growth: The modem market is expected to witness significant growth driven by the growing demand for household and commercial applications. The market is anticipated to grow annually by a significant compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2030.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is modem and it’s example?

A modem is a network device that allows to link a computer or router to a broadband network. For examples are: Cable Modem and DSL Modem

What does the modem stands for?

Modem stands for ‘Modulator-Demodulator’. A modem is a network hardware device that is able to modulate and demodulates analog carrier signals for encoding and decoding digital data for executing.

What is internal and external modem?

An internal modem is containing on the printed circuit board along with a computer, but whereas an external modem is a network device that is self-contained enclosure external to the computer.

How many types of modem are there?

There are different types of modems which are depending on their functionalities like as Dial-up Modem, Cable Modem, ADSL Modem, DSL Modem, External Modem, Router/Modem Combo, Integrated Modem, On-board Modem, Removable Modem, Wireless Modem, Fax Modem, ISDN Modem, Intelligent Modems, and so on. They are explained in detail above in this article; you can check them.

What are three of the most common types of modems?

Most common modem’s types are Cable, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), and Fiber. They are operated through different kinds of cable medium that is depended on using of your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

What is main function of modem in computer network?

The main function of a modem is to transform digital information from your computer into analog signals that allows to transmit over wires, and it is able to translate incoming analog signal back into digital form and send it to your terminal.

What is modem used for?

Modem is used for performing both activities like as sending and receiving of the digital data in between with multiple terminals. Then this data is transmitted over the telephone lines with helping of V.92, to analog modems which helping out for converting those signals back to digital form for readable format to computer.

What are the uses of modem?

Modems are used in different areas to perform many tasks like as Home security monitoring, Property listings, Cinema screening approval, Cell phone tower maintenance, Gasoline vapor containment system, and so on. In this blog post, we already explained different uses of modem in detail above; you can read them.

What is the main purpose of the modem in networking?

The main purpose of using a modem is to offer you internet access, as well as it lets you to connect the modem directly to your system without any need for a router.

What are the basic characteristics of modems?

There are some basic characteristics of modems like as Data Compression, Error Correction, Modulate Signals, and Flow Control.

What is difference between router and modem?

A modem lets you to get access with the internet, but whereas a router allows to link your many devices with your home network or Wi-Fi network, then your connected devices are able to make communication as wirelessly along with each other.

Why use different types of modem?

Different types of modems are used to make connection to different types of internet services. For example, cable modems are going to use for establishing the communication between the computer and an ISP over a landline connection, while DSL modems operate over standard telephone lines but use a wider frequency range to allow for higher data transfer rates than dial-up modems. Fiber-based products need unique devices for their respective services.

What are the applications of modems?

Modems have various applications in today’s interconnected world, including:

• Connecting to the Internet
• Facilitating Remote Access
• Data Transfers
• Point of Sale
• Machine to Machine Communication
• Broadband Backup
• Remote Management
• Tight Enclosures
• Non-Peak Call Time
• Cybersecurity

What are the examples of modem in computer network?

Examples of modems include:

• Standard fax/phone modem
• Cable modem
• DSL modem
• Satellite modem

At The End

Through this blog post, you have completely educated about what is modem in computer network and its types, function, uses and features as well. If this article is valuable for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

Also Read: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications of Router

If you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding this issue? You can drop a comment!

Happy Learning!!