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The internet is all around for going on 40 years and itโs nearly impossible to live a healthy digital lifestyle without it. From social media to streaming videos, the internet is becoming more and more ingrained in our everyday lives.
One of the technologies that make this possible is the modem. Ever wondered how modems work? While many of us have access to the internet, weโre barely aware of the technology that allows it.
In this post, weโll take a look at what makes them tick, and how they connect your device to the internet and share some insights on what you might need when upgrading your current modem or buying one for your home.
Table of Contents
What is a modem?
First off, What is a modem, how does it work and everything else in between? Itโs a piece of networking equipment that allows you to connect your computer to the internet, before fiber we had dial up then DSL then ADSL broadband which used the telephone protocol to communicate to the network exchange, in simple terms the internet super highway.
Now, these days a modem converts complex digital signals received from a local ISP (Internet Service Provider) into analog signals that are sent to your router.
This process is known as โdemodulationโ. The first step in this process is sending the data from your computer in digital form so that it can be sent over a standard phone line.
Once the data has been sent into digital form it can be transmitted over the phone line (you can think of it as a long series of on-and-off pulses or in a computer language called binary terms in 1s and 0s). The modem converts these pulses back into digital signals so that your computer can understand them.
How does a modem work?
At a high level, the process of getting online can be broken down into 4 main areas;
- Demodulation โ This is when the modem receives data from your ISP and converts it from analog to digital.
- Encryption โ For data to be transmitted over the internet securely, it must first be encrypted. Encryption is a method of encoding digital data so that only authorized users can decrypt and read it. Encryption is important in this case because, without it, anybody could access your online content, including hackers and cybercriminals.
- Planning your path โ Once the data has been converted to digital form, itโs transmitted to the ISP through radio frequency. This is referred to as the โair interfaceโ.
- Routing and switching โ In this stage of the process, ISPs use complex routing and switching techniques to transmit data across the network. This is where the communication between your device and the ISP takes place.
From there, the data is routed to a particular connection. The ISP will use this connection to send data across the network and onto your device, which then forwards that data to your computer.
Modem technology has evolved greatly in recent years with increased processing power, new features, and faster speeds. Many modems now support multiple ISPs, โbroadband-readyโ routers, and even wireless connectivity. This means that you wonโt need to be connected to your modem by a cable to use the internet.
Why do you need a modem?
Modems are essential for anyone planning to use their computer to connect to the internet. However, modems are not a necessity for everyone. Many computers come with integrated wireless connectivity, meaning that you wonโt need to have a modem installed at all. However, for those who still do need a modem, there are several benefits of having one installed.
- Hardware Speeds: Modems can help you achieve broadband speeds. Some higher-end modems are capable of offering speeds as fast as 100 megabits per second, which is a lot faster than most of the internet connections that youโll find at your local coffee shop.
- Security: The standard for sending encrypted data over the internet is Internet Protocol Security or IPSec; a well-known security protocol used to encrypt data. However, not all ISPs use IPSec. If youโre looking to use an ISP that supports the encryption protocol, then a modem will ensure that your data is kept secure.
- Bandwidth: This can be a big issue for those who donโt have much space in their computerโs hard drive. If youโve got lots of high-quality pictures, movies, and music stored on your computer, then you might find it difficult to keep all of this data online all the time. Modems allow your computer to store more data online without affecting performance or file sizes.
- Faster Connection: If you already have a modem installed, you can upgrade to a faster connection. A faster connection will enable you to download large files in a fraction of the time without affecting performance.
With that being said, the main importance of having a modem is the fact that it sends and receives data. Whether these files are in the form of an email or your favorite TV show, a modem is what connects you to the internet. Therefore, without a modem, itโs almost impossible to get online.
What is the difference between a modem and a router?
In essence, the main difference between a modem and a router is that a modem only modulates data, while a router also routes data. Therefore, routers can be considered an advanced form of modem. While most modems are capable of routing data, not all routers are capable of modulation.
Routers excel at providing high-speed internet to multiple computers using Wi-Fi connectivity. For example, if you have a router installed, then any other computer that is connected to the same network will automatically use the internet.
There are several routers on the market today that can connect up to your maximum connection speed; a feature referred to as โup to router speedโ. Routers also allow people with multiple computers in their homes to share internet service.
Modems, on the other hand, typically canโt be used to route data. If you have a very fast connection and several computers in your home, then you might need a router to distribute the connection speed across multiple devices. The modem only provides the initial connection between your computer and the ISP. It does not support the routing of data.
Can a modem work without a router?
Yes, a modem can work without a router if you already have Internet service. However, in most cases, itโs not recommended to use your modem without a router. The reason is that your modem will almost always require the use of an Ethernet cable to be connected to a computer or any other internet device.
In most cases, modems will not support a Wi-Fi connection. Therefore, the only way to get online would be to use an Ethernet cable. This can be quite inconvenient, especially if you donโt want to have a wire running across your room or office.
The best option in this scenario would be to use a โrouterโ with your modem. In most cases, these devices are combined into one unit and are referred to as broadband routers. A broadband router will support a wireless connection, which means that you can connect to the internet without having to use an Ethernet cable.
How to buy a suitable modem?
When purchasing a modem, itโs important to consider not only the cost of a modem but also its features. No two modems are alike. When buying a modem, there are several factors that you should consider;
1. Ensure itโs compatible with your ISP
Make sure that the modem is compatible with your ISP. This will make the process of connecting to the internet much easier.
Itโs important to note that the modem itself does not provide internet service. Rather, itโs just an interface between your computer and your ISP. When you connect to the internet using a modem, youโre connecting to your ISP, which then routes data back to your computer.
2. Ensure it supports your internet plan
Make sure that the modem youโre buying supports your internet plan. Some modems are capable of supporting broadband speeds whereas others are only good for slower connections. If youโre planning to use a broadband connection, make sure that the modem you buy can support your internet plan.
3. Think of how much youโre willing to spend
Setting a budget will help you narrow down your search to the best modems that fall within your price range. There are a lot of modems out on the market today; some of which can be extremely expensive. However, there are many affordable modems available that offer just as many features as their more expensive counterparts.
4. Get the right modem for your internet type
You should also consider the type of Internet connection that you want to use with your modem. To start with, the speed of your connection will determine the type of modem that youโll need. The various connections can be split up into two types: DSL and cable.
DSL stands for digital subscriber line. This type of connection is typically faster than dial-up internet connections, but itโs also slower than broadband connections.
Cable internet is the most common type of internet type. Itโs also a broadband connection, but itโs generally faster than DSL. A great way to ensure that your modem will work with your ISP is to test the connection speed before you buy it.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article has helped to explain what a modem is and what it does. As you might have expected, thereโs not a single modem that fits all. Therefore, you may need to consider the type of Internet connection that you want, as well as the type of connection speed which you currently have.
FAQs
Do I need a router if I have a modem?
If youโre only using a single computer, then itโs not necessary to have a router. However, there are many benefits to having a router. If you want to connect multiple computers and devices to the Internet, then a router is necessary.
How does a modem operate?
The modem operates by taking in the data that a computer sends to it using a cable and turning it into signals that can be transmitted through the internet. When you connect to the Internet, youโre connecting to your ISP, which then delivers data back to you.
