Modems the Unsung Heroes of the Internet Of all the technological devices present in a home or office today, one little number that often gets taken for granted is the modem. Modem is short for modulator demodulator. While that sounds rather impressive, the tech talk just means coder and decoder. They code and decode the data we treasure, which allows for transfer of that data. All of our computers would be next to worthless with our modems. These little boxes enable our computers and other gadgetry to connect to other computers. These other computers make up the world wide web or more commonly called the Internet. Many different types of modems exist. However the basic design and appearance of every variety of modems is very similar. Chances are one or more of these types is in your house: a cable modem, wireless modem, dsl modem, usb modem, or a modem router. While each device has subtle differences, the main purpose of each is pretty common: to communicate. Whether modems are connecting to the internet or another computer, they are performing the same function. Generally speaking modem varieties exist due to connection requirements either how the modem is connected to the computer or how the modem connects to the Internet.

A cable modem is present when the isp or Internet Service Provider grants connection through a cable television line. A cable modem grants the fastest data transfer rates on the market today. A dsl modem is second in terms of speed of the connection. A dsl modem is present for high speed data transfer through existing phone lines. A wireless modem offers an internet connection without having to be physically connected to the modem. While a little on the slower side wireless modems can not be beaten for convenience. A usb modem is connected to a computer through usb port, instead of the usual Ethernet or network port. A usb modem is handy when the network or Ethernet cable is connected to another machine or does not exist on the pc itself. A modem router is used to connect several computers to the internet at one time. While a modem and router are generally two different pieces of hardware, a modem router combines the two into one compact unit. Thus eliminating the need for separate devices. So by enabling the transfer of data between two computers, modems are responsible for anything we see on the computer monitor, the music we download, and in some cases the phone calls we make. Those little boxes with lights on them perform their duties constantly, every single day. In fact the only time they are given any consideration at all is when they are not working properly. While virtually maintenance free modems are as reliable as they are resilient. These silent connectors serve us to the best of their ability, and grant us the freedom to view and use whatever information we may be searching. Modems are the unsung heroes of the Internet, as they are what brings everything into our homes.