When a laptop or personal computer is connected to the Internet for the first time, users who are poorly versed usually have a question: “What are modems and why are they needed?” Within the framework of this article, the modems will be classified and their installation and configuration will be indicated by performing which, without much difficulty, a novice computer specialist will be able to choose and make such a device work.
What it is?
First, let's figure out what modems are. This is a special component in a computer that is designed to connect it to a computer network. The word "modem" was formed by combining the two terms. The first of these is a modulator. So in electronics is called a special circuit that encodes a signal. And the second is a demodulator. That is, a device that does the opposite of the modulator. One of them encodes and transmits a signal, and the second receives and converts. So, until recently, most of the personal computers were connected to the Internet using telephone wires. Now the situation has changed, and they are gradually being replaced by network cards from this market segment. They have higher speeds, and most of the motherboards are equipped with them. But there are still wireless modems that do not yet have a real alternative.
When are you needed?
Now we will understand in what cases they are needed. In essence, there may be three such points. The first of them is now slowly becoming a thing of the past. It consists in the fact that a personal computer is connected to the Internet using such a device and a telephone line. Now it has been replaced by network cards. And the cost is lower, and the speed is several times higher. And the reliability of the connection in this case is much better. But for the Client-Bank system, such a device is simply necessary (the second case). With the help of it, the accountant connects to the server of the financial institution. Without leaving the office, he can make a money transfer or check the availability of funds in the account. High speed in this case is not required. But connection protection is needed at the proper level. Now many organizations are in this format and work with banks. The last case when modems are in demand if a person travels a lot. He needs a wireless internet connection. In this case, the question: “What are modems, and why are they needed?” - it arises by itself. With the help of other technical means, this issue simply cannot be solved.
By way of execution
By the method of execution, such devices are divided into two types: internal (that is, installed inside the system unit of the computer) and external (to connect such a device, an expansion slot for a computer, laptop or tablet is used). For the latter, you need to install the hardware toggle switch (if any) in the appropriate position. In this case, the following question must surely arise: “What is the modem mode?” They can be digital or analog - determined by the signal of the telephone line. For wireless modems , only the first one is available. All cellular networks work only in this standard. Therefore, for wireless devices, such a switch is not provided. Another point to be noted. Old motherboards had integrated (i.e. soldered) similar devices. But now you can no longer meet them on new personal computers.
By connecting
The second classification, which has received widespread today, is based on the connection method. In accordance with it, these devices are divided into wired and wireless. In the first case, a special connector is provided in which the telephone wire is installed. In old devices, you could either talk on the phone or work on the Internet. Now there is a special modification of such devices. It allows you to simultaneously surf the Internet and communicate on the telephone. This is an ADSL modem. What it is? A special converter that separates the conversation and the transmitted signal at different frequencies. As a result, two data streams are transmitted on the same cable. In the second case, data transmission is provided by electromagnetic radiation without wires.
By type of supported networks
This option only classifies wireless devices. According to it, they are of the following types: GSM (they are also sometimes called 2G), 3G and LTE (another name for 4G). All of them are backward compatible. That is, 3G can easily work in a GSM network. Also, users are puzzled by what a USB modem is. It is in this form factor that most of these devices are made. In appearance it is a flash drive that provides wireless data transfer. Without fail, it is equipped with a slot for installing a SIM card. It is connected to the rectangular connector of the USB of a personal computer.
Manufacturers
Conventionally, manufacturers of such equipment can be divided into two classes. The first of them is inexpensive and little-known brands, which include Sierra (their price starts at 180 rubles) and Sprint (the cost of such devices is 120-150 rubles). But the second class is more popular and high-quality devices. They are sold under the Pantech and Huawei brands. The price for them is already 600 rubles or more. But this is true for wireless devices. This often raises the question of what a 3G modem is. This is a miniature device (very similar to a flash drive in appearance), in which a SIM card of a mobile operator is installed, and with the help of it data is exchanged with the Internet. In turn, among wired devices, the leading positions are occupied by D-Link and A-Corp. It is on them that it is recommended to pay attention when buying such a device. The price of some models in this segment starts at 120 rubles. Moreover, their quality is impeccable.
Customization
Consider the procedure for configuring an Internet modem. What is an internet modem? Without exception, these are devices of this class: both wired and wireless. So, the setup procedure:
- Connection. For external - this is installing them in the expansion slot of a computing device. But when installing such an internal device, you need to remove the side covers of the system unit of the personal computer, install the board in the expansion slot, fix it and assemble everything back.
- Driver Installation In most cases, it passes automatically, and user participation in this process is minimized. At the end, a message should appear indicating the successful installation of this software. (If this did not happen, then they must be installed manually from the CD or from the Internet site.)
- Next, connect to the Internet.
- At the final stage, launch the browser and check the connectivity.
In some cases, you need to adjust the settings of the device (for example, change the analog dialing method to digital). This information is checked with the provider and telephone service provider.
Summary
This article answered the question of what modems are and why they are needed. Possible versions of such devices are given. Their operating modes and other technical specifications are indicated. A tuning algorithm is also given, following which you can easily and simply configure such a device for connecting to a computer network.