Choosing the right modem depends on identifying your needs, such as setting up a home network or using cellular broadband. Modems are classified by the type of service they support, and can be internal or external. A modem with a built-in hub and router makes networking easier. Cellular modems are carrier-specific and can be internal or USB dongles. It’s important to consider the protocols supported and read consumer reviews before purchasing. System requirements and compatibility with mobile devices should also be considered.
To choose the best modem, the first step is to identify your needs. Are you setting up a home network to share an Internet account between desktops and laptops? Maybe you’re looking for cellular broadband for your cell phone, or maybe you want to upgrade your wireless network from 802.11g to 802.11n?
Today, different types of modems are available for the different network needs of the market. Modems can first be classified by the type of service they support, then other considerations follow, such as whether the modem will be internal or external, and what features it supports. Despite the variety of modems available, narrowing down the choices isn’t that difficult.
External modems for setting up a home or office network: Modems are built to comply with standard protocols that govern the type of network services supported by the device. To put it simply, if you have Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service, you will need a DSL modem. Cable Internet subscribers require a cable modem, and fiber optic subscribers – a fiber optic modem. In some cases a modem will be manufactured to support more than one type of access, such as DSL and cable.
To share an internet connection among multiple computers, a network hub is required along with a router. A hub gives your modem access to multiple computers, and a router handles traffic on your local network. Purchasing a modem with a built-in hub and router makes networking easier. The modem can be wired or wireless, although even a wireless modem will have at least one Ethernet port and usually four.
If you purchase a wireless modem, each computer that connects to the device must have a wireless network adapter installed that supports a common wireless protocol, such as 802.11n or older 802.11g. Getting a modem that supports all of the protocols currently in use will save you having to upgrade old network cards.
Cellular Broadband Services: If you are interested in mobile cellular Internet, your first task is to decide on a carrier. Cellular modems are branded for each carrier and cannot be used interchangeably. This makes purchasing a cellular modem fairly easy, as the carrier provides a choice of compatible devices. Mobile cellular modems can be internal, but are most commonly manufactured as USB dongles or to plug into the ExpressCard slot of the machine.
Cellular broadband technology is rapidly evolving and improving, generating new standards and protocols to compete for the large mobile communications market. Cellular modems that support “yesterday’s” technology will be cheaper than those that support “tomorrow’s” standards. Since newer technologies generally achieve higher speeds with lower power consumption, it’s usually worth investing in a model that supports the broken standards. That said, reading consumer reviews before buying is always a good idea, as bugs can be a factor with hardware devices breaking down.
When buying any type of modem, don’t forget to read the system requirements, as some models may only support specific operating systems. For mobile users, the ExpressCard slot has gone through many iterations, so make sure the relevant specifications of the desired modem match those of your mobile.
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