External modems connect computers to public networks like the Internet. Dial-up modems are slower but cheaper, while broadband modems are faster and more expensive. External modems can be used when internal slots are not available or need to be shared. Broadband modems can be wired or wireless and are typically provided by ISPs.
External modems are communication devices that computers use to connect to public networks such as the Internet. A modem that is inside the computer is called an internal modem, while modems that are outside are external modems.
The type of modem required depends on the type of Internet access service desired. There are two general categories: basic dial-up service and high-speed broadband service.
Basic dial-up access (internal and external modems)
Traditionally, internal modems are dial-up modems that connect to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) using an analog signal on a telephone line.
Since telephones also use analog signals, telephones and modems cannot share lines at the same time. Dial-up networking is the slowest, but also the least expensive way to connect to the Internet.
External modems can also be dial-up modems, and if so, they will be rated at a transfer rate of 56 kbps (kilobytes per second), like their internal twins. They are useful when internal slots are not available or if the modem needs to be shared between non-networked computers. In this case, an external modem connected to a desktop system can easily be disconnected and connected to a different desktop or even a laptop.
External modems for dial-up service are inexpensive and available wherever computers are sold. They’re easy to set up, come with instructions, and most include software-level fax functionality. Recent versions of most operating systems recognize and load drivers for dial-up modems, which are plug-and-play devices.
High speed broadband modem
Most external modems today are not dial-up modems, but broadband modems. Those designed for broadband service provide a different type of extremely fast Internet connection, used with high-speed ISPs. Broadband modems typically have transfer speeds of 1.5 to 8 mbps (megabytes per second) or higher.
DSL, FiOS, cable, and satellite are different types of high-speed Internet. Typically ISPs that sell broadband Internet access will provide their customers with external modems that are preconfigured for use with the service. Depending on the terms of the contract, modems can be rented for a small monthly fee or provided free of charge for the entire duration of the customer’s contract. High-speed modems are usually not internal.
Broadband modems can be wired or wireless. If wireless, a wireless network adapter must be installed in each computer that needs to communicate with the modem. These adapters can be PCMCIA or external devices that connect to the computer via the USB port.
DSL modems use the telephone line to send digital signals instead of analog signals. As a result, you can use your phone while using DSL service. This also applies to the FiOS service, which uses fiber optic lines instead of standard copper telephone lines. External modems used for high-speed cable service will not use the telephone line, but rather the cable TV line. Local cable companies provide cable Internet service where available.
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