Ethernet modems connect computers to the internet using broadband technology. They come in two forms: Ethernet-enabled DSL modems and cable modems. USB modems differ in cabling. Ethernet modems have three connections: power, Ethernet cable, and phone/digital cable. Wireless modems are also available. Ethernet modems use ether, a passive substance, to transmit data. USB modems have advantages, but Ethernet modems are generally more reliable and have a longer range.
An Ethernet modem is an electronic device used to connect a computer to the Internet. This type of modem uses broadband technology to transfer and exchange data packets in real time. It usually comes in one of two forms. Ethernet-enabled digital subscriber line (DSL) modems use telephone lines, while cable modems use designated cable lines, usually the same ones used by subscribers for television services. They work the same way, at least technically, and both are known as “Ethernet” because of the way they’re wired. Universal Serial Bus (USB) modems are similar, but differ largely in terms of the cabling they use to transfer data.
Basic operation
All Ethernet modems have at least three connections. One is for a power source, typically an alternating current (AC) wall outlet. The second is for the Ethernet cable itself, which runs from the modem to a computer’s network interface card (NIC). Third, there’s a connection for a phone or digital cable, which is usually plugged into a wall outlet.
There are also modems that can send and receive signals wirelessly. This usually happens with a special adapter or wireless router that broadcasts the modem signal in close proximity. People can pick up this signal with devices that have a wireless card or other networking capabilities, and these devices usually don’t need a separate modem. The fact remains that the Internet connection must have a modem at its source, even if it is only connected to a network server or a wall socket.
Distinguish the two main types
Modems classified as Ethernet usually ship as DSL or cable. A DSL modem connects to the Internet through a telephone line, but uses frequencies in the upper range of the line’s capabilities, beyond those used for sound transmission. This means that people can generally use their phones at the same time as when they are online. Cable modems connect to the Internet using the same digital cable lines that televisions use to receive programs. Again, the portion of the line used for Internet transmission is different from that used for cable, so customers can watch television while also using the Internet. Many digital cable providers actually use the Internet to broadcast and store broadcasts as well.
Origins and history of the name
The term Ethernet is a reference to the passive substance ether, which was once thought to pervade all things. In theory, the aether carried light throughout the universe. In the context of the Internet, Ethernet uses the passive medium of wires to transmit data through its network. The first modem of this type was created in the 1970s by American computer scientist Robert Metcalfe and was based on an earlier Internet connectivity system known as Alohanet. Initially Ethernet had theoretical data rates of up to ten megabits per second (Mbps). Current technology allows for much higher speeds.
Comparison with USB modems
Ethernet tends to be one of the most widely used cable modems, although it does get some competition from USB modems. Both function similarly and have similar data rates, although Ethernet is generally considered more reliable in the long run. The biggest difference is often the cabling and the fundamentals of porting and cabling systems.
The cable jacks used by an Ethernet modem are very similar to those on a telephone cable. However, they are slightly wider, and the cable itself is thicker as well. USB cables, meanwhile, have a flat metal connector that plugs into the USB ports found on desktop computers. The advantage of Ethernet cable over USB is that Ethernet cables can reach up to 328 feet (100m) without any signal degradation. USB cables are generally limited to 16 feet (5m).
However, USB modems also have advantages. One of the biggest is that this type of modem can connect to any computer that has a USB port. An Ethernet modem requires an Ethernet network adapter in your computer. This can mean a higher initial cost and can also be more limiting in terms of hardware compatibility.
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