modem

What is a modem?

A modem or broadband modem is a hardware device that connects a computer or router to a broadband network. For example, a cable modem and DSL modem are two examples of these types of Modems.Short for modulator/demodulator, a modem is a hardware device that allows a computer to send and receive information over telephone lines. When sending a signal, the device converts ("modulates") digital data to an analog audio signal, and transmits it over a telephone line. Similarly, when an analog signal is received, the modem converts it back ("demodulates" it) to a digital signal.

Modems are referred to as an asynchronous device, meaning that the device transmits data in an intermittent stream of small packets. Once received, the receiving system then takes the data in the packets and reassembles it into a form the computer can use.

the question is, how did we get here? How did the modem get developed to what it is today?The first modem, known as the Dataphone, was released by AT&T in 1960. It later became more common for home users when Dennis Hayes and Dale Heatherington released the 80-103A modem in 1977.

Dial-up modems were commonly used by computers to connect to the Internet through the early 2000s until broadband Internet started to be more widely available. As broadband Internet became available and popular, dial-up modems were used by fewer computer users. Today, computers no longer come with a dial-up modem, requiring users who need one to purchase and install it.