Modem

Modem

Description:

If you are at home, then you are most likely using a modem to view this page right now (dial-up modem, cable modem, or DSL modem). The modem is what hosts the communication between your computer and the computers you are connecting to over the Internet. If you're on a network, then you're using a network card (ethernet card most likely - and that may connect to your cable or DSL modem). A modem uses your phone line to transfer data to and from the other computers. Newer cable modems and DSL modems provide about 10 times the speed of a regular phone modem. These are usually external and plug into a network card in your computer.

Modem stands for "modulator / demodulator" and it encodes and decodes signals sent to and from the network servers. Good modems should be able to do all the encoding / decoding work on their own without having to rely on your computer's CPU to do the work.

What To Look For:

• First of all, you need to consider what type of modem you would like, partially dictated by what is available in your area. For most rural areas, cable and DSL modems are not available. Since most cable and DSL services include a modem in the package, I am not going to focus on cable and DSL modems here; only dial up modems. However, I strongly suggest you go with cable or DSL service if it is available in your area and you can afford the expense. If you do a lot of Internet surfing, play online games, or do a lot of uploading / dowloading of files, then either of these services are appropriate for you. The reason I'm not discussing the modems here is that they are generally provided by your cable or DSL provider.
• For dial up modems, look for modems that support either the K56 Flex protocol OR the 56K protocol AND fit the V.90 standard. I'll quickly define all these terms. K56Flex and 56K are two different formats for transferring data over a modem at high speeds. They were competing, but now the two companies have come to an agreement on a standard format, called V.90.
  In general, you may want to get a modem that supports K56 Flex as it will work better if you don't have clear phone lines. My 56K modem won't connect at high speeds because my phone line is not very good. Of course, make sure it supports V.90 on top of that.
• Internal modems are usually a little harder to configure than external modems, so you may want to consider that. Of course, external modems take up more space, cost more, etc. USB external modems are usually a good choice, particularly if you are low on PCI or ISA modem slots.
• If you want it to be able to carry voice or speakerphone, look for one with those capabilities as well.
• Make sure you do not get a "WinModem" as they are only compatible with Windows and they rely on the CPU for much of the work. If you plan to play Internet games, then the WinModem will slow down your Internet gaming. Non WinModems do the processing on their own. If a modem says that it is only for Windows operating systems, then it is probably a WinModem.
• I would also advise avoiding most small name companies, since many of them will be low quality and unreliable (I know from experience).

Recommendations:

• With all the movement towards Cable and ADSL, dial up modems have all but become a thing of the past. Thus, don't expect to see too many new products. Recommendations below still apply for those unable to get a faster connection type. Most Cable / DSL providors supply their own modems, so there is no reason for me to make recommendations...
• In my opinion, the best modems are 3Com/US Robotics' Sportster modems, but they are somewhat expensive. Make sure the one you are getting is a V.90 capable modem and not a "WinModem."
  The 3Com/USR FaxModem Pro External remains my best pick for modems. This one has always had good connection speeds for me and can be used as serial or USB. USB actually works faster for me too.
• You could also consider some of the cheaper K56 Flex modems, but I don't have any recommendations, except one called ThunderLink that worked fine for me, but they're hard to find.
• Most generic 56k modems will also get the job done!