Modem

Overview The majority of Internet users subscribe to dial-up ISPs that require a modem to translate digital data to analog telephone signals and vice-versa. Due to such widespread use of modems for Internet access, modem standards have been established to (among other things) address data transfer rates. Modem resources such as speed tests, troubleshooting, tutorials, and FAQs can be found on the Internet.

General Information What is a modem? Webopedia.com provides a concise definition, as well as links and descriptions of related terms. How does a modem work? What are actual data transfer rates of today’s modems? Visit HowStuffWorks.com for a thorough description of modems including a detailed explanation of their inner workings. The Web site www.modems.com is another comprehensive source for modem information, help, tutorials, and links. This site also provides a detailed technical information database and software resources. The current current most widely used modem standard is V.90. This standard helps to maximize data transfer rates through a modem.  An upggrade was was offered that enhances V.9.0 in August 1999. The ITU-T recomended V.9.2  which establishes a modem standard allowing near 56 kbit/s download and 48 kbit/s upload rates. Some of the benefits offered by V.9.2 can be reviewed at this www.modem.com Web page. 

Modem Resources If you are looking for information about a specific modem brand and model, visit the “Ask Mr. Modem” Web site at www.mrmodem.net. Both www.modemhelp.net and www.modemhelp.org, as their names imply, are great sites for modem help. On these sites, you will find resources such as modem drivers, FAQs, forums, technical support, and links to manufacturers’ sites. Another interesting online resource is a modem speed checker. Both the Modem Speed-Test Page and this CNET.com bandwidth meter speed test provide an easy-to-use speed test. Additionally, a wealth of modem information can be obtained from the LinuxDoc.org modem HowTo page.

Shopping for Modems Modems are one of the the most popular ways to access the Internet. However, both internal and external modems can be purchased at large e-commerce Web sites that carry a variety of computer hardware. Be sure to read the article "Buyer's Guide: Modem"  at Digit-life.com before you purchase a new modem. And, visit a Web site such as www.pricewatch.com, www.outpost.com, or www.amazon.com to view a selection of available modems.

Additional Links Many modem troubleshooting resources are available online. This type of resource can help you to solve problems with a specific model of modem. With literally thousands of different models available today, troubleshooting an obscure problem with a specific brand of modem is not a simple task. For help with modem troubleshooting, try http://modemsite.com or www.56k.com.