What’s a Modem and Who Needs One?
A modem is, in simplest terms, a device that connects us to the Internet. It is separate from your computer and from the type of connection you have. Usually, a modem comes in the form of a separate piece of hardware.
Depending on your Internet connection, you may or may not need a modem to connect you to the Internet.
For example, wireless Internet users need an access point or “hotspot,” which connects them to the Web and satellite users have a dish that acts as their modem.
DSL, cable and dial-up subscribers all need modems in order to connect to the Internet, but one size definitely does not fit all in this situation.
The Right Modem for You
If you are a cable Internet subscriber, you need a cable modem that hooks up to your computer and cable outlet and your provider has one on their end also. Some Internet providers will lease a modem or even include it free with service sometimes, so be sure to check with them before purchasing one.
DSL subscribers also need a separate modem, but it is an entirely different piece of equipment than a cable or dial-up modem. This modem attaches to the existing phone line that will also act as a medium for uploading and downloading. A lot of service providers also provide DSL modems, so be sure to check with yours.
Dial-up modems are the oldest kind of modem, and still have the original infrastructure of the very first modems back in the 1960s - but updated of course! Dial-up modems use your existing phone lines and are significantly slower than DSL and cable Internet, so, be prepared to endure longer wait times to connect and download.
