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Modems

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.

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