• What is the difference between a hardware modem and a software modem?
• What is a modem?
• What is a LAN modem?

A software modem (aka Winmodem) is a modem that can connects to your PCI slot and uses Windows to do all it's main functions. It uses your computer to process the data that the modem receives, which can slow down your downloading times and raise latency.

A hardware modem can either connect to a PCI slot or connected to your computer via serial/USB. Hardware modems have their own on-board controllers, so your computer doesn't do as much work. Hardware modems normally provide better compression of downloads and lower ping times.

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by CJPC edited by TravisB
last modified: 2006-07-24 23:48:37

A modem changes outgoing digital signals from a computer to analog signals that travel over telephone lines. Then changes the incoming analog signal to a digital signal your computer can understand.

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by CJPC edited by TravisB
last modified: 2006-07-24 23:49:00

A LAN modem is a modem that runs on a local area network and is basically a 56k modem with a router and switch built in. These can provide multiple computers with the same connection, but for each computer surfing, the speeds will slow vastly. These modems are generally more secure because they provide each computer with a private IP address.

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by gameboyrom edited by TravisB
last modified: 2006-07-24 23:49:11