Modem Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ป
modem
[หmoสdษm ]
Definitions
technology
A modem is a device that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone or cable lines. It modulates digital data into an analog signal for transmission and demodulates the received analog signal back into digital data.
Synonyms
data/fax modem, modulator-demodulator.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| modem |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to a device that provides internet connectivity by converting digital data into an analog signal and vice versa.
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| modulator-demodulator |
Technical term used in more formal, academic, or detailed technical documentation to describe the function of a modem. Less commonly used in casual conversation.
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| data/fax modem |
Specifically used when referring to modems that handle both data and fax transmissions, often relevant in business discussions or when dealing with older technology.
|
Examples of usage
- I need to install a new modem to improve my internet connection.
- The modem converts the digital signal from my computer into an analog signal for transmission.
informal
A modem is also used informally to refer to a person who is fashionable, stylish, or up-to-date with the latest trends.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| modem |
Modem is a device that connects to the internet and allows data transmission. This word is not to be confused with 'modern.'
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| fashionable |
Fashionable usually refers to being in line with the current fashion or style, especially in clothing and personal appearance.
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| stylish |
Stylish is used to describe something that has a distinctive and attractive appearance, often with a touch of elegance or sophistication.
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| trendy |
Trendy refers to something that is very popular at the moment, often used for things that might be temporary in their popularity.
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Examples of usage
- She's such a modem, always dressed in the latest fashion.
- He's considered a modem in the music industry, always ahead of the curve.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'modem' comes from 'modulator-demodulator', which describes how it converts digital data to analog for communication.
- The first computer modem was developed in the early 1960s, allowing computers to communicate over telephone lines.
- The speed of early modems was extremely low, starting at just 300 bits per second, making them much slower than today's standards.
Technology
- Modern modems can achieve speeds of up to several gigabits per second, enabling fast internet connections.
- There are two main types of modems: DSL (which uses telephone lines) and cable (which connects through cable TV lines), each serving different types of internet connections.
- Some modems also include built-in routers, allowing multiple devices in a home to connect to the internet wirelessly.
Science
- Modems utilize different transmission techniques, including amplitude modulation and frequency division multiplexing, to send data over various media.
- The concept of modulating signals is crucial in telecommunications, as it enables the efficient use of bandwidth in communication channels.
- Understanding how modems work helps in grasping the basics of digital communication and data transfer in modern technology.
Pop Culture
- The evolution of modems from dial-up beeps to high-speed fiber connections reflects significant advancements in how we access and consume media.
- In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the sound of a dial-up modem connecting became a nostalgic symbol of early internet access for many users.
- Movies and shows often portray characters using computers connected by modems, emphasizing the role of connectivity in storytelling.
Literature
- Many science fiction novels from the late 20th century predicted the rise of internet connectivity, often hinting at devices like modems as key to the future.
- In literature, modems can symbolize the bridge between isolation and connectedness, representing the dual nature of technology in society.
- Writers have often explored themes of communication and technology, with modems serving as a pivotal tool in bridging distances in their narratives.
Origin of 'modem'
The term 'modem' is a portmanteau of 'modulator-demodulator.' The concept of modems dates back to the early 20th century when the first data was transmitted over telegraph lines. As technology advanced, modems became essential for transmitting digital data over analog telephone lines. The widespread use of the Internet in the late 20th century further popularized modems, leading to the development of faster and more efficient models.