Dial-Up Networking Versus Broadband Connections
Modems translate communications between computers and outside sources such as an Internet service provider (ISP). Standard modems convert the analog signals used on an ordinary voice-grade telephone line, as well as the digital signals used by computers. Newer devices such as cable modems and digital subscriber line (DSL) modems provide an end-to-end digital connection between your computer and your ISP and thus require no digital-to-analog conversion.
The Standard Modem
The standard modem, which originally worked at speeds of 150 to 300bps, now ranges up to 56Kbps. That speed is adequate for users who use the Internet for nothing more than sending e-mail and viewing Web pages. For downloading large ...
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