Types of Modems by Connection Type (Wired or Wireless)

Types of Modems by Connection Type

This article examines modems by their connection type. Historically most modems were wired, but today wireless modems and newer technologies have also entered the market. Before diving into the discussion on wired and wireless modem types and their roles in network maintenance, it is useful to understand what a modem is: a device that converts analog signals to digital and vice versa. Modems are generally categorized as internal and external; internal modems enable devices such as smartphones to access the Internet, while external modems enable other devices to access the Internet.

Wired modem

A wired modem provides Internet access only over a cable. It may use LAN ports or USB and devices connect via cables. Often these modems have only one port, limiting simultaneous connections. As smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices proliferate, wired modems alone can be insufficient, which is why wireless modems have become common.

Wireless modem

A wireless or Wi‑Fi modem enables Internet access for devices with Wi‑Fi capability. With the rapid growth of smart devices, these modems are more common. Wi‑Fi modems receive Internet via cable but share it wirelessly; devices with Wi‑Fi can connect to the modem and access the Internet. Unlike most wired modems, the number of devices that can connect simultaneously to a Wi‑Fi modem is not typically limited to a single device; multiple devices can connect at the same time.

Other types of modems by connection type

Modems are not limited to wired and wireless classifications; with technology advances, more advanced modems exist that obtain Internet access through other methods. These modems include:

WiMAX modem router

These modems use an internal SIM card to access the Internet. WiMAX technology is often seen as an alternative to DSL-based Internet such as ADSL and VDSL. TD-LTE is a fixed Internet technology that provides wireless Internet to the user; it is similar to WiMAX but generally faster and operates without telephone line requirements.

SIM-card modem router

SIM-card modems use the same mobile network as smartphones. They come in three forms: USB dongles that connect via USB, fixed LTE modems with both wired and wireless connections, and pocket LTE modems that are portable. Although highly capable and fast, these devices tend to be more expensive than ADSL modems, so choosing between them depends on user needs. This article aims to provide a broader view of modems by connection type.

To assess the durability, security and maintenance of this infrastructure, study the network support guide.

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