The Modem

The modem is an input and an output device. It is used for sending and receiving information and data over telephone lines.

There are at least two ways that can be used to represent data and information electronically. One way is digital and another way is analogue. Machines use digital representation can not understand a nalogue representation and vice versa.

When a computer talks to another computer using a modem, it sends and receives digital information and data to and from the other computer. This information travels between the computers on the telephone line.

Telephone lines send data and information in analogue not digital form.

Therefore, a translator is needed to put the digital information and data from the computer into analogue form so the data can be sent over the telephone line. Similarly, a translator is needed at the other end to translate the analogue information and data that comes over the telephone line into digital form (that the computer understands).

The modem does this translating between the computer and the telephone line.