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From...
All your modem questions answered
September 15, 1998
Web posted at: 12:00 PM EDT
by Jon Pepper
(IDG) -- Admit it: All the talk about Internet and online communications probably makes your head spin, especially when you ponder the alphabet soup of acronyms. Unless you are a true veteran of the online world, its intricacies can lead to lots of puzzles and few explanations.
We've researched those questions and have the answers for you. Read on and you can quickly move from feeling like a modem novice to being savvy enough to get the best online connection for your needs.
Q. What is a modem?
A. The word modem is short for modulator/demodulator. These small boxes or internal cards translate the data from your PC into a form that can be sent over a regular phone line or other means of transmission. (That's the modulating part.) The modem on the other end of the line translates the signal back into a language the receiving computer understands. (That's the demodulating part.) But don't worry, all of this happens completely automatically. All you really need to do is plug a phone cord or other connection into the modem.
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Q. What does kbps mean?
A. Modem speed is measured in kilobits per second, or kbps -- how many thousand "bits," or pieces of data, the modem can move along each second. Kilobits per second is usually abbreviated kbps, as in "a 33.6kbps modem," or K, as in "a 56K modem."
Q. Does the speed matter?
A. Yes, it does. Don't buy a PC with a modem slower than 33.6kbps. (You'll still find those on some PCs under $1,000.) And it's definitely preferable to buy one at 56kbps, the newest high-speed standard. The costs don't vary that much; modems run from about $79 to $179, with most in the $120 or $150 range.
Q. Why is speed important?
A. The modem speed won't make much difference if, say, you are just reading your e-mail (unless the e-mail has a graphics file attached). But the faster speeds make a huge difference when you are surfing the Web and opening up graphics-laden Web pages. The faster the modem, the more quickly you can send (upload) or receive (download) words and images. A slow modem will only exacerbate the sometimes frustrating process of waiting for a Web page to load onto your screen.
Q. Do I always want the fastest modem?
A. In a word, yes. Because you pay only a modest premium for a 56kbps modem, that is your best bet. But remember, modems will automatically adjust to the slowest connection speed. That means that if the system on the other end (e.g., America Online or whoever your Internet service provider is) can give you only a 33.6kbps connection, the modem will slow down to that.
Q. I've heard people say 56K doesn't always work. Is that true?
A. The 56K modems work, but there are three factors to consider. First, until this spring there were two incompatible 56kbps standards: x2 and K56flex. This meant that if you had an x2 modem but your ISP supported K56flex, your modem performed like an older 33.6kbps device. Since most ISPs are currently upgrading to the single standard, called V.90, compatibility should no longer be an issue. (But you will need to upgrade; see the next question below.) Secondly, you have to make sure your ISP offers a local phone number that can handle 56kbps for you to dial into. Finally, because the quality of phone lines varies greatly around the country, you might not always get the maximum speed (which is technically about 53kbps under ideal conditions when downloading from your ISP and only 33.6kbps while uploading). However, because ISPs are upgrading all the time, you are still better off with a newer, faster modem.
Q. What is V.90?
A. It's the new 56kbps-modem standard the computer industry agreed on earlier this year. Vendors have begun shipping V.90 modems and are offering software upgrades for existing x2 and K56flex modems. If you have an old 56kbps modem, you'll need to get an upgrade for your modem to work at 56kbps speeds. (Most models can be upgraded with software you download from the vendor's Web site, but some vendors may make you ship the modem back to them.) Many ISPs upgraded over the summer. If you need a new modem, definitely get a V.90.
Q. Are there other high-speed options?
A. Yes, but most aren't the best bet for families. One is ISDN (integrated services digital network), a digital phone connection that has to be installed by your phone company and that may or may not be available in your area. It will give you up to 128kbps performance, but at a cost of perhaps $125 or more to install and maybe $300 for an ISDN modem. The monthly fee is probably another $30 to $100. And in most parts of the country, it's still a huge hassle to install. Yes, you get more speed, but this choice is better for businesses.
A newer option, available in just a few areas of the country, is ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line). ADSL is very fast--1.5mbps (megabits per second for downloads and 640kbps for uploads)--but it's also expensive. Expect to pay $300 and up for installation and $60 to $400 per month, excluding ISP fees.
Q. Are there other options?
A. There are cable modems, which offer excellent performance up to 512kbps or more -- much faster than either ISDN or a conventional modem. However, again, you have to see whether your local cable provider offers this service, which the company must install. You'll need to rent the special modem from your cable company. Prices vary by system, but you can expect to pay at least $100 or so for installation and another $40 or more per month for the service and modem rental. And remember, this is on top of what you are already paying for cable television. A cable modem could prove a good buy if speedy Web access is a priority in your household.
Q. What about satellite-dish connections?
A. You can get DirecPC (part of DirecTV), a satellite connection that provides up to 400kbps speed. The advantage, besides speed, is that you can get this service anywhere. However, the hardware is about $500 (the dish and installation), and you'll pay from $40 to $129 per month for access. This is not a service we suggest for home users in most cases.
Q. So what is my best bet?
A. If you are shopping for a modem, we suggest a 56kbps. (Make sure it's the new V.90 standard.) Check with your ISP to make sure you can get the higher-speed service. It is far and away the most cost-effective and easiest-to-use link for the home user. Leave the higher-speed connections to commercial users, at least for now. The one exception: If your cable company is offering Internet access, it may have a special deal for cable TV and Internet that could prove to be a good buy for you. Most people who have switched over to cable access are happy with the blazingly fast performance and are willing to pay a premium to get it.
Jon Pepper covers technology for a variety of publications.