The spelling of the word "modems" is relatively straightforward. It is pronounced / ˈmoʊdəmz /, with the stress placed on the first syllable. The "e" in the second syllable is pronounced with a short sound, similar to the "e" in "pet". The "s" at the end is pronounced as a "z" sound, indicating that the word is plural. In terms of meaning, modems are devices that allow computers to connect to the internet or other networks via a telephone line or cable.
A modem, short for modulator-demodulator, is a device that enables communication between a computer or other electronic devices and the internet. It serves as a bridge between the digital signals of a computer and the analog signals used by telephone lines or cable systems for transmitting data.
Modems are typically used in households to connect to the internet service provider (ISP) through the telephone lines or cable connections. They convert the digital information from a computer into a format that can be transmitted over the telephone or cable lines. In the process of transmitting data, the modem modulates the digital signals into analog signals for transmission, and upon receiving data, it demodulates the analog signals back into digital form for the computer to understand.
Modems are essential for creating a data connection, whether that be dial-up, broadband, or wireless. They support various technologies like digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, fiber optic, or satellite connections. With its ability to establish reliable communication channels, modems facilitate the efficient transfer of data, enabling internet users to browse websites, send emails, download files, play online games, and more. The speed at which data can be transmitted depends on the modem's capabilities and the type of connection it supports.
In summary, a modem is a device that connects electronic devices to the internet by converting digital signals into analog signals for transmission over telephone or cable lines and vice versa.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The term "modem" is a portmanteau of the words "modulator" and "demodulator". The word "modulate" refers to the process of converting digital signals into analog signals for transmission, whereas "demodulate" refers to the reverse process of converting analog signals back into digital signals for reception. The term "modem" was coined in the early 1960s to describe devices that performed these modulation and demodulation functions, allowing computers to communicate with each other using analog telephone lines.