Internal Modems

The internal modem is a modem designed to attach to the inside of computer cases or laptops. The modem is used for receiving and sending data to and from computers over a network. There are two modem types: the broadband modem and the narrow-band modem. An internal modem is only used for narrow-band connections. This is because broadband modems are usually connected to numerous computers to share the Internet connection. This article discusses the internal modem and the different kinds of internal modem available on the market. Read More >

Basically, there are two ways to connect an internal modem to your computer. The first is called ISA, or industry standard architecture. This interface was developed by IBM in 1981 and was used to connect computer components such as an internal modem to the computer motherboard. In 1993, the invention of the PCI or peripheral component interconnect, quickly replaced the use of ISA as an industry standard. If you have seen an internal modem, chances are that you have seen the PCI or PCI-E type. With the introduction of PCI-Express in 2004, most computer components have been manufactured to fit the PCI-E interface. Today, the internal modem is usually made in the PCI-E interface.

The industry standard for internal modem speeds is 56kilobytes per second. This is quite slow compared to broadband connections, which can reach up to 8megabytes per second. Still the internal modem proves to be useful for portable computers such as laptops and notebooks. Another important advantage to an internal modem is that it can be used anywhere where there is a telephone line. All that is needed is an ISP (Internet service provider) that provides narrow-band signals.