Modem

What is Modem?
A modem and router are two of the most frequent components in a home network
configuration. A router establishes a local area network (LAN), whereas a modem connects
to an internet service provider (ISP). For a home network to work, both devices are
necessary.
What is a Modem?
Modem stands for Modulator/Demodulator. The modem is defined as a networking
device that is used to connect devices connected in the network to the internet. The main
function of a modem is to convert the analog signals that come from telephone wire into a
digital form. In digital form, these converted signals are stored in the form of 0s and 1s.
The modem can perform both the task of modulation and demodulation simultaneously.
Modems are majorly used to transfer digital data in personal systems. The modem is also
known as a signal translator as it translates one signal into another signal by modulating
the digital signal into an analog signal for transmission and then demodulates receiving
analog signals into digital signals.
Features of Modem
 Modems can modulate as well as demodulate the signals simultaneously.
 Modem allows to connect only a specific number of devices to the internet.
 According to the features of modem, it’s price ranges.
 Modems can be upgraded with the help of a specific software patch.
 To use the devices over the internet with a modem devices need to be configured with
an Internet Service Provider(ISP) .
 When the modem is connected to Hub it slows down its process.
Working of Modem
The two main components of a modem are modulation and demodulation. Where the
modem can perform both tasks simultaneously. The step-by-step working of the modem is
given below:

Step 1: Data Generation: When data needs to be transmitted it is first generated.

Therefore computer system generated the data which is in digital form of 0s and 1s.
Step 2: Modulation: Modulation is defined as a process of converting digital data signals
of the computer into analog data signals so that these signals can travel on the internet. The
digital data is encoded onto a carrier wave.
Step 3: Transmission: The resultant of modulation that is modulated data is transmitted
over the communication line to the modem that is receiving it.
Step 4: Demodulation: Demodulation is defined as a process in which analog data signals
from the internet are converted into digital data signals so they can be understood by
computer systems. In the process of demodulation the digital data from the carrier wave is
decoded.
Step 5: Decoding: The resultant of demodulation that is demodulated data is being sent to
the computer systems for their further use.
Types of Modem
There are different types of modems available. Each modem has different features and
provides with different benefits. Below are the different types of modems:
1. Optical Modem
In modem, different type of media is used to transfer the signals. Optical Modem is the
type of modem that makes use of optical cables instead of using another metallic type of
media. The digital data is converted into the pulse of light that is transmitted on the optical
fiber used in the optical Modem.
2. Digital Modem
Digital Modem is defined as a type of modem that is used to convert digital data into
digital signals. Digital data is in form of 0s and 1s. For this, it performs the process of
modulation. Digital Modem modulates the digital data on digital carrier signals for
transmission.
3. Cable Modem
Cable modems are defined as a type of modem used to establish a communication between
computer systems and the Internet Service Providers. A cable modem helps to access high-
speed data through cable TV networks. Such modems are usually connected to desktops or
systems and work like external devices.
4. Satellite Modem
Satellite Modems are defined as a type of modem that provides with the internet connection
through satellite dishes. This type of modem works by sending the input bits into output
radio signals and vice versa. The internet network that is provided by such types of
modems is more reliable and efficient as compared to other types of modems.
5. Dial Modem
A Dial Modem is a type of modem that converts data used in telephone and data used on
computers. In short dial modem converts between analog form and digital form. The
networking devices connected to the computer are all at one end and the telephone line is at
another end. This type of modem transmits the data at a speed of 56000 per/sec.
Advantages of Modem
 A modem converts digital signals into an analog signal.
 The cost of a modem increases according to the features it has.
 The modem helps to connect the LAN to the internet.
 Modem performs both modulation and demodulation processes simultaneously
Disadvantages of Modem
 The working of the modem slows down when connected to the hub.
 The modem cannot track the traffic between the LAN and the internet.
 When using a modem a limited number of network devices can be connected to the
internet.
 Modems have a high rock of security-related attacks.
 The modem does not provide maintenance of traffic.

Repeaters
A computer network is made up of various devices such as the hub, repeater, modem,
switch, computer devices, etc. Each device plays a vital role in networking. Repeaters are
used in order to extend the network and provide security, strength, and no data loss. The
below article describes in detail a networking device known as a repeater.
What is a Repeater?
Repeaters are defined as a networking device that is used to amplify and generate the
incoming signal. Repeaters work at the physical layer of the OSI model . The main aim of
using a repeater is to increase the networking distance by increasing the strength and
quality of signals. The performance of Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area
Networks (WANs) repeaters are used. Using repeaters helps to reduce error, and loss of
data and provides with delivery of data at specified locations only. The major advantage of
using a repeater is that it provides with transfer of data with more security and over a long
distance.

Features of Repeaters
 Repeater can regenerate the signal without modifying it.
 Repeaters can be used in analog signals and digital signals .
 Repeaters can extend the range of networks.
 Dynamic networking is supported by repeater.
 Use of Repeaters reduces error and loss of data.
 Power is required for working of repeaters.
 Using repeater can add complexity in the network.
Working of Repeaters
 Initially the source system transmits the signals. This source systems can be a mobile
phone, laptop or radio.
 This transmitted signal from the source system travels in air if it’s wireless network or
through the cable if it is wired network. As the signal goes away from the source it’s
strength gets weak.
 The signal received to the repeater is not the actual signal sent by source system but a
weak signal. Therefore repeater amplifies this weak signal to get it strengthen.
 The strengthen signal is now being sent from the repeater to its destination. This signal
is stronger and can travel at longer distance. In short, it extends the network without
losing the quality of signal.
 Repeaters are therefore used in various wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and wired
technologies such as ethernet.
Types of Repeaters
According to the functions and features repeaters are divided into three types. They are as
follow:
 Analog Repeater: Analog repeaters are used to amplify only the analog signals. Analog
repeaters receives the analog signal, amplifies it and then regenerates it as the output.
Analog repeaters were mostly used in the older network technologies where analog
signal was used.
 Digital Repeater: Digital repeaters are the type of repeaters that does not amplify
digital signal but regenerates it directly. Digital repeaters are mostly used in the modern
technologies where digital signal is being used. Digital repeaters are also capable to
reconstruct a distorted signal.
2. According to the type of Connected Network
Based on the type of network the repeaters can connect they are categorized as below:
 Wired Repeaters: Wired repeaters are used in wired Local Area Networks (LANs).
Wired repeater receives the signal and repeats it. This helps to extend the network travel
data without losing its strength and data.
 Wireless Repeaters: Wireless repeaters are used in wireless Local Area Networks
(LANs) and Cellular networks. A router connected in the network sends wireless signal
to the repeater. Once received, repeater broadcast the signal to increase the coverage of
network.
3. According to the Domain of LAN Networks
Based on the location of the Repeater in network they are connected, Repeaters are
classified as below:
 Local Repeaters: Local Repeaters are used in Local Area Networks where the network
is very small. The distance between the devices connected in network is very small.
 Remote Repeaters: Remote Repeaters are used in Local Area Networks where network
is very large. The distance between the devices connected in network is more.
4. Based on Technologies
According to the technology used Repeater are further classified as:
 Microwave Repeater: Microwave repeaters are defined as a type of repeater that are
embedded between the source and destination that is transmitting station and receiving
station. The use of microwave repeater depends upon the distance between two devices.
In microwave repeaters high power transmitters and sensitive receivers are used.
 Optical Repeater: Optical repeaters are defined as a type of repeaters that are used for
the communication of fiber optic communication systems. Optical repeaters can amplify
 and reshape the operations before they are being transmitted. The optical repeater grabs
all the signals from optical fiber cable into electronic form.
 Radio Repeater: Radio repeater is a type of repeater that transmits all the received data
into radio signals. Radio repeaters has two different ports namely radio receiver and
radio transmitter. Radio transmitter is used to retransmit the data that is received from
repeater and radio receiver collects all the incoming data in form of signals.
 Telephone Repeater: Telephone repeaters are type of repeaters used for long distance
networks. Amplifiers having transistors are used in telephone repeater. Telephone
repeater is a bidirectional communication system. Telephone repeaters are majorly used
for communication in submarines.
Advantages of Repeater
 Better Performance of Network: Repeaters provide with better performance of network
because they do not always depend on processing overheads at the time.
 Cost Effective: Repeaters are more cost effective as compared to other network devices
therefore they are cost effective.
 Extends the network: Repeaters provides with an advantage to extend the available
network for transmission of data.
 No Physical barriers: Using physical devices can led to some barrier while transmission
of signals. With the help of wireless repeaters such issues are resolved.
 Enhanced Signals: When computer devices and routers are connected in a network
over long distance it weakens the strength of signals. While using repeaters it improves
the strength of signals even over long distances.
Disadvantages of Repeater
 Network Traffic: Repeaters do not have features to segment the network traffic.
Therefore repeaters do lack with the property to congestion.
 Network Segmentation: As repeaters do not have feature to segment the network
traffic repeaters cannot create a separate traffic from one cable to another.
 Limited number of repeaters: Use of limited number of repeaters is supported by the
network. If more number of repeaters are used that the specified one, it can even create
collision of packets and increase the noise.
 Collision Domain: The information is passed from various domains repeater is not able
to separate the devices.