modem
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Telecom
| Stands for | Modulator-demodulator |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
modem stands for Modulator-demodulator, a telecom abbreviation.
Device that converts digital data into signals suited to a transmission medium, such as telephone lines, cable TV coax or fiber, and back again. Home internet requires a modem, often combined with a Wi-Fi router in one box.
Example: Restart the modem first, then the router, if the internet goes down.
Usage notes
AT&T's Bell 103 modem of 1962 transmitted 300 bits per second, and dial-up modems peaked at 56 kbit/s with the V.90 and V.92 standards around 1998 to 2000; their screeching handshake sound is remembered by early internet users. Hayes's command set, beginning with "AT", became a standard still used by cellular modules. Cable modems follow DOCSIS standards.
Related abbreviations
More telecom abbreviations
- LTE-M – LTE for machines (LTE Cat-M1)
- MCC – Mobile country code
- MIMO – Multiple-input multiple-output
- MMS – Multimedia Messaging Service
- mmWave – Millimeter wave
- MNO – Mobile network operator
- MSISDN – Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number
- MVNO – Mobile virtual network operator
- MWC – Mobile World Congress
- NB-IoT – Narrowband Internet of Things
- NFC – Near-field communication
- NR – New Radio