How to choose a modem

Modem - a device for accessing the Internet. Therefore, before you go to the store digital equipment, you must determine how the computer will connect to the network. A modem is needed only if you plan to connect to the Internet via 3G / 4G or ADSL. For PPPoE networks with static or dynamic IP, such a device is not needed.

Content

1. How to choose a modem: determine the type
   
2. ADSL modem
3. USB modem
4. Router
5. Summary

How to choose a modem: determine the type

Determining which modem is needed begins with a call to the provider. He will say what protocol will be connected to the Internet:

1. If ADSL (dial-up connection) - you need a modem;

2. If PPPoE (connection via Ethernet cable from the distribution unit) - the modem is not needed;

3. If the fiber-optic fiber - the modem in most cases provides the provider itself;

4. If the PLC (220 V consumer network connection) is similar to fiber optics;

5. If there is no provider, whose network covers the house where an Internet connection is required, then a 3G / 4G modem is needed.

3G-modem is suitable for a laptop. It allows you to access the Internet from almost anywhere - the main thing is to cover the mobile network. Therefore, in a considerable distance from any provincial city, it may not work.

It is necessary to distinguish between a modem and a router. Modem - a device for accessing the Internet. It converts a signal of one type into a signal of another type. The router also distributes one internet connection between several devices. Modems are already built into some routers.

In very rare cases, the provider provides Internet access via Wi-Fi. This is found in some cottage villages, for example. But extremely rare. To access the Internet in this case, you need a WiFi-modem - or any adapter. It is worth remembering that such networks are very unsafe.

ADSL modem

ADSL technology, in which access to the Internet is via a four-core (and in some cases two-wire) telephone cable, is practically not found today. This is due to the low speed and stability of this standard. However, in some remote urban areas, suburbs and towns, it can still be found.

To access the Internet via ADSL, you will need an ADSL modem, respectively. When choosing it, consider the following parameters:

1. Supported standard generation - ADSL, ADSL2 + or ADSL2 (or VDSL2 and other versions);

2. Maximum data transfer rate. This parameter indicates the speed with which the modem can exchange information between itself and the provider's server. The higher it is, the better;

3. Maximum speed of data exchange. This parameter indicates the speed with which the modem can exchange data between itself and the computer. It should not be lower than the maximum transfer rate.

If you plan to connect several devices to the Internet, then it is better to purchase an ADSL router (router). It works in the same way as a modem, however, it is equipped with several output ports and / or can distribute a Wi-Fi network.

USB modem

A USB modem is needed primarily to connect to a wireless mobile network using the standard 1G (GPRS), 2G (EDGE), 3G (protocol family), and 4G (LTE and subsequent enhancements). Rare cases like an external Ethernet or ADSL modem that connects via USB can be ignored - they are too exotic.

When choosing a USB modem, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Supported Networks. For example, Yota operator modems can work only on 4G networks. And the old devices from Huawei are only in 2G. It is desirable that the modem works in the whole range of networks - from 2G to 4G.

2. Operator lock. Branded modems (MTS, Beeline, Megaphone, etc.) can often work only in networks of the native operator. In most cases, this lock is software-based and is relatively easy to manage, but this leads to a loss of warranty.

3. Type of modem. There are two types of modems that differ in the principle of operation - HiLink and Stick. The first implies that to connect a modem to a computer, you do not need to install drivers, software clients, etc. To connect the second to the PC, all this will have to be installed. However, HiLink has important shortcomings - it heats up more when working and is not compatible with all operating systems.

Router

A router or router is a device that is designed to create a local wired or wireless network. It itself does not connect to the Internet. The router simply enters the existing network and creates a “daughter” based on it - like a branch that grows from a tree trunk.

A router can be used to access the Internet only if the provider uses LAN-like networks: PPPoE standards, fiber, PLC. And in the last two cases, a modem (or rather, a signal converter) will still be needed - to connect to optical fiber or a socket, respectively.

Routers can be used with ADSL or USB modems. To do this, the router must be connected to the output port of the modem.

There are mobile routers. They, like USB-modems, connect to a cellular network, and then open a Wi-Fi network, through which you can get shared access to the Internet.

Summary

Before buying a modem, you need to make sure that you really need it. Most modern networks can do without it. A modem is needed if there is an ADSL connection in the house or if there is no “wire” at all.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.