What Is A Wireless Modem? And How Does It Work?

It is undeniably true that Modems and the Internet go hand in hand. Due to their unconditional partnership, we can enjoy uninterrupted internet services 24/7, and 365 days a year. Needless to say, Modems hold fundamental importance in bringing fast and reliable internet services to our homes and offices.

The Wireless Modems are redefining the concept of reliable internet while setting up new standards. They allowed us to bypass the wired cables that often required hectic repairs or replacements at the cost of grand sums.

First appearing in the late 90s, Wireless Modems provided internet users with a new way to explore the world of the internet.

Ever since Wireless Modems debuted, they effortlessly maintained dominance over their lazy counterparts and became a mandatory option for internet connectivity. In this medium post, I will address the relatable questions about Wireless Modems and will educate my audience with answers. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s begin with the definition of Wireless Modem!

What Is A Wireless Modem?

A hardware device that provides wireless internet access to a computer or a Wi-Fi Router. A Wireless Modem receives internet service from the satellites and shares it with the connected devices.

The Wireless Modem receives the internet signals from the Internet Service Provider (Satellites) and transports them to the computer or a Wi-Fi device.

In the process of wireless internet connectivity, the Wireless Modem occupies the middle spot between the ISP and the connected devices. In short, a Wireless Modem is a bridge between the ISP and the computer or Wi-Fi device.

How Does A Wireless Modem Work?

The communication between the satellite and the computer or Wi-Fi device is carried out in analog and digital signals respectively. Since the satellites and the computer can’t read each other’s languages, a Wireless Modem is required.

The concept of a Wireless Modem is to modulate and demodulate signals between the satellites and the computer. Without a Wireless Modem, the computer signals can’t be read by satellites and the satellite signals can be read by the computer. Hence, the internet can’t be accessed at all.

As part of the job, the Wireless Modem receives internet data from the satellites in the form of analog signals and converts them into digital signals for the computer or Wi-Fi device to read them.

Similarly, when the computer or the WiFi device sends the digital signals back to the satellites, the Wireless Modem converts them into analog signals so that they can be read by the latter.

If the Wireless Modem is connected to the computer, it translates the data, establishes the internet connection, and allows the computer to use it.

In the case of a Wi-Fi device, the Wireless Modem does the same while allowing the former to broadcast the internet signals to networking devices such as mobile phones or tablets.

Functions Of A Wireless Modem

The functions of a hardware device determine its overall worth. If a hardware device lacks beneficial functions, it is unlikely to secure a spot in a competitive market.

A Wireless Modem has multiple functions to offer to internet consumers which makes it a good device to go for. These functions have been shortly summarized in the following subheadings.

Data Compression

For a Wireless Modem, compressing the satellite-forwarded data is crucially important to establish a fast and reliable internet connection. If the data is not compressed into the standard size, it will slow out the internet.

After receiving the data from the satellite, the Wireless Modem compresses the data into packets and forwards them to the devices on the receiving end. The data compression functionality of the Wireless Modem allows it to improve the internet speed.

Signal Conversion

As discussed earlier, the Wireless Modem has to convert the signals into readable languages for the satellites and the computer to communicate with each other.

Signal conversion is the fundamental function of a Wireless Modem connected with a wireless network. A Wireless Modem translates the analog signals into digital ones and digital signals into analog ones.

Error Detection

One of the main functions of a Wireless Modem is to detect erroneous internet signals and fix them for the better utilization of the receiving devices. When the Wireless Modem receives the errored internet signals, it inspects them thoroughly and makes the required changes to them. After the error is fixed, the signals are allowed to be shared with the receiving devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrap Up

Since the very first-day Wireless Modems came out, they have led the revolution of wireless internet networking. Powered by wireless internet services, these devices offer increased data security and uninterrupted internet connectivity. They are considered a reliable, efficient, and smart alternative to their all-time rival, the Cable Modems.

Although Wireless Modems are helpless against Cable Modems in terms of data speed, they are still a worthy option to get affordable internet services while saving a lot of money.