Modem

Intermediate πŸ’» Tech / IT

Definition

A device that converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone or cable lines, and reconverts incoming analog signals back into digital data. The term is a portmanteau of 'modulator-demodulator.'

Example Usage

The internet went out because my modem lost its connection to the ISP.

Origin

Acronym formed from 'modulator-demodulator'; term emerged in the 1960s with early computer networking.

Fun Fact

The distinctive screech and chirp sounds of dial-up modems connecting became an iconic sound of 1990s internet culture.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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