External Modem

What Does External Modem Mean?

An external modem is a network device that is in a self-contained enclosure external to a computer. This is in contrast to an internal modem that is contained on a printed circuit board with a computer.

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External modems have lights indicating various modem functions and they can easily be moved from one computer system to another. The do, however, require one COM or USB port to operate.

Techopedia Explains External Modem

External modems are generally more expensive than internal modems, but they do offer portability between different computers.

Some types of external modems include:

  • USB
  • Cable
  • DSL
  • External wireless modems
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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…