Broadband Modems Review – Which Connection Works For You?

Broadband modems are high speed modems that enable you to connect with an ADSL internet service. Many newer computers come equipped with internal modems, but if you have an older computer you may need to purchase one separately.

There are a variety of broadband modems available on the market today. The four main categories are:

• PCI
• USB
• Ethernet Routers
• Wireless Routers

PCI modems are typically the cheapest of these. PCI modems are installed internally. If you cannot perform this task yourself, stores where they are sold typically keep technicians on staff who can install them. PCI modems deliver the best response time, making them a common choice for gamers and web developers.

USB modems are the easiest and most user-friendly types to install. These modems are connected through a standard USB plug. Once the software that comes with the modem is installed, you merely plug in the USB connection and the modem is up and running.

Ethernet routers are the third type of broadband modem. These are standalone devices that maintain the internet connection and broadcast it to various desktops or laptops in the network. Routers are used to connect multiple users to one service through either Ethernet cables connecting the Ethernet out plug on your computer with the plug on the router (also known as a ‘hub’).

Wireless routers are the final type of modem. These were first popularized by Apple in the form of “Airport” cards created for its Macintosh PowerBook and iBook laptops. These cards enable users to connect to DSL routers anywhere through a broadcast signal received by the card. Wireless cards can be purchased separately and be easily installed in both Macs and PC’s. Companies such as Ericsson, Navini, Charter, and in the UK , BT (British Telecommunications), are frontrunners in the mobile broadband technology industry.

Internet sites such as JiWire.com, epinions.com and ConsumerReports.com all offer valuable in-depth review of broadband modems and service.