Short for modulator-demodulator, your modem's job is to act as the translator for your home network. It takes whatever data you want to send out into the internet -- a Google search, a request to ...

The network device that enables access to the Internet. One end of the Internet modem connects to the coaxial, telephone or fiber optic cable that comes into the home or building from the Internet ...

The modem is wired to the Internet via the cable company's coaxial cable, the telephone company's DSL phone line, Verizon's FiOS network or a satellite modem. The router is wired to the modem.