MOdulator/DEModulator, a device used to transmit digital data over normally Analog Communications lines, usually as an audio signal on Tele
phone circuits. A modem attached to a computer performs a Digital-To-Analog Conversion of data and transmits them to another modem which performs an Analog
-To-Digital Conversion that permits its attached computer to use the data. Most modems transfer data
at rates ranging from 2400-19,200 bits per Second; higher rates can be achieved using data compression. Wireless modems send or
receive data as a Radio signal. A fax modem enables a computer to send and receive transmissions to
and from a facsimile Machine. Developed by Bell (see Bell, Alexander Graham) in 1958.