A Modem modulates digital signals from a computer or other digital device to analog signals for a conventional copper twisted pair telephone line

A Modem modulates digital signals from a computer or other digital device to analog signals for a conventional copper twisted pair telephone line and demodulates the incoming analog signal and converts it to a digital signal for the digital device.

The Modem utilizes the phone line to transmit data by downloading (to your computer), and uploading (from your computer). V.90 is the de facto standard for dial-up access currently, however a new promising V.92 standard has emerged recently improving upon V.90. Three new features of v.92 that is of great interest is Quick Connect, Modem-on-Hold, and PCM Upstream.

Quick Connect shortens the time it takes to connect to the internet, usually it takes 30-45 seconds for the Modem to connect. Quick Connect greatly reduces the time, by remembering the characteristics of your phone line.

Modem-on-Hold allows you to receive an incoming phone call without disconnecting from the Internet. Many people use the same phone line for the phone and internet which ties up the phone line from incoming calls, On-Hold allows the incoming call to be answered while keeping the the internet on hold without disconnecting. Call waiting from your phone company is required for the feature to work.

PCM Upstream is a faster data rate between your computer and the internet for uploading files. In previous 56K modems the download speed was almost twice as fast as the upload speed. PCM Upstream increases the upload speed potentially as high as 48Kbps which will make uploading files, or sending large e-mails faster.