Telecom For Dummies

Most data is transmitted by simply attaching a document to an e-mail message and clicking the Send button. About 20 years ago, the same transfer might have been made using a direct connection into the office server and sent via modem. Modems do transmit and at very slow speeds when compared to other forms of data transfer, but still exist today and are best used in two niche markets:

• Administration applications: Phone systems and local area networks aren’t infallible. If your LAN is failing, you might not be able to access your data. However, a technician can still dial into the router with a modem and troubleshoot the system. The same scenario goes for dialing into a PBX or channel bank for troubleshooting. As long as you are dialing from your computer directly into your server or PBX, you have a secure connection for as long as you need it.

• Older systems that require modem transfers: Not everyone has jumped on the DSL, or cable modem, or T-1 bandwagon for their Internet connection, and some large software systems were designed to use modems to transfer data (such as many HR programs). In spite of the speed at which technology advances, many systems and people have not upgraded to faster connections.

Aside from these two niche applications, there is little reason to use dialup modems to transfer your data unless you like waiting.