What is the difference between an ethernet and USB modem?
Dial-up modems connect to your computer via a chunky 9-pin (traditionally) port. DSL modems connect via ethernet (looks like a larger version of a phone plug) or USB (generally a long flat hollow-looking plug). Most computers produced over the last 2-3 years will have both an ethernet and a USB port (if you’ve got any Mac younger than an iMac, it will definitely have USB and ethernet). Ethernet is how computers to connect to eachother over a network. It is an older, very stable connection method. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is newer and more traditionally used for connecting hardware such as printers, keyboards, mice, cameras, and so on. It can be less stable than ethernet but its advantage is that in the most basic of ADSL modems, you do not require a separate power cord. Most people tend to recommend ethernet modems for connecting as it is less temperamental and easier to install, which makes connection troubleshooting much simpler.
Related Questions
- Can I connect two computers to my usb/ethernet cable modem and why when I connect a different computer to the ethernet connection on the modem do I not get an IP address?
- I have a USB based Cable or DSL modem. Can I plug this directly into the PS2 without having to use an ethernet adapter?
- Whats the difference between an Ethernet and a USB modem?
