← Years 5–6 Digital Systems

Modem

A device that converts signals so a local network can connect to an internet service provider (ISP), such as over an NBN connection. A router then shares that connection.

Part of: 5-6 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems & Security — Module 31, 7-8 Digital Technologies Vic Curric - Digital Systems and Security — Module 39, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Wired and Wireless Networks — Module 9, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Networked Systems and Access Control — Module 9, WA Computer Science ATAR Year 11 — Network Communications — Module 33

Understanding Modem in Years 5–6 Digital Systems

What it does: The NBN connection reaches the home through the modem, which converts the signals so the network can reach the ISP. An ISP is the company that provides your internet connection, such as Telstra or Optus. The modem is the link between your local network and your ISP. A monitor is just an output device. The modem brings the connection in. The router then shares it with laptops, tablets and phones.

Common mistakes: A modem connects the local network to the internet service provider (ISP). It should be 'modem_connects_to = isp'. The router only shares that connection. A modem converts signals so the network can connect to the ISP. Sharing the connection with devices is the router's job. It should be 'modem = "converts signals"'.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 31–40) and word search (Modules 21–52).

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Learning
Duo
What does a modem do?
Converts signals so a local network can connect to an ISPStores all of your files and photos permanently
Matches
The router converts signals so we can connect to the ISP.
↓
This describes the wrong device. The modem converts signals to connect to the ISP, while the router shares that connection with devices.
Applying
Meanings
Term
modem
Meaning
A device that converts signals so a local network can connect to an internet service provider (ISP), such as over an NBN connection. A router then shares that connection.
Practice
isp = "NBN"
Testing
Gaps
A modem signals for the ISP
Check Answer
Spots
2connection = "NBN"
3modem_connects_to = router

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Quick Questions

1. What does a modem do?
A. Converts signals so a local network can connect to an ISP ✓
B. Stores all of your files and photos permanently
A modem converts signals between your home network and the line from your internet service provider (ISP).
2. What does ISP stand for?
A. Internal system protocol
B. Internet service provider ✓
An ISP is the company that provides your internet connection, such as Telstra or Optus.
3. Which device connects your home network to the ISP?
A. Monitor
B. Modem ✓
The modem is the link between your local network and your ISP. A monitor is just an output device.
4. A home has an NBN connection. What is the modem's job?
A. Connect the home network to the NBN so it can reach the ISP ✓
B. Print documents over the NBN
The modem lets the home network use the NBN connection to reach the ISP and the internet.
5. Modem vs router: which device shares the internet connection with many devices in the home?
A. Router ✓
B. Modem
The modem brings the connection in. The router then shares it with laptops, tablets and phones.

Match the Pairs

modem → A device that converts signals so a local network can connect to an internet service provider (ISP)
ISP → The company that provides your internet connection, which a modem connects your network to
The modem connects the home network to the ISP over an NBN connection → NBN line -> modem -> ISP
The modem brings the internet in and the router shares it with devices → modem -> router -> devices
The router converts signals so we can connect to the ISP. → This describes the wrong device. The modem converts signals to connect to the ISP, while the router shares that connection with devices.
A modem is the company that gives you internet. → A modem is a device, not a company. The company that provides internet is the ISP.

Key Term

modem
A device that converts signals so a local network can connect to an internet service provider (ISP), such as over an NBN connection. A router then shares that connection.

Fill in the Blanks

1. A modem converts signals for the ISP
Hint: Type the verb for what a modem does to signals so they suit the ISP
2. laptop -> router -> modem -> ISP
Hint: Type the device that links the local network to the ISP
3. The modem connects the network to the ISP
Hint: Type the acronym for the company that provides your internet
4. modem -> router -> laptop, phone, tablet
Hint: Type the device that shares the modem's connection with many devices
5. The NBN connection plugs into the modem
Hint: Type the acronym for Australia's national broadband network

Spot the Error

Question 1
A isp = "Telstra"
B connection = "NBN"
C modem_connects_to = router
D router_shares = True
Line C — A modem connects the local network to the internet service provider (ISP). It should be 'modem_connects_to = isp'. The router only shares that connection.
Question 2
A isp = "Optus"
B modem = "shares to devices"
C router = "shares connection"
Line B — A modem converts signals so the network can connect to the ISP. Sharing the connection with devices is the router's job. It should be 'modem = "converts signals"'.
Question 3
A modem_on = True
B isp_connected = True
C if modem_on and isp_connected:
D print("Internet works"
Line D — The closing bracket is missing from the print call. It should be ' print("Internet works")'.
Question 4
A def modem(signal):
B out = convert(signal)
C print("Sending to ISP")
D return signal
Line D — A modem converts the signal, so it should return the converted result 'out'. Returning 'signal' gives back the unconverted original.
Question 5
A isp = Telstra
B modem = "converts signals"
C print("Modem links to", isp)
Line A — The text Telstra needs quotes to be a string. Without them Python looks for a variable called Telstra. It should be 'isp = "Telstra"'.

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