A device is an example of technology. A null modem cable is a device.
It is both an Input and an Output device.
An in-built modem is a communication device built into a motherboard which allows for a dial-up or cellular based connections to be made. This eliminates the need to carry around or install an external modem.
An external modem is usually more expensive than a card modem, even though the external modem is usually slower. The external modem has the added expense of external casing and additional translation to serial, parallel, SCSI or USB formatting.
A Router/Modem
An internal modem is housed within the main computer. An external modem is on the outside of the computer and connected to the computer with a cable.
A modem
modem
One example is a serial modem, though somewhat outdated today.
One example might be, using a fraudulent modem to access cable or satellite TV.
The device you are referring to is called a Modem.
A modem (Modulator-demodulator) is both. It allows you to input data (download) and output data (upload).