Modems are a bit dated actually. Generally admins just use 'network cards' (NICs) nowadays. A network is a few computers all connected together...right. So if you want to plug your computer into that network.. where do you think the wire for the computer gets plugged into..??? The network card.
A computer does not need a modem to connect to the internet. A modem is just one way to connect. The most common other methods are wired or wireless ethernet, neither of which uses a modem. A modem is just a way to transfer computer data from one place to another using a voice grade telephone line. Modems are also used on other types of telephone circuit, and phone lines may also be a part of a wired or wireless ethernet connection.
If you're talking about a Cable Modem, which I guess you are since Modems are not really used anymore.
A cable modem is...really important.
A cable modem is the door for the internet signal. The signal goes from your ISP, to the Cable modem and then to your computer, it gets the IP's from your ISP, it determines the speed you should have and it converts the signal from the Coaxial cable to something called Internet.
A modem sends data packets to and from your computer. These packets are needed to load website such as Google. It also assigns you a MAC Address which is needed to connect to the internet.
If you're not tech savvy and that answer is confusing then a quick easy answer is, it's an important medium in connecting you to the internet.
Under what circumstances is a modem necessary for connecting computers in networks?
it does not - for basic functions
only needed to go on internet
modem = MOdulator / DEModulator
not modum
Networking.
You can share a USB modem internet to other computers on the network by simply creating a wireless network with the comp where the modem is connected and then connecting the other computers to the network via the wireless network that you created.
Assuming antennae is good maybe not picking up wifi signal-ensure wireless turned on in modem. All avail. networks should show and strongest should be closest modem.
laptops and computers dont come with modems. They come with wireless adapters that are essentially the same for both laptop and desktop, that can connect to modems. If you have a purchased usb modem for your laptop, that is what is accessing the internet. If you do not, the modem, say at Starbucks, is accessing the internet for you...and you are connecting to it.
Router will use connecting to modem
Connecting Internet throgh DSL Modem by using Ethernet port is the most rreliable & trusted way to get the best performance on a computer. Using DSL through USB makes system slow & doesn't provide the best of the available bandwidth. Moreover Through Ethernet DSL Modem can enable access to multiple computers by using a network switch.
A analog modem is a typical modem found in personal computers. A digital modem is similar to a DSL type modem. Most computers do not have digital modems.
There are a few essential components needed to successfully set up a network for an office. The most important components will be an Ethernet router. The size of the router and the number of ports will depend on the amount of people that will be connected to the router. Ethernet cabling is also essential to connect the computers to the router. Connecting the router to a modem is also necessary in order to connect all the computers on the network to the internet.
FUNCTIONS OF MODEM
You should have your modem wired to at least one of your computers. If you have a desktop you should attach the modem to that so that it can send out the ISP to the other computers. It is necessary for you to do this, that way any other computer you use will have no problem picking up the signal and using the ISP.
NO
Don't use a cable modem for dial up. Use the modem in your computer or an external voice/fax modem for dial up. If you want to share the internet connection with other computers use Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) in Windows. Search windows in Information in Help and Support Center for the Internet Connection Sharing setup in Windows XP. To use ICS you will have to logically connect all of the devices into one network. Hopefully all of your computers will self assign an IP address that will let them talk to each other then all you need are network cables and a switch. You can also use the swith (LAN) portion of your cable modem as a router to assign IP addresses (DHCP) to the other computers to ensure the other computers are on the same network.