External Modems

Select external modems whenever possible.

Even though an external modem is almost always more expensive than a generic-brand internal modem, your installation and ongoing support costs are minimized by predictable, easy-to-configure, standardized hardware.

Unless you have some rather unusual circumstances, stick with external modems on your desktop PCs and servers. Here’s why.

External modems can be reset without having to reboot your PC.

The status indicator lights on the modem will help you participate more actively in over-the-phone troubleshooting with your ISP’s technical support group, for example, or your computer consultant.

Because external modems are modular and outside the PC chassis, external modems are easy to replace during troubleshooting.

Tip:
Most small businesses place external modems on top of their desktop PC system unit or monitor. This is a great location for troubleshooting and resetting the modem, but the modem often falls and easily can break. You can prevent this misfortune by attaching a few short strips of Velcro to both the external modem and PC system unit or monitor

External Modems Action Items

Does your company use internal modems, external modems or a combination of the two?

How much time and money have you spent over the past 12 months troubleshooting modem-related problems? Do your support logs or computer consultant invoices distinguish between internal and external modem problems?

Do you often experience problems with analog phone lines that require you to reset your modems?

Are you familiar with what the status indicator lights tell you on the front panel of external modems?

Are all of your external modems properly secured to minimize the risk of falling to the floor and breaking?

 

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