56k modem
Nineties internet hardware
A 56k modem is a device that connects computers to the internet over telephone lines, transmitting data at up to 56 kilobits per second.
Standard in homes through the 1990s, it was characterized by its distinctive screeching handshake sound when connecting.
The 56k modem became obsolete as broadband replaced dial-up: Back in the dial-up days, downloading a single song on a 56k modem took forever.
- dialupPhone-line internet connection
- baudSignal change frequency unit
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
- screechHigh, harsh cry
- AOLEarly internet provider
internet · connection · download · slow · phoneline · phone cord · ISP · early internet · buffering · static · fax · telecommunications · bandwidth · ping · online · waiting · busy signal · connecting
- dial-up56k, dial tone, busy signal, screeching, screech
- Dot-com Eradot-com crash, bubble burst, irrational exuberance, IPOs, stock speculation
- retro techVCR, cassette tape, typewriter, fax machine, answering machine
connection speed
56k modembroadband
Fast internet access
fiber optic · high-speed internet · 5G · cable modem · fiber