A
modem that resides in a self-contained box outside the
computer system. Contrast with an
internal modem, which resides on a
printed circuit board inserted into the
computer.
External modems tend to be slightly more expensive than internal modems. Many experts consider them superior because they contain lights that indicate how the modem is functioning. In addition, they can easily be moved from one computer to another. However, they do use up one COM port.
