In this book, a professional communications engineer explains all you need to know to select, install and troubleshoot modems. Learn how to make the most of every modem-related technology, from 56K modems to cable, cellular and wireless, and specialty modems -- including commercial voiceband and short haul modems. Modems in the Information Age includes detailed, step-by-step guidance on modem testing. Learn what modem indicator lights mean; how to use the testing capabilities of the AT command language; and how to test serial ports. The book comes with sophisticated modem test software, and practical instructions on how to use it. There's even find detailed coverage of testing the network you're connected to. The book also reviews every category of communications software -- including terminal emulators, fax and OCR software, Internet browsers, voice communications software, FTP, Zip compression, MIME encoding and decoding, and even encryption. Lewart explains the theory of modems, demonstrates the theoretical and practical limits on their performance -- and takes a close took at the chipset at the heart of today's most popular modems. This book will make any power user or communications professional dramatically more effective.