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Dial-up is a method of connecting to the internet using a standard telephone line and a modem to convert digital data into analog signals for transmission. Users must dial a specific number to reach an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This connection was historically significant but is now considered obsolete due to its extremely slow speeds (maxing out around 56 Kbps), the inability to use the phone line for calls while online, and the overall inconvenience compared to modern broadband services.

How Dial-up Works

Hardware: A modem is connected between the computer and a standard telephone line.

Connection: The modem is instructed to dial the ISP's phone number.

Handshake: The modem exchanges tones and signals with the ISP's equipment to synchronize communication settings.

Data Transmission: The modem converts digital data from the computer into analog audio signals for transmission over the phone line and then converts them back to digital data upon arrival at the ISP.

Disconnection: The connection remains active until manually disconnected or interrupted by an incoming call.

Key Characteristics

Slow Speeds: Limited to a maximum of 56 kilobits per second (Kbps).

Shared Line: The telephone line is occupied for voice calls and internet access simultaneously. Manual Connection: Users must dial in to establish the connection.