History of Computers - Smartmodem

In the 1980's there were several important advancements to technology, especially regarding computers. One of those inventions is known as the Smartmodem which was developed by Hayes Microcomputer Products.

Overview

There were already existing modems made before the Smartmodem the only problem was that all of these modems recieved information from the computer and didn't act upon it, instead they just transported the data to the other side. In essence there was no control over the computer through the modem. In response to this Dale Heatherington came up with the idea that there needed to be two modes in which the modem could operate a data mode that would just export data to the other side and then a different mode a command mode that would allow data to be exported and acted upon by the computer.

To switch between modes a specific signal was selected +++ with a guard time of one second so that the modes would not be switched accidently, if for some reason someone was to input +++ into their computer there would be a time delay. To add this to the companies existing modems all they needed to do was modify there latest modem and add a Zilog Z8 which was an 8 mHZ microcontroller, which cost 10 US dollars each. When the Smartmodem was completed it was the first modem that could be used in the same fashion with any computer universally by having complete control over the telephone line.

Significance

The significance of the Smartmodem is that before this modems needed to be created uniquely for each type of computer and with the invention of the Smartmodem there was no need for individualized modems, helping bring the computer world together universally. Without the invention of the Smartmodem once attached to a modem we wouldn't be able to influence the computer without completely detaching from the modem first. With the Smartmodem we can control the computer while attached to the modem making computers faster, more reliable. Not to mention that it paved the road for more advanced modems that could be sold worldwide allowing the most advanced technology to everyone.