Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
An answer-only modem can answer incoming calls but cannot place outgoing calls. That limitation describes how it starts a connection—not whether it can send data after a connection is established.
What is an answer-only modem?
Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition, defines it as “A modem that can receive but not originate calls.” In this definition, receive means answer an incoming call, while originate means place a call to establish a connection.
The paired term is answer/originate modem: a modem that can both answer incoming calls and place outgoing calls. The dictionary describes that as the most common type in use in its context; this historical wording is not a statement about today’s modem market. Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition, excerpt hosted by O’Reilly.
Can an answer-only modem send data?
“Answer-only” does not mean “receive-data-only.” It identifies the modem’s role in call setup: it can answer, but it cannot originate a call. The definition does not say that the modem is unable to transmit data once connected, so those two capabilities should not be confused.
#1 Best Overall
- DIAL-UP & FAX SUPPORT: Hardware-based USB 2.0 Fax modem adds data and fax functionality to your computer / laptop via USB without putting additional load on your CPU; For faxing, rural internet access, security systems, POS credit authorization
- VOICE AND CALLER ID SUPPORT: Make and receive phone calls through your desktop / laptop computer; This portable USB modem supports Caller ID functionality and is compatible with most dial-up ISP (Internet Service Provider) networks
- DATA/FAX MODE SUPPORT: Data: V.92, V.90, V.34, V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.23, V.21 Bell 212A & Bell 103; Fax: V.17, V.29, V.27, V.21 Ch 2, EIA/TIA 578 Class 1 and T.31 Fax Class 1.0; DTMF support
- TECH SPECS: External 56K Modem; Data Fax; USB Type A; 1 x RJ11 Telephone Jack; 56 Kbps Down, 33.6 Kbps Up Data; 14.4 Kbps Fax V.92; V.44 Compression; Conexant CX93010-21Z; USB Powered; TAA Compliant
- COMPATIBILITY: Drivers available for Windows, Windows Server, macOS (10.9 to 12.x) and Linux (kernel 3.16 and up); Windows Drivers available for download
Why did modems have different call roles?
Some historical systems were set up to wait for an incoming connection. A terminal could call a computer, for example, and bulletin board systems are among the uses cited in Webopedia’s historical overview. Its entry says the technology was first used in the 1960s and was last updated May 24, 2021; that account provides historical context, not a current market assessment. Webopedia: “What is Answer-Only Modem?”.
Technical descriptions from the period also distinguished modem roles by their signaling behavior. An October 1981 Radio-Electronics article discusses answer-only and originate-only modems and their different tone pairs. Those signaling details belong to the historical systems being described; the essential distinction in the term is whether a modem can place a call or only answer one.
Rank #2
- Connect to the Internet quickly and easily; installs in three simple steps
- Send e-mail and attachments up to 50-percent faster
- Send faxes from any Windows application and receive incoming faxes at any time; software-upgradeable
- Take incoming calls while online with no additional phone lines
- Built-in processor enables smoother streaming audio/video
How answer-only and answer/originate modems differ
| Capability | Answer-only modem | Answer/originate modem |
|---|---|---|
| Answer an incoming call | Yes | Yes |
| Place an outgoing call | No | Yes |
The distinction is about initiating a call, not a general division between receiving and sending data.
Is “answer-only modem” a current product category?
The references define a historical modem role; they do not establish that answer-only modems are a current buying category. If you encounter the phrase in older documentation, read it as a description of call-origination capability rather than as a claim about data direction.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- OS is compatible with Server 2012, Server 2011, Windows 8 64 bit, Win 8, Windows 7 64 bit, Win 7, Server 2008 64 bit, Server 2008, Vista 64 bit, Vista, Server 2003 64 bit, Server 2003, XP 64 bit, XP, NT 4.0, 2000, ME, 98, 95, 3.1, Linux and DOS
- Operating Temperature conditions are 0 to 50 degrees C, Non-Operating Temperature conditions is -20 to 70 degrees C
Rank #4
- Controller-based modem integrates powerful communications processing functions into the modem itself, for assured performance without sapping processing power.
- Windows Server 2012 R2/Win 10 /Win 10 64 bit/Server 2012/Win 8/Server 2011/Win 7/Server 2008/Vista/Server 2003/XP/2000 Mac 10.4-10.12
- Linux 2.4.20 kernel or higher (Unimodem TSP/TAPI compliant)
- Intel Pentium III 600 MHz or equivalent, 128 MB RAM, 5 MB hard drive space
Rank #3
- 56K data/fax modem with USB interface, compliant with V.90, and V.42/V.42bis/MNP5 protocols and V.17, V.29, and V.27ter Group 3 fax protocol.
- Support Auto-Dial, Tone and pulse dialing, Auto answer, Auto retrain.
- Support Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP/Vista/Win 7.
- Support Caller ID and distinctive ring detect, Auto format/speed sensing, Data/Fax/Voice call discrimination, Single configuration profile stored in host, call forward/fallback.
- 2 RJ11 Ports, you can set your telephone, fax system. Up to 56K data download, 48K data upload, and 14.4K fax communication.Provide Quick Connect and Modem-on-Hold features.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
