'modem-driven' originates from the combination of 'modem' and 'driven', where 'modem' refers to a device that modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission, and 'driven' implies being powered or controlled by something.

'Modem' comes from the contraction of 'modulator-demodulator', and 'driven' is derived from the Old English word 'drifan', meaning to drive or propel.

Initially, 'driven' meant 'propelled or moved by force', but in this context, it evolved to mean 'controlled or operated by a modem'.