A cable modem provides high-speed internet through a cable TV company, but requires a subscription and won’t work by plugging into a TV feed. It can be supplied by the company or purchased externally with added features like a built-in network switch and router. Cable internet service offers speeds of 1.5 Mbps, but can be affected by the number of people using the service at the same time. Buying your own modem is worth investing in, as it can be cheaper than purchasing additional devices separately.
A cable modem is a device that provides high-speed Internet connectivity through a cable television company acting as an Internet Service Provider (ISP). It requires a subscription to cable internet service and won’t work by simply plugging it into a cable TV (CATV) feed. Outwardly, it resembles a DSL modem. Coaxial cable carrying the CATV digital signal provides a channel for upstream and downstream Internet service. This does not interfere with television, as there is plenty of “headroom” or bandwidth room on coaxial cable to handle both TV and Internet signals.
Often, a cable company offering Internet service supplies a cable modem to the subscriber. It may be provided free of charge to be returned at the end of the service contract, or there may be a small monthly fee for the equipment. In any case, the modem will be a preconfigured external modem.
Alternatively, a cable modem could be built into the set top box or the unit that decodes the cable signals. If a subscriber prefers, they can also purchase an internal or external cable modem, commonly available at computer retailers. CATV companies may provide a list of compatible manufacturers and modem setup instructions if needed.
The benefit of buying a cable modem is that you can choose a model with the features you want. For example, one with a built-in network switch and router will allow you to share your Internet connection with other computers in your home or office. Some models also feature a USB port for quick and easy connection of an additional computer that may not have an Ethernet port. This is especially useful for older laptops.
If a subscriber opts for a bundled cable modem and does not have a built-in switch and router, the subscriber will need to purchase these devices separately to share the connection. The cost will likely be similar to, or in some cases higher than, buying a cable modem with switches and routers already built in. Therefore, many people find it worth investing to buy their equipment.
Cable Internet service typically offers speeds of 1.5 megabits per second. Like DSL, it is an “always on” connection, but unlike DSL, the cable subscriber does not have to be within walking distance of the home office. For this reason, cable Internet service is available in many regions where there is no DSL.
One disadvantage of cable Internet service is that the speed is affected by how many people in the subscriber’s immediate vicinity are using the Internet service at the same time. Many people using the service at the same time can saturate bandwidth resources, thereby slowing down the modem connection. DSL is unaffected by this, as the subscriber uses their own telephone line for Internet service.
Cable modems are available wherever computers are sold. If you choose to purchase your own modem, make sure it meets the requirements for your CATV service. If your connection will be shared on a home or office network, the type of network—wired or wireless—will also affect the type of modem you buy.
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