Cable Modem - TV and Internet Rolled Into One
What is a Cable Modem?
Cable modem is another term for cable Internet access. It allows you to access data using the infrastructure made for cable television. Cable modems have given many people a chance to get connected, with such a fast and accessible type of connection.
This type of Internet connection gives you up to 3 megabits per second to 30 megabits per second of access.
How Does a Cable Modem Work?
Cable modems function just like the modems used for dial-up connections in the olden days. The difference is that cable modems are more suited to high-speed Internet connections. Moreover, a cable modem can actually serve a myriad of functions: it can also be your Ethernet hub, bridge, router, encryption/decryption device, and even network interface card.
There are two ways for data to travel through a cable network. Whenever data travels from the network going to the user, that process is called downstream. Upstream, on the other hand, is when data travels from the user to the network. For downstream, digital information travels at a bandwidth of 6MHz on a television channel, with frequencies ranging from 50 to 750MHz.
Upstream travel, on the other hand, is sent using frequencies between 5 to 42MHz on a 2MHz bandwidth. Upstreaming encounters more noise and interference, as there are more chances of having loose connections in client's homes than in the area where the network is located. Interference can be solved by using QPSK, which modulates upstreaming data.
Of course, you can easily change the speed or the rate your data travels downstream and upstream by configuring your cable modem.
What's fantastic about cable modems is that you can still enjoy uninterrupted cable television programming while having high-speed Internet connection. Your cable network now provides you with both Internet access and television programs.
The Advantages of Using Cable Modems
For starters, cable modems allow you round-the-clock connectivity. Since you don't turn off your cable service, you are connected to the net 24/7, or whenever you turn your computer on. This means you can leave your computer on during the night if there are things you need to download.
Another perk to having cable modem connection is that it's pretty fast. You can receive data at 27mbps, and send data at 2.5mbps. It definitely beats your good ol' phone modem!
Yet another advantage is that finding a cable modem or cable Internet provider is quite easy in big cities. Since the service has become very popular, finding a company to provide your cable modem and cable Internet needs will be a cinch.
And finally, cable modem connections are actually pretty cheap. There are no hidden charges and no special equipment to pay for, unlike DSL connections that require modems and telephone lines.
Disadvantages of Using Cable Modems
One bad thing about using cable modems to connect to the Internet is that you may experience access slowdown if you're sharing the network with a hundred other users. Since cable connections can only give you access to a fixed number of bandwidth, sharing that fixed number with others can create traffic, and can significantly slow your connection down. You won't have to experience this if your cable provider knows how to prioritize.
Another downside to having cable Internet is that it usually comes with a cable TV subscription. While to some, that sounds more like a perk than a disadvantage, to some, it can be a hassle. Because they're offering you a bundled service, they can now charge you a little extra.
Your data's security may also be at risk with this connection. Most high-speed Internet connections can actually put your data at risk. With cable modems, this is because data is not encrypted or filtered.
There are many points to consider when looking for a reliable high-speed Internet connection provider. Cable modems are a great choice for people who like to enjoy both television entertainment and online connectivity. It's a great way to stay connected while enjoying your time at home as well.