Cable Modem

Cable modems are devices that provide high-speedpassed back and forth over the cable channel. Cable
Internet access using cable television networks.modems can plug directly into your computer via a
They are designed to work over TV lines. They areUSB connection or a network card in your computer.
connected to the TV outlet for cable TV transmissionA network card is the hardware that allows you to
and the operator connects a Cable Modemcommunicate on a network. In the case of a cable
Termination System at the cable company's mainmodem connection, it allows your computer to talk with
office. The cable modem can be used for fast accessthe cable modem. It takes the place of a regular
to the World Wide Web.modem in your computer. Just turn the computer on.
Cable modems are available as an internal, external orWith a cable modem, your connection is always on.
set-top box device. An external cable modem is aThis means that you do not need to dial in. Whenever
small box that will have two cable connections, one toyour computer is on, you are on the Internet,
the cable wall outlet and the other to a computerautomatically.
through a standard 10Base-T Ethernet card. An internalCable modems vary in cost. Since there isn't a
cable modem is a PCI bus add-in card for a PC. Theyuniversal standard for them, you have to get a cable
can only be used in desktop PC's. The set-top box is amodem that works with your specific provider. There
cable modem in a cover, which supplies return channelare many companies who are producing or have
through the Plain Old Telephone System.announced cable modem products. They include:
Regular modems use a phone line to dial up and3Com, Bay Networks, Com21, General Instrument,
connect with another modem. Cable modems connectHayes, Hybrid Networks, Motorola, NEC, New Media
your computer to the Internet service provider byCommunication, neighborhood, Scientific Atlanta,
translating the networks information so it can beTerayon, Toshiba, U.S. Robotics and Zenith.