Cable modems

 Cable modems are a prevalent type of hardware that connects computer devices with your ISP. Differing from other types of modems, a cable modem uses coax cable, the same infrastructure that brings television programming to our business or homes, to proxy that connection, rather than a telephone or DSL line.

In residential and commercial applications, a cable modem is able to provide multi-channel voice, internet and television access, in most cases under a single consolidated service contract.

How Does a Modem Work?

Essentially, cable modems work as digital translators. They receive data signals from your ISP’s network, then immediately translate them into a digital “language” for your routers to distribute across your local network via wired ethernet or Wi-Fi connection.

Cable modems perform that all-important conversion via coaxial cables and an Ethernet cord that connects directly into computer devices or a network router. Some modern cable modem devices, though, come with an integrated router, meaning you do not need two separate devices connected via Ethernet cords and ports to access the internet. The single machine performs both functions simultaneously. In either case — a separate cable modem and router or a dual unit — your modem relies on the same kinds of cables relaying TV signals to access the internet.

This delivery ecosystem requires national cable providers or operators to set up regional and even neighborhood hubs to transfer cable-line-based data. Within those hubs, people evenly split bandwidth, with those cable operators imposing data limits to ensure no single user (including businesses) siphons too much bandwidth. With the wide adoption growth of the technology, cable providers have elected to segment their residential and business customers, so while the platform is still shared, business traffic is isolated from the residential neighbors. Business services will also include a higher tier SLA (service level agreement) that assures an accelerated response and priority to disruptions or service outages.

Higher-priced tiers open your organization’s access to greater bandwidth. Many people assume adding more bandwidth means you’re increasing your internet speeds. However, this is a misunderstanding, since bandwidth is actually the amount of data that can be sent to you in megabits per second (Mbps). Increasing bandwidth simply means you can receive more information — i.e., more megabits. This creates the impression of data-speed improvements but is actually a data-quantity improvement.

In fact, only cable modems and other network infrastructure can increase what we perceive as internet speed. How does a modem work, and what are the effects on your internet speed? These speeds are relayed in a transmission measurement known as the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification standard, or DOCSIS for short. Every cable modem comes with a DOCSIS speed, and these speeds vary widely across modem models.