The term "cable modem" refers to a modem that operates over ordinary cable TV network cables. Basically you just connect the cable modem to the TV outlet for your cable TV.

An external cable modem is a small external box that connects to your computer, normally through an ordinary Ethernet connection. The downside is that you need to add an (inexpensive) Ethernet card to your computer before you can connect the cable modem (this is usually included when the cable modem internet service provider installs the modem at your computer). A plus is that you can connect more operating systems and hardware platforms, including Mac, UNIX, laptop computers, and so on.

Another interface for external cable modems is USB, which has the advantage of installing much faster. The downside is that you can only connect one PC to a USB-based cable modem.

Cable Internet Access Speed
Many cable companies said that cable modems are about 100 times faster than a dial-up Internet connection, running at an ultra-fast speed of 5 mbps. I theory, it's possible. But a more realistic speed is 1 mbps, or about 20 times faster than a typical 56 kbps dial-up connection.

Still, that's quite a leap in performance, an upgrade well worth the investment. Web pages that can take minutes to load with a dial-up connection will pop up instantly with a cable modem. If you frequently download large files, such as video and audio clips or software, a cable modem will make life much easier.

Cable modem is always on-constantly connected to the Internet—no need to dial in to an Internet service provider (ISP). Simply click on your browser and you're on the Internet. No more waiting; no more busy signals.

Cable Internet Access
AT&T, Comcast, Cox, and other leading cable TV companies that serve most of North America have pooled their resources to create ISPs to deliver cable modem service. That's why if you sign up for cable modem Internet access, there's a good chance you'll end up with @Home.

Cable modem subscribers are typically charged for service on their cable bill, rather than paying the ISP directly. The service is usually marketed under names like Cox@Home, Comcast@Home, AT&T@Home, but the cable company and ISP have distinct responsibility.

Your local cable company is responsible for installing the cable modem and managing the quality of your service over the local cable network. At the cable company's main network office (commonly called the "headend") you're connected to the cable ISP's national backbone. It, in turn, is plugged into the Internet. The ISP actually provides the Internet connectivity, while your cable company will provide basic technical support. Who do you talk to when there's a problem? Chances are that your cable company will direct you to your ISP.

Cable modem service is typically priced from $30 to $50 a month, which covers the cable modem rental fee; unlimited Internet access; and Internet application software, such as a Web browser and e-mail applications. @Home also offers several e-mail accounts and free Web hosting, as well as a lineup of national and local connect tailored to your high-speed connection. Cable modem services installation fees, which usually run from $50 to $150, cover cable wiring, an Ethernet card for your computer and software confirmation.

Service Availability
Cable modem service availability is relatively limited. That's because cable companies must first upgrade their networks by installing fiber-optic lines and two-way data-transmission capabilities, a time consuming, expensive undertaking. Today of about 44 million households in the U.S., 40% of those households are equipped for service. Thousands of homes are being upgraded every day, but it will take some time before the U.S. is completely wired for broadband access.

 

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