What is a cable modem and how does it work?
A cable modem is an external device that has two connections, one to the cable wall outlet and the other to your computer and allows high-speed access to the Internet using cable TV (CATV) wires instead of telephone lines. Cable modems translate radio frequency (RF) signals to and from the cable plant into Internet Protocol (IP), the communications protocol spoken by all computers connected to the Internet. A cable modem allows consumers to access the Internet in a fraction of time it takes using a regular dial-up modem. Downloads can be up to 100 times faster allowing consumers to watch smooth streaming video, listen to CD quality audio, and trek from web page to web page in lightning speed. Since I am using a cable line, can I watch TV and surf the net at the same time? Yes. Cable modems send and receive data from your computer using cable frequencies that aren’t used by television signals. Someone in your household will be able to watch their favorite TV show, while someone else can
