Upgrading and Repairing Networks

Chapter 17. Using a Cable Modem

Some of the Main Topics in this Chapter are

How Cable Modems Work 270

How Cable Modems Differ from xDSL Broadband Access 273

The Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 274

Choosing Between Cable and DSL 275

The two most popular methods for connecting home users and many small businesses to the Internet are DSL and cable modems. Both have their advantages as well as disadvantages. The preceding chapter explained how DSL works, and in this chapter you will learn about how cable modems work, as well as how they differ in many respects from DSL.

Although a cable modem connection might work for a home user or a small business, you must again think of the service provider before committing your network's connectivity to the Internet. Some cable companies are just great, providing quick resolution to problems, and others are not so great. Again, if you're not getting a good response from your cable company at home, you might want to consider other options before using the same company as a link for your small business.

Another factor you might think about is the actual cost for cable modem services. Because many cable companies are now trying to maximize their revenues, since the cable TV market is pretty much saturated, you might find that you can get a special deal when subscribing to both cable TV and Internet access. If anything, you may be able to get a few months of cable-modem access at a reduced price.