How Does
How Cable Modems Work
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By eHow Contributing Writer
Cable Modem Basics
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Dial-up connections are rare. Most homes have cable or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connections to provide homeowners with their information needs. DSL modems work by sending frequencies over the normal phone lines that are higher than the frequencies used for voice. Cable modems rely on channels in the coaxial cable lines that cable companies use that do not carry television signals.
What Does a Cable Modem Do?
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Most cable modems have a MAC chip that receives the network data packets, a CPU that controls the device and process information, and ports for Category 5 and coaxial cables. A cable modem acts as a gateway and a router that picks up the packets from the Internet and sends them out. The job of a cable modem is to interpret the signals and act as a firewall between the user and the Internet.
Transfer Rate of Information Sent and Received
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Modem stands for Modulator/Demodulator. The term applied to dial-up modems and does not properly apply to high-speed modems, which are technically just computer routers. The term modem stuck to these devices despite its inaccurate usage. Cable modems have a much higher download rate than an upload rate, but as most information is downloaded onto a user's computer, this is not a drawback. These modems provide an always-on connection to the user. At least the connection will be on as long as the device is operating properly.
eHow Article: How Cable Modems Work
