Which is faster, DOCSIS 3.1 or 3.0? A cable modem is used for getting an Internet connection. DOCSIS 3.1 Modem vs 3.0 Speeds and Testing, Wi-Fi Cable Modem Routers Explained: Benefits of 802.11ax Wi-Fi vs 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Cable Modems Explained: Fixed vs Switchable Frequency, Cable Modems Explained: Upstream and Downstream Channels & the Benefits. A cable modem works by connecting a coaxial cable and then a Cat 5 (Ethernet) cord from the modem to a computer or network router. For more information on home networking solutions check out Hitron’s Learn Page. The modem receives and transmits the signal to permit access to the Internet. Modern routers are compatible with just about every modem on the market, so just make sure your firmware is upgraded, and you'll be all set. Hitron has a variety of gateways that support both 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) and an 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standards. A cable modem is a hardware device that allows your computer to communicate with an Internet service provider over a landline connection. DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest, fastest standard. Cable offers a significant speed increase in Internet performance compared to a dial-up connection and is one of the fastest broadband solutions. The disadvantage is that it is not great for portable devices since you are plugged in. Network and network card help and support. Such wireless networks are also installed in … Your router then distributes the signal to your devices. If the cable modem or Internet is not working, unplug the cable modem power cable, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in to reset the modem. First things first: How happy are you with your router? Cable modems can be either internal or external to the computer. In fact, if your cable system has upgraded to digital cable, the new set-top box the cable company provides will be capable of connecting to the Internet, whether or not you receive Internet … Regardless, it is an essential hardware device for Internet. Network routers share your Internet connection between multiple computers. Cable modems can be used in your home or for your business. Leave the Wi-Fi for your other portable devices. If you’re using dial-up or DSL then your modem will connect to the wall and if you’re using cable then it’ll … In some cases, the cable modem can be part of a set-top cable box, requiring that only a keyboard and mouse be added for Internet access. Facebook Takes Aim at Unlicensed Firearm Sales, Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. Cable modems deliver broadband Internet access in the form of cable Internet. If, like me, you upgraded your router recently but bought your modem sometime around the signing of the Declaration of Independence, you probably just need a stand-alone cable modem. The picture is a stand alone Motorola cable modem, there are also all-in-one modems with a modem and router in one box. Learn > Cable Modem & Routers > Cable Modems Explained: Upstream and Downstream Channels & the BenefitsConnecting to the Internet in your home is not possible without a modem. A modem is a device that connects a computer to a local area network (LAN) Internet service. Which is better to use for a cable modem -- a USB connection or an Ethernet card? Here’s what you need to know. A cable modem delivers high-speed Internet to your devices by using coaxial cables that connect to the back of the modem and the bolt-like outlet in your wall or on your cable box. Here are the benefits and differences of each Wi-Fi standard when it comes to your cable modem router to help you choose the right one for your home network. The computers do not even have to be on the same floor just within a certain range. Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) is an international telecommunications standard for the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing coaxial cable TV system. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. But for activities that are stationary, like gaming, video conference calls or online classes, using a wired solution is a great way to go. The cable modem connects to two places: the cable TV jack in your wall and to your device. What does that even mean? Learn > Cable Modem & Routers > Cable Modems Explained: Fixed vs Switchable Frequency A cable modem communicates with your Internet service provider (ISP) to bring an Internet connection into your home or office. Currently, DOCSIS 3.1 technology is the best on the market for cable modems. Second, take the Ethernet cable and connect one end to the port on your cable modem and the other end directly into your device, such as a computer. Ask your ISP about Hitron’s DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1, Wi-Fi 6 ready cable modem routers today. Setting up a cable modem is easy. A cable modem does this by using a coax cable to communicate with your ISP and connect to the Internet. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. This direct connection to your device delivers fast and reliable Internet, which is perfect for streaming and gaming. A section to insert information used for error correction on the receiving end, Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications. Learn more. Network routers share your Internet connection between multiple computers. First, take the coaxial cable and make sure it is securely connected to the cable TV jack in your wall and to the modem device itself. This is how you get wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) using a cable modem on your network. It converts an analog signal to a digital signal for the purpose of granting access to broadband Internet. A cable modem works by connecting a coaxial cable and then a Cat 5 ( Ethernet) cord from the modem to a computer or network router. The advantage to the wired connection is strong, reliable Internet. A cable modem connects though the same cable that supplies cable TV. A modem is the tiny box or device that sits between your computer and your wall or cable box, depending on the type of internet connection you have. The main components shown here are: … Hitron uses some analytics, targeting and adverting cookies provided by third parties. DOCSIS stands for “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification.” It is a standard that allows data to transfer over coaxial cable wiring. The router is used for the purpose of splitting the signal to share the signal with two or more computers or other computer hardware and peripherals that are in the home or vicinity creating a network. The purpose of a modem is to connect your computer to your Internet service provider (ISP). The difference between the types has to do with the kind of connection the modem requires to get Internet service. A cable modem operates like a digital translator. Comcast and Time Warner are examples of cable Internet providers in the United States. All you need is the device, coaxial cables and an Ethernet cable. Cable-Modems.org: What's Inside a Cable Modem? More modern cable modems may have the router built-in with the ability to share the connection over Wi-Fi. If your modem only has one coaxial cable connection and one Cat 5 connection, your modem is a stand alone modem and needs a router to share the connection. There are a few types of modems: analog modems (dial-up), digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable modems. To understand why it’s the best, you need to understand DOCSIS technology and how it works. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2020 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. A modem is the "interpreter" between a digital computer and the traditionally analog phone network, which is sometimes (especially in technical books) referred to as the PSTN (public switched telephone network). Why the difference in speed with my cable modem? Please choose “YES” to accept or “NO” to reject “third party cookies” or more information about our Privacy Policy by clicking one of the buttons. A cable modem does this by using a coax cable to communicate with your ISP and connect to the Internet. A cable modem operates like a digital translator. Buying a cable modem or cable modem router combo like one of Hitron’s offerings makes home networking an easier, better experience overall. You might already know this, but it is important to also know why DOCSIS 3.1 is the best. Learn > Cable Modem & Routers > WiFi Cable Modem Routers explained: Benefits of 802.11ax WiFi vs 802.11ac WiFiA cable modem router, also known as a gateway, is a combination device that performs both the modem and the router functions. Copyright © 2020 - Hitron Technologies Americas Inc. Hitron Americas (Hitron) uses cookies to give you the best experience on our website. How cable modems work The purpose of a modem is to connect your computer to your Internet service provider (ISP). It receives data from your ISP and translates it into something your router can understand. More modern cable modems may have the router built-in with the ability to share the connection over Wi-Fi. Should you choose a cable modem with fixed frequency or switchable frequency capabilities? Learn more about how your ISP can help you manage your Wi-Fi. How can you test the speeds to make sure your coax network is performing the way it should be? 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