Broadband Cable Internet Access

One of the major players in the high-speed Internet market is the cable Internet connection.  Many Internet users are turning to cable because of the convenience, quality and efficiency.  Cable modems are not distance sensitive, like their DSL counterparts, so your connection will be optimal no matter where you are located.  They do not require much installation, unlike satellite and they provide an “always on” connection, so you never have to dial up and wait around.

How Broadband Cable Works

The cable Internet modem works in almost the same way your TV does, except that the end result is a Web page, not a TV program.  The cable that brings programming into your television provides a set amount of storage or space for the programming to be transmitted through.  This space is known as “bandwidth” and it is capable of carrying hundreds of programs or websites to the user.  Now, each time you check your e-mail or click on a link to another website, it’s almost like changing the channel on your TV.

Some of the main questions people have regarding any kind of high-speed Internet connection have to do with: speed, cost, reliability and security.

Speed - Cable modems can reach 10-20 Mbps, but they usually download slower than that, depending on how many users are logged on. Equipment can also be rented - usually at an inexpensive rate, and at times cable modems are free after rebates for new customers.

Cost - Promotions for several of the cable internet services found on the site often involve a free cable modem (Comcast, Charter, Cox). Many cable providers also will give you the option of renting a cable modem as an alternative choice to using your own (usually for around $6 a month). The cost for purchasing all of the equipment (the cable modem) can range from around $90-$300, plus the monthly cost of the connection from your provider.

Reliability - Almost always a reliable connection.  The main disadvantage of cable Internet connections, is the fact that one cable provides service to so many.  When a lot of people are logged on at the same time, it causes the connection to be slower.  However, this is rarely a significant problem.

Security - As with all Internet connections, a cable modem is not 100% secure.  However, there are steps to ensure the most security possible.  Using firewall software, having good password protection and turning off services that don’t need to be running are good starting points. 

Related articles: 

• Is It Time to Switch from Dial-Up to Cable Internet?
• More Benefits of Cable Broadband Internet
• DSL vs. cable modems - how do these Internet connection contenders match up?
• Read more about Comcast cable Internet
• Comcast Cable Internet
• Road Runner High Speed Internet
• Charter Cable Internet
• Optimum Online from Cablevision
• Cox Cable Internet
• Mediacom High Speed Internet
• InsightBB
• Adelphia High Speed Internet