Top Cable Modems Cable modems are devices that attach to the cable TV network connection in a home. This broadband technology is being driven by the cable companies to provide services beyond traditional broadcast cable TV such as Internet access. Along with DSL, it is still in the early stages of development. There are a number of challenges faced by this industry, including return path capabilities, customer service issues and standards. However, potential bandwidth estimates range upwards of 30Mbps from the service provider to subscriber.
Cable networks are inherently different in design than telephone networks.
Cable networks are broadcast oriented, with each subscriber in an area receiving the same signals as all others in that area. DSL is circuit oriented so that each connection is independent of all others. Cable networks are hierarchical in nature and thus require two paths, one for downstream and one for upstream. This requires either a second cable plant for upstream or a second frequency band allocated onto the existing system. There are a number of different wireless schemes proposed, planned and implemented throughout the world.