There are almost 3 million cable modem subscribers in the United States and Canada, and nearly all of them lease a proprietary modem from their cable company. Each of these modems connects to a subscriber's computer through a standard 10Base-T Ethernet link. That creates a 10-mbps link between the modem and the computer. The development of standards-based cable modems is good news for consumers, because it yields more product choices, innovative features, and lower prices.
Standards also ensure that products from different manufactures are compatible.
In other words, if you move across town or across the country, the cable modem that worked with your old cable TV operator will work on your new cable service provider's network. But until then, you're better off leasing a modem from your local cable operator. Be sure to look for this label when buying a cable modem. What's more, manufacturers are developing cable modem cards that can be built directly into PCs, eliminating the need for an external device. Copyright 2000-2001 Digiterra Broadband.