Cable Internet: An In-Depth Look
Cable internet access is properly defined as any form of network communications which uses existing CATV infrastructure as the carrier medium. This is due to the fact that television signals use only a small portion of the coaxial wire’s capacity or bandwidth. To make the most out of the wire, digital signals are transmitted with the television signals.
These signals are then unscrambled and separated upon reaching the user, with the TV signal going to the television and the digital signals going to the computer. Thus, it is analogous to digital subscriber line (DSL), except that the role of CATV wires in this case is taken by pre-existing telephone lines.
Cable internet is a more attractive option for most of us, since it offers better speeds than DSL with the same price. This is primarily attributed to the fact that CATV coaxial wires can provide a greater bandwidth than phone lines, since the telephone’s voice transmissions consume more bandwidth. In addition, the shielding of most coaxial wires used in cable internet is better than those in phone lines, thus making it more resistant to noise and other interference.
CATV is also experiencing a downturn in the number of users who avail of such service, thus it is a very good marketing strategy to bundle more networking capacity to the existing lines so that more people will get their service. In fact, it is a strategy of most operators to provide Web access exclusively at a higher price than the same connection with the bundled CATV service.
Cable internet is also a good way for larger ISPs to cater to local and smaller ISPs. The local ISP will pay for a larger pipe or bandwidth to the CATV company and will in turn distribute it as DSL, Wi-Max or other means. This means that it can also act as a next-to-last mile connection. This is particularly important for far flung places where CATV infrastructure is commonly more robust and more widespread than telephone infrastructure.
Despite these features, it has one big disadvantage: stability. DSL lines are known to provide more stable connections than CATV, due to a more robust structure and a better exchange system with other local loops and other telecommunications companies. Cable internet providers are mostly “on their own”, and relying on a single pipe for their communications. If that pipe fails, the entire system is in jeopardy.
In addition, the absence of television signals in most of these systems is coincident with the lack of digital signals. This commonly happens due to the maintenance activities of the CATV provider. CATV systems, when fixed, needs to have the entire grid turned off. Telephone wires, on the other hand, can be turned off locally, causing less disruption for people not directly in the affected line. Cable internet, however, is still more stable than wireless providers, since there are less variables to consider when it comes to the distribution of the signals.
Given these features, we can infer that the best hi-speed network access method for anyone depends on their needs. For those who prefer stability over speed, then DSL is the best choice. If you want to emphasize on mobility and wide coverage, wireless is for you. Just remember that if you want cutting edge speed at a better cost and you use it in bursts regularly, then the best option for you is cable internet.
Finding a Cable Internet service provider is not hard when you know where to look for the reliable ones. If you are considering to get Cable Internet connections, review the information available on our website to find out more.
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