How does cable internet work? Find the best cable internet providers
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
When you hear of cable, are you thinking of the programs cable companies screen on your TV? Well, it's time to start thinking about cable service different because it could change the way your home accesses the internet. Cable internet is a form of broadband internet service and is bringing your fantastic upload and download speeds wherever you use the internet.
In this blog post, we're covering everything you need to know about the cable network including cable internet speeds, how it compares to other internet options (like a DSL connection) and how you can get connected to the internet with a cable internet package.
How cable internet works
Cable internet is a form of broadband internet, which means it uses a high-speed connection to deliver data. Cable speeds are some of the fastest around, offering speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps.
Cable internet uses a coaxial cable network to deliver high-speed access. A coaxial cable is a type of physical cable that is used to connect electronic devices. The cable consists of an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and an insulator. The inner conductor is made of copper or aluminum and is surrounded by the outer conductor. The outer conductor can be made of different materials, but it is typically made of braided wire or foil. The insulator is made of plastic or rubber and prevents the inner conductor from coming into contact with the outer conductor.
The coaxial cable connects the electronic device to a cable modem, which is a device that modulates and demodulates signals. The modem converts the electrical signals into digital signals that can be transmitted over the internet. The modem also converts the digital signals back into electrical signals so that they can be received by the electronic device.
The difference between cable internet and cable TV
Cable internet and cable television are two different services. Cable internet is an internet connection that uses the same infrastructure as a cable TV service. Cable TV is a television service that uses coaxial cables to deliver programming to your home.
The pros and cons of cable internet
Pros:
- Cable internet is one of the fastest types of internet available, with speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps.
- Cable internet uses a physical cable connection to deliver high-speed internet.
- Modems for cable can provide high-speed access to multiple devices at the same time.
Cons:
- While cable is available widely and this form of internet is generally easy to find, it's not available everywhere.
- The speed of your cable internet connection may vary depending on the time of day and the number of users who are connected to the same modem.
Who should consider getting cable internet over another type of internet
Cable internet is a good option for people who:
- Need a fast internet connection: Cable internet is one of the fastest types of internet available, although not as fast as other connections such as fiber.
- Have multiple devices that need an internet connection: Cable can provide high-speed internet access to multiple devices at the same time.
- Live in an area where cable internet is available: Not all areas have access to cable internet.
- Are willing to pay for a high-speed internet connection: Prices for cable internet can vary depending on the speed and availability of service.
DSL internet service vs cable internet
It's the biggest question when people are trying to decide: DSL or cable?
Cable internet and DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) are both types of broadband internet. They both use a physical connection to deliver high-speed internet access. However, there are some key differences between these two types of connections:
- Speed: DSL speeds can vary depending on the distance from the provider's equipment, but they typically range from 3 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
- Availability: DSL service is available in most areas, but the speed may be slower than other internet services.
- Pricing: Prices for DSL internet can vary depending on the speed and availability of service.
Fiber optic internet vs cable internet
Wondering what's the difference between cable and fiber internet? They're both broadband-based internet services and offer amazing speeds. But fiber is a much newer technology. Here are the key differences:
- Speed: Fiber is much faster than cable internet, with speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps.
- Availability: Fiber optic is not available in all areas.
- Pricing: Prices for fiber can vary depending on the speed and availability of service (because it's a newer technology, it's generally more expensive than cable internet).
Satellite internet vs cable internet
While both cable and satellite provides your home with internet that's fast and reliable, they are not the same. Here are the key differences:
- Speed: Satellite is typically slower than cable internet, with speeds of up to 25 Mbps.
- Availability: Satellite services is available in most areas.
- Pricing: Prices for satellite can vary depending on the speed and availability of service.
The factors that make a good cable internet provider
When choosing a cable provider, there are a few factors you should consider:
- Speed: How fast do you need your internet connection to be? Cable internet providers offer speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps.
- Availability: Is cable available in your area? Not all areas have access to cable internet.
- Pricing: How much are you willing to pay for your cable internet service? Prices can vary depending on the speed and availability of service.
-Coverage: Does the provider offer nationwide coverage? Not all providers offer nationwide coverage.
-Customer service: How well does the provider handle customer service inquiries? You should choose a provider that offers 24/7 customer support.
The best cable internet service providers in 2023
There are a few cable internet service providers that offer service in the United States. Some of the best providers include:
- Comcast XFINITY: Comcast offers speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps in select areas.
- AT&T U-verse: AT&T offers speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps in select areas.
- Verizon FiOS: Verizon offers speeds of up to 500 Mbps in select areas.
- Cox Communications: Cox offers speeds of up to 300 Mbps in select areas.
Cable modems: Buying it vs renting from a cable provider
There are a few pros and cons to consider when choosing a modem for your cable connection:
-Pros:
- You can save money in the long run by owning your own modem.
- Owning your own modem gives you more control over your internet connection.
- Modems can be upgraded, so you can keep up with the latest technology.
-Cons:
- These modems can be expensive.
- You'll need to troubleshoot any problems with your own modem.
- Not all modems are compatible with all providers.
The top cable internet modems of 2023
If you're in the market for a new modem, here are some of the top options:
- Arris Surfboard SB6183: This modem is compatible with most major cable providers and offers speeds of up to 1.4 Gbps.
- Netgear Nighthawk CM1100: This modem is compatible with most major cable providers and offers speeds of up to 2.4 Gbps.
- Motorola MB8600: This modem is compatible with most major cable providers and offers speeds of up to 3 Gbps.
- TP-Link Archer CR700: This modem is compatible with most major cable providers and offers speeds of up to 1,750 Mbps.
Tips for getting the best deal on a new internet service
Here are a few tips to help you get the best deal on cable internet service:
- Compare prices: Make sure you compare the prices of different providers to get the best deal.
- Look for promotions: Many providers offer promotional rates for new customers.
- Ask about discounts: Some providers offer discounts for seniors, students, and military members.
How to install cable internet in your home
Installing cable internet in your home is simple. Most providers will come to your home and install the equipment for you. However, if you want to do it yourself, follow these steps:
1. Contact a provider to find out what equipment you need.
2. Follow the instructions that come with the equipment.
3. Connect the equipment to your computer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.5.
5. Enjoy your new high-speed internet connection!
Find new cable ISPs and cable internet plans with HomeLinkd
Internet access has become a necessity for every household. From working remotely to online school and leisure, cable internet may be the solution for you. Cable internet offers you so much. In this blog post, we've covered everything you need to know about cable.
From our tips on finding local cable internet deals to the basic internet plans companies that provide cable internet have, we hope this post has helped you.
Thanks to cable internet, getting connected is now as easy as ever!
Visit our website to access a library of free resources and blog posts. We cover all topics related to internet connectivity like what upload speeds you should be looking for, how to find the right internet coverage for your home and how bundling your internet services can save you money.
Written by:
Matthew Harrington
I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.
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