“Cable broadband” refers to a high-speed internet connection provided by cable television companies through the same coaxial cable infrastructure used for delivering cable television. It is a type of broadband internet access that offers fast and reliable internet connectivity to homes and businesses.
Here are some key features and aspects of cable broadband:
- Infrastructure: Cable broadband utilizes the existing cable television infrastructure, which consists of coaxial cables. These cables are capable of carrying large amounts of data, making them suitable for high-speed internet access.
- High Speed: Cable broadband is known for its high-speed capabilities. It can offer significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to traditional dial-up internet connections.
- Always-On Connection: Cable broadband provides an “always-on” internet connection, meaning users can access the internet without the need to dial in or establish a connection each time.
- Shared Bandwidth: In many cable broadband networks, bandwidth is shared among multiple users in a given area. During periods of high usage, such as evenings when many people are online, this shared nature can lead to reduced speeds for individual users.
- Modem: To access cable broadband, users typically need a cable modem, which connects to the cable infrastructure and converts the digital data for use by devices like computers, smartphones, and routers.
- Bundled Services: Cable companies often offer bundled services that include cable television, internet access, and sometimes phone service. These bundles can provide cost savings for consumers.
- Availability: Cable broadband is widely available in urban and suburban areas but may be less accessible in rural or remote regions where cable infrastructure is limited.
- Competition: In many areas, cable broadband competes with other types of broadband access, such as DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and fiber-optic internet.
- Data Caps: Some cable broadband plans may have data caps or limits on the amount of data that users can download/upload each month. Exceeding these limits may result in additional charges or reduced speeds.
- Advancements: Cable broadband technology has evolved over the years. The introduction of DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) standards has allowed for faster speeds and more efficient use of the cable infrastructure.