cable modem

communications, hardware A type of modem that allows

people to access the Internet via their cable television

service.

A cable modem can transfer data at 500 kbps or higher,

compared with 28.8 kbps for common telephone line modems, but

the actual transfer rates may be lower depending on the number

of other simultaneous users on the same cable.

Industry pundits often point out that the cable system still

does not have the bandwidth or service level in many areas

to make this feasible. For example, it has to be capable of

two-way communication.

See also: DOCSIS.

(2000-12-19)