Cable Modem

cable modem, modem used to convert analog data signals to digital form and vise versa, for transmission or receipt over cable television lines, especially for connecting to the Internet. A cable modem modulates and demodulates signals like a telephone modem but is a much more complex device. Data can be transferred over cable lines much more quickly than over traditional phone lines. Transmission rates range from about 8 megabits per second (Mbps) for basic services to some 50 Mbps for premium services. Cable Internet access is regarded as a replacement for slower dial-up, ISDN, and DSL connections. See also broadband technology.