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Questions & Answers
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What is a cable modem network? |
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A cable modem network is the interconnection of many users using a cable television (CATV) network. Each user's personal computer uses an Ethernet card to connect with a cable modem. The modem is then connected to a cable television outlet using a standard coaxial cable. On the street, the cables from various subscribers are connected together and eventually reach a facility of the CATV Internet Service Provider. A device at this facility, called a headend, manages communications over the cable network. The headend also sends signals to and receives signals from, the Internet.
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Why so fast? |
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The use of radio frequencies (RF) and Ethernet networking is the basis for your cable modem's high-speed connection. When you connect to a network, the cable modem exchanges many small packets of information. When others are connected to the same network, a system is needed to ensure that the packets are delivered to the correct destination. Ethernet is such a system, and has gained a reputation for speed and reliability.
Your cable TV provider has built a business on conducting radio frequency signals to your home. The signals are similar to those broadcast from your local radio or broadcast TV station, except that they are conducted to your home on a cable, eliminating the need for an antenna. Cable television was designed to carry immense amounts of data, namely full-motion video, to your television. Now the same infrastructure has been harnessed to carry data, video, and audio to and from your computer.
Your cable modem combines the cable television industry's experience in conducting radio frequency signals with the computer industry's expertise in Ethernet networking. The result is a network capable of transmitting high quantities of information quickly and reliably.
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Can I still watch TV? |
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You bet. If you've decided to watch King Kong on channel 10, the news will continue to play on channel 7. If you have a second TV, you can watch King Kong and the news. The cable modem acts like a second TV, only it tunes-in channels that have been set aside specifically for network communication. King Kong will never know the difference.
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Is it secure? |
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Just as with phone access, special encryption and security features can be implemented in the cable modem world to provide secure high-speed access to either the Internet or an office network. The baseline privacy requirement of the DOCSIS standard provides 56-bit DES encrypted data transactions on the cable plant, between each modem and the headend.
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But will it work? (The DOCSIS Specification) |
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The computer industry has been plagued by compatibility issues, that is, making sure that the products created by one company work with those created by another. When the good folks at Multimedia Cable Network Systems (MCNS) and Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (CableLabs) decided to provide Internet access over the cable TV network, they created a set of specifications that, if followed would ensure the system worked. This set of specifications is called the Data Over Cable Service Interface (DOCSIS).
Going one step further, CableLabs then established the CableLabs Certification Board that conducts tests on new modems. A modem that is confirmed to meet the DOCSIS specification is given an Interoperability Seal by the board.
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Will I be able to keep my current email address when changing from dial up to cable modem? |
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If you currently have a PenTeleData Dial Up account or a web based e-mail address (Hotmail,Yahoo mail, etc) you will be able to keep your current address. All other customers will need a new address from PenTeleData or you can always use a web based e-mail service.
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Will I be able to split the Cable Modem connection between two computers (w/additional hardware)? |
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Our professional installers will connect one computer to the cable modem. However, customers are allowed to connect up to 4 additional computers to the modem. Additional equipment is required and is available at your local computer store. We are not able to troubleshoot home network problems.
*Blue Ridge Communications does not support networking. If you are networking and a trouble ticket is made, the technician will only investigate for problems on the PC that was originally installed to the modem. A service charge will be applied if networking was the cause of the trouble.
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Will I incur any cancellation fees from PTD if I move from dial up to Cable Modem access? |
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No. PTD will not penalize you for upgrading to a cable modem.
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What is involved in installing cable modem access? Does it use existing cable hook up? |
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If necessary, our professional installers will run a new cable to your home, install a special splitter and run a new line to the computer. The installer will then install the modem and connect it to your computer. Before they leave they will make sure the computer connects to the Internet and that the service is up and running.
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How do I check my email when I am away from home? |
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1. Click Here
2. Enter e-mail address and password. |
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