FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Cable Modems

How does a cable modem work?

A cable modem acts as an interface between the Internet and your computer, enabling it to communicate with other computers on the Internet.

Where can I buy a cable modem?

Currently, you can only purchase compatible cable modems through the Trans-Video.Net. Click here for pricing.

How much does a cable modem cost?

Cable modems range in price. This depends on the hardware setup of your cable company. Click here for pricing.

Can I install a cable modem myself?

No. We require that a certified installer install and configure each cable modem for optimum performance.

Will a cable modem replace my current modem?

While connected to the Trans-Video.Net, you will be using a cable modem and not your phone modem. However, you may want to keep your phone modem in the event you move to an area that doesn't provide cable Internet access.

Will the cable modem affect my cable television channels?

No. There is no interference between cable television signals and Internet data in a coaxial cable. The two signals travel at different frequencies and therefore do not interfere with each other.

What is DOCSIS?

A standard 56-Kbps telephone modem is shipped with nearly every new computer that rolls off the assembly line. For those owners of older computers, new telephone modems can easily be purchased at retailers like CompUSA or through Internet shopping sites. Ultimately, the same will hold true for cable modems, but it will take time to get there.

My modem was working. It stopped working. All its modem lights are on. Huh?

For reasons technical people don't seem explain very clearly, the modem on a perfectly running system can lose its synchronization to the Big Box that talks to it -- not our server, but an intermediate piece of equipment. It's infrequent, but it's the talk of cable modem discussions.

For now, the solution is annoying but simple: Unplug the cable modem, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. It will re-sync and all will be well.

The Proprietary Problem

More than 1 million cable modems have been installed in the U.S. and Canada to date and nearly all of the products are proprietary, which means a particular vendor's modems can only be used on each cable system. For example, if a cable operator is using proprietary Com21 network equipment, only a Com21 modem will work on the network.

This presents problems for consumers. If they were to purchase a proprietary modem and then move, the modem probably would not be compatible with their new cable system. Also, proprietary modems have been expensive historically, often costing more than $300. Recognizing these issues, Trans-Video.Net and our cable operator partners usually lease modems to subscribers. This way, consumers do not have to face high costs or the risk of product obsolescence. Today, most cable modem customers pay for their modem lease as a $10 per month add-on to the in their monthly service fee, which typically runs $29.95 to $39.95 per month, including Internet access.

The Shift to Standards

In 1996, CableLabs, an industry technology organization, developed an open standard for cable modem products called DOCSIS, which stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. The standard was developed to ensure that cable modem equipment built by a variety of manufacturers is compatible, as is the case with dial-up modems.

CableLabs is managing a rigorous testing process for DOCSIS products. Cable modems that pass the tests are called "CableLabs Certified." Through August, DOCSIS modems from 10 manufacturers had been named CableLabs Certified. More than 20 companies are now manufacturing DOCSIS cable modems, including 3Com, Cisco Systems, Com21, General Instrument, Toshiba, Samsung, and Sony.

The shift to standards will result in dramatic cable modem price declines and feature enhancements. Some DOCSIS cable modems now carry a suggested retail price of $299 or less. Manufacturers are adding innovative features, such as support for Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces and other home networking technologies.

Getting Ready for Retail

Trans-Video.Net and our cable operator partners are just starting to deploy cable modems based on the DOCSIS standard, but widespread retail availability will likely be during the latter part of 2000. Our advice to existing and potential customers? Lease the cable modem we currently offer and buy a new DOCSIS modem of your choice later when it's available.

Information provided by Cable-Modems.net. Visit their site for extensive information regarding cable modems.

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