It is fair to establish that the internet has revolutionized each and every segment of society ever since its inception. Whether it is the domain of health care, education, or commerce, this advanced technology has promised to carry us towards a fully automated future. Connectivity, convenience, and expansion of repertoires are only a few of its countless benefits.
Cable Internet
Speaking of merits, the internet is accessible in multiple forms. However, one of the predominant means of providing that is popular across the States is cable. A wired connection carrying bandwidth signals over the main cable television line all the way to a consumer’s devices. Many service providers offer cable services with premium quality features. For instance, Spectrum Internet comes with unlimited data without any long-term contracts, which is quite an attractive feature for internet users.
The Use of Modem Cable
The elementary trick in this whole process is performed by the cable modem, of course.
It is a piece of hardware that is either issued by the ISP or rented/purchased by the consumer, which converts the analog signal coming from the cable internet provider’s line to a digital signal that is recognized by the user’s computing devices, and vice versa. If the modem supports higher speeds, it can change the internet game for the user.
The 3D Version
Technically, a cable modem follows the Data over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), which is the standard protocol for this type of networking. Back in the nineties, the earliest form of a cable modem came in with the DOCSIS 1.0 & 1.1 versions, which supported up to 38 Mbps (download)/9 Mbps (upload) speeds only. It was later succeeded by the DOCSIS version 2.0, which went as far as 27 Mbps for the upload speeds while retaining the same download speeds as before.
At present, we have the cable modems with DOCSIS versions 3.0 and 3.1, which can render over 150 Mbps connection speeds, with IPv6 support! Most of the cable internet providers offer this D3 modem, but due to the higher speeds, the price mark is set high too.
Elements that Affect the Speed of Cable Modem
What happens with most cable internet subscribers is that the promise of high-speed internet is often not fairly met, even though the payment for the package is taken in full. This creates trust issues between the user and the provider. That is why you usually see angry cable internet customers calling up the provider and having a word with them. Others even shift from a wired connection to a cable-free wireless one.
Why is that? What are the main causes of the cable internet slowdown? Let us check them out below.
Data Caps
It is often a feature of many shared connections that data caps are enforced to keep the bandwidth usage in check and to ensure a fair distribution of the total cable broadband among the locality. However, this internet limit, translated by your cable modem, can seriously inhibit your experience. So, go for a cable internet connection that comes without these accursed data caps. An unlimited network offers higher speeds, generally.
Shared Connection
This is one of the major reasons why you might be experiencing a lag in your cable internet speed. A single cable line is set to feed the entire neighborhood with bandwidth, only a small part of which is caught by your cable modem. Thus, raising the latency rate. To address this issue, you can utilize a bandwidth monitoring tool to analyze and optimize your network usage. Another solution is to get a Wi-Fi extender or some other amplifying device, which serves you well and releases some speed, hoarded by your neighbors.
Hardware Issues
Things can wear and tear over time. This includes cables too. So, if the main cable line in your area has undergone damage, it will surely disrupt a smooth internet speed flow. So, contact your provider regarding this issue and get it fixed in time. Recheck your cable modem and router too for any sign of glitches and flaws, while you are at it. If you find some errors, try restarting the devices or sending them for repair.
There are some simple tips that you can try when you’re facing issues with your speeds.
Tips that you can try
When you face speed issues because of your modem, it can be frustrating. But there are a few quick tips you can try that may help improve your speed.
- First, try restarting your modem. This can sometimes help if there is a connection issue.
- Next, check to see if you have the latest firmware for your modem. If you don’t, you can try updating it.
- Finally, you can try changing the channel that your modem is using. If you’re using a 2.4 GHz modem, try using a 5 GHz modem instead.
If you’re still having trouble after trying these tips, you may need to upgrade your modem or contact your ISP for help.
If you do have a cable-modem-based internet connection at home, and it has not been delivering high speeds, then consider the aforementioned factors to effectively deal with the problem and enjoy a smooth internet experience hereafter.
