Cable Modems 1

INTRODUCTION

The term ‘Cable Modem’ is quite new and refers to a modem

that operates over the ordinary cable TV network cables. Basically
you just connect the Cable Modem to the TV outlet for your cable
TV, and the cable TV operator connects a Cable Modem
Termination System (CMTS) in his end (the Head-End).

Actually the term "Cable Modem" is a bit misleading, as a

Cable Modem works more like a Local Area Network (LAN)
interface than as a modem.

Cable modems allows consumers access to the Internet at

higher speeds and at a fraction of the time it takes traditional
telephone modems.
This is true for two reasons:
1) Broadband networks make the connection up to a hundred
times faster
2) The service is "always on," meaning customers get the
information they want, when they want it.
Cable Modems 2
Unlike telephone modems, cable modems allow consumers to
keep their telephone lines open for voice conversations.

IMPORTANT TERMS

A short list of some of the technical terms and acronyms that

you may come across in trying to understand the cable modem
world.

CATV: Community Antenna Television or Cable TV system. Can be

all coaxial or HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) based.

Cable modem (CM): Client device for providing data over a cable
TV network. Read all about it here.

Channel: A specific frequency and bandwidth combination. Used

in this context about TV channels for television services and
downstream data for cable modems.

CMTS: Cable Modem Termination System. Central device for

connecting the cable TV network to a data network like the
internet. Normally placed in the headend of the cable TV system.

CPE: Customer Premises Equipment. Used to describe the PC

and/or other equipment, that the customer may want to connect
to the cable modem.

DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This protocol

provides a mechanism for allocating IP addresses dynamically so
that addresses can be reused. Often used for managing the IP
Cable Modems 3

addresses of all the cable modems in a cable plant and the PC's
connected to the cable modems.

DOCSIS: Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. The

dominating cable modem standard. Defines technical
specifications for both cable modem and CMTS.

Downstream: The data flowing from the CMTS to the cable

modem.

Downstream frequency: The frequency used for transmitting data

from the CMTS to the cable modem. Normally in the 42/65-850
MHz range depending on the actual cable plant capabilities.

Headend: Central distribution point for a CATV system. Video

signals are received here from satellites and maybe other sources,
frequency converted to the appropriate channels, combined with
locally originated signals, and rebroadcast onto the HFC plant. The
headend is where the CMTS is normally located.

HFC: Hybrid fiber-coaxial (cable network). Older CATV systems

were provisioned using only coaxial cable. Modern systems use
fiber transport from the headend to an optical node located in the
neighborhood to reduce system noise. Coaxial cable runs from the
node to the subscriber. The fiber plant is generally a star
configuration with all optical node fibers terminating at a headend.
The coaxial cable part of the system is generally a trunk-and-
branch configuration.
Cable Modems 4

MAC layer: Media Access Control sublayer in the network stack.

Read more about that later in this presentation.

MCNS: Multimedia Cable Network System Partners Ltd. The

consortium behind the DOCSIS standard for cable modems.

Minislot: Basic timeslot unit used for upstream data bursts in the
DOCSIS standard.

MSO: Multiple Service Operator. A cable TV service provider that

also provides other services such as data and/or voice telephony.

QAM: Quadrature Amplitude Modulation. A method of modulating

digital signals using both amplitude and phase coding. Used for
downstream and can be used for upstream.

QPSK: Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying. A method of modulating

digital signals using four phase states to code two digital bits per
phase shift.

Ranging: The process of automatically adjusting transmit levels

and time offsets of individual modems, in order to make sure the
bursts coming from different modems line up in the right timeslots
and are received at the same power level at the CMTS.

SID (Service ID): Used in the DOCSIS standard to defines a

particular mapping between a cable modem (CM) and the CMTS.
The SID is used for the purpose of upstream bandwidth allocation
and class-of-service management.
Cable Modems 5

Subscriber Unit (SU): An alternate term for cable modem.

Upstream: The data flowing from the CM to the CMTS.

Upstream frequency: The frequency used to transmit data from

the CM to the CMTS. Normally in the 5-42 MHz range for US
systems and 5-65 MHz for European systems.

CATV NETWORK

A CATV network is designed and used for cable TV

distribution. With an upgrade of the system, it is normally possible
to allow signals to flow in both directions. Higher frequencies flow
toward the subscriber and the lower frequencies go in the other
direction. This is done by upgrades to the amplifiers in the cable
distribution network etc.
Cable Modems 6

Most CATV networks are Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) networks.

The signals run in fiber-optical cables from the Head-End center to
locations near the subscriber. At that point the signal is converted
to coaxial cables, that run to the subscriber premises. One CMTS
will normally drive about 1-2000 simultaneous Cable Modem
users on a single TV channel. If more Cable Modems are required,
the number of TV channels are increased by adding more channels
to the CMTS.

TYPES OF CABLE MODEM

A number of different Cable Modem configurations are

possible. These three configurations are the main products we see
now. Over time more systems will arrive.
Cable Modems 7

External Cable Modem

The external Cable Modem is the small external box that
connect to your computer normally through an ordinary Ethernet
connection. You will need to add a (cheap) Ethernet card to your
computer before you can connect the Cable Modem. A plus is that
you can connect more computers to the Ethernet. Also the Cable
Modem works with most operating systems and hardware
platforms, including Mac, UNIX, laptop computers etc.

Another interface for external Cable Modems is USB, which

has the advantage of installing much faster (something that
matters, because the cable operators are normally sending
technicians out to install each and every Cable Modem). The
downside is that you can only connect one PC to a USB based
Cable Modem.

Internal Cable Modem

The internal Cable Modem is typically a PCI bus add-in card
for a PC. That might be the cheapest implementation possible, but
it has a number of drawbacks. First problem is that it can only be
used in desktop PC's. Mac's and laptops are possible, but require
a different design. Second problem is that the cable connector is
not galvanic isolated from AC mains. This may pose a problem in
some CATV networks, requiring a more expensive upgrade of the
network installations. Some countries and/or CATV networks may
not be able to use internal cable modems at all for technical
and/or regulatory reasons.
Cable Modems 8

Interactive Set-Top Box

The interactive set-top box is really a cable modem in
disguise. The primary function of the set-top box is to provide
more TV channels on the same limited number of frequencies.
This is possible with the use of digital television encoding (DVB).
An interactive set-top box provides a return channel - often
through the ordinary plain old telephone system (POTS) - that
allows the user access to web-browsing, email etc. directly on the
TV screen.

TYPICAL CABLE MODEM INSTALLATION

When installing a Cable Modem, a power splitter and a new

cable are usually required. The splitter divides the signal for the
"old" installations and the new segment that connects the Cable
Modem. No TV-sets are accepted on the new string that goes to the
Cable Modem.
Cable Modems 9

The transmitted signal from the Cable Modem can be so

strong, that any TV sets connected on the same string might be
disturbed. The isolation of the splitter may not be sufficient, so an
extra high-pass filter can be needed in the string that goes to the
TV-sets. The high-pass filter allows only the TV-channel
frequencies to pass, and blocks the upstream frequency band. The
other reason for the filter is to block ingress in the low upstream
frequency range from the in-house wiring. Noise injected at each
individual residence accumulates in the upstream path towards
the head-end, so it is essential to keep it at a minimum at every
single residence that needs Cable Modem service..

Data-interface
On any kind of external cable modem (the majority of what is
in use today), you obviously need some kind of data-interface to
connect the computer and the cable modem.

Ethernet
On most external modems, the data-port interface is 10 Mbps
Ethernet. Some might argue that you need 100 Mbps Ethernet to
keep up with the max. 27-56 Mbps downstream capability of a
cable modem, but this is not true. Even in a very good installation,
a cable modem can not keep up with a 10 Mbps Ethernet, as the
downstream is shared by many users.

The 1st version of the MCNS standard, that dominates the US

market, specified 10 Mbps Ethernet as the only allowable data-
interface. The DVB/DAVIC standard is totally open, allowing any
type of interface. Other types of interfaces are being incorporated
Cable Modems 10

in the MCNS standard to allow for a wider range of cable modem

configurations.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

Among others, Intel recently announced that they are working
with Broadcom on cable modems with USB interface. This is
expected to bring down the installation hassle for the many users
with less computer skills. Obviously you do not need to open the
box to install an Ethernet card, if the computer has an USB
interface. If the computer does not have an USB interface, you will
need to install that and you are back to about the same hassle-
level as with the Ethernet interface.

Cost
The installation cost is a significant issue, as this is
something that needs to be done in the house of every subscriber.
The CATV operators and equipment manufactures needs to try
really hard to push down the installation cost, to keep the whole
operation profitable.
Cable Modems 11

INSIDE A CABLE MODEM

Cable Modems are different, but the basic architecture is

more or less the same as shown above. The major components are
outlined below, along with an indication of some companies that
are know to deliver products to the open market. Many other
companies are working in the field, but may not be so well known
to me - or may only produce components for their own use.

Tuner
The tuner connects directly to the CATV outlet. Normally a
tuner with build-in diplexer is used, to provide both upstream and
downstream signals through the same tuner. The tuner must be of
sufficiently good quality to be able to receive the digitally
modulated QAM signals. Companies like ALPS, Sharp, Temic and
Panasonic are strong suppliers here.
Cable Modems 12

A new concept of a silicon tuner is in the works. This is

basically a tuner on a chip, and is expected to cut the cost down
quite a bit compared to a more conventional tuner module.

Demodulator
In the receive direction, the IF signal feeds a demodulator.
The demodulator normally consists of A/D converter, QAM-
64/256 demodulator, MPEG frame synchronization, Reed Solomon
error correction.

The clear leader here is Broadcom, with a single chip

demodulator. Other companies are Stanford Telecom with a
combined demodulator and burst modulator, but also companies
like SGS Thomson, VLSI Technologies, LSI Logic and Fujitsu play
a role here. The demodulator component is required both in a
cable modem and in the more mature product, the digital (receive-
only) set-top box, so many companies have developed products for
this part of the game.

Burst modulator
In the transmit direction, a burst modulator feeds the tuner.
The burst modulator does Reed Solomon encoding of each burst,
modulation of the QPSK/QAM-16 on the selected frequency and
D/A conversion. The output signal is fed though a driver with
variable output level, so the signal level can be adjusted to
compensate for the unknown cable loss. The burst modulator is
unique to the cable modem (and some two-way set-top boxes), so
fewer components are available here. Broadcom leads the pack,
with Stanford Telecom, Analog Devices, SGS Thomson and others
playing catch-up Combined demodulator and burst modulator
Cable Modems 13

chips are also available as the integration race drives more and
more functions into a single chip.

MAC
A Media Access Control mechanism sits between the receive
and transmit paths. This can be implemented in hardware or split
between hardware and software. The MAC is pretty complex
compared to an ethernet MAC, and in reality no MAC's are able to
handle all of the MAC layer function without some microprocessor
"help". For DOCSIS cable modems, Broadcom and Libit (now
Texas Instruments) are known to have MAC ASIC's available as a
standard products Connexant is also in the market with a MAC
that rely more on software to handle the various functions,
supposedly giving more flexibility. Other companies are known to
be working on various MAC chips for both DOCSIS and
DVB/DAVIC, with different partitions of what goes in software and
hardware. Some cable modem manufacturers even develop their
own MAC apparently in an attempt to be more competitive or to
differentiate their products.

Interface
The data that pass through the MAC goes into the computer
interface of the Cable Modem, be it Ethernet, USB, PCI bus or
whatever.

CPU
The microprocessor is not explicitly shown on the diagram,
but for external cable modems a CPU is required. Some work is
being done on host based processing cable modems, that uses the
processor in the host (PC or Mac) to do all (or almost all)
Cable Modems 14

processing. Much like how analog telephony modems (WinModem)

rely on the PC processor to do the processing.

For external cable modems with Ethernet interface, the

Motorola embedded PowerPC series of microprocessors are
popular, but other RISC based architectures are also used. Single
devices combining MAC, demodulator, burst modulator, processor,
ethernet/PCI/USB interfaces and more are emerging, in effect
integrating the guts of a cable modem in a single chip. There will
still be some additional parts for memory, tuner, analog stuff,
power supply etc. so we are still no-where near the true single-chip
cable modem - even though that is what the final aim is.

DOWNSTREAM

Downstream is the term used for the signal received by the

Cable Modem. The electrical characteristics are outlined in the
below table. Notice that most CATV networks in Europe allows 8
MHz bandwidth TV channels, whereas the US CATV networks
allows only 6 MHz. Again Europe runs a little faster.
Cable Modems 15

Frequency 42-850 MHz in USA and 65-850

MHz in Europe

Bandwidth 6 MHz in USA and 8 MHz in Europe

Modulation 64-QAM with 6 bits per symbol

(normal)
256-QAM with 8 bits per symbol
(faster, but more sensitive to noise)

The raw data-rate depends on the modulation and bandwidth as

shown below:

64-QAM 256-QAM

31.2 Mbit/s 41.6 Mbit/s 6 MHz

41.4 Mbit/s 55.2 Mbit/s 8 MHz

Note: A symbol rate of 6.9 Msym/s is used for 8 MHz bandwidth

and 5.2 Msym/s is used for 6 MHz bandwidth in the above
calculations. Raw bit-rate is somewhat higher than the effective
data-rate due to error-correction, framing and other overhead.

Since the downstream data are received by all Cable Modems,

the total bandwidth is shared between all active Cable Modems on
the system. This is similar to an Ethernet, only the wasted
bandwidth on an Ethernet is much higher. Each Cable Modem
filters out the data it needs from the stream of data.
Cable Modems 16

Downstream data format

Downstream data is framed according to the MPEG-TS

(transport stream) specification. This is a simple 188/204 byte
block format with a single fixed sync byte in front of each block.
The Reed-Solomon error correction algorithm reduces the block
size from 204 bytes to 188 bytes, leaving 187 for MPEG header
and payload. This is where the various standards differ quite a lot.
Some standards even allow various formatting of data within the
MPEG-TS payload. For the DVB/DAVIC standard, the framing
inside the MPEG-TS payload is simply a stream of ATM cells.
Cable Modems 17

UPSTREAM

Upstream is the term used for the signal transmitted by the

Cable Modem. Upstream is always bursts, so many modems can
transmit on the same frequency. The frequency range is typically
5-65 MHz or 5-42 MHz. The bandwidth per channel may be e.g. 2
MHz for a 3 MBit/s QPSK channel.

The modulation forms are QPSK (2 bits per symbol) and 16-
QAM (4 bits per symbol), with the later being the fastest, but also
most sensitive to ingress. One downstream is normally paired with
a number of upstream channels to achieve the balance in data
bandwidths required. Each modem transmits bursts in time slots
that might be either marked as reserved, contention or ranging.
Cable Modems 18

Reserved slots
A reserved slot is a time slot that is reserved to a particular
Cable Modem. No other Cable Modem is allowed to transmit in
that time slot. The CMTS (Head-End) allocates the time slots to the
various Cable Modems through a bandwidth allocation algorithm
(notice: this algorithm is vendor specific, and may differentiate
vendors considerably). Reserved slots are normally used for longer
data transmissions.

Contention slots
Time slots marked as contention slots are open for all Cable
Modems to transmit in. If two Cable Modems decide to transmit in
the same time slot, the packets collide and the data is lost. The
CMTS (Head-End) will then signal that no data was received, to
make the Cable Modems try again at some other (random) time.
Contention slots are normally used for very short data
transmissions (such as a request for a number of reserved slots to
transmit more data in).

Ranging slots
Due to the physical distance between the CMTS (Head-End)
and the Cable Modem, the time delay vary quite a lot and can be
in the milliseconds range. To compensate for this all Cable
Modems employ a ranging protocol, that effectively moves the
"clock" of the individual Cable Modem forth or back to compensate
for the delay.

To do this a number (normally 3) of consecutive time-slots are

set aside for ranging every now and then. The Cable Modem is
commanded to try transmitting in the 2nd time-slot. The CMTS
Cable Modems 19

(Head-End) measures this, and tells the Cable Modem a small

positive or negative correction value for its local clock. The two
time slots before and after are the "gap" required to insure that the
ranging burst does not collide with other traffic.

The other purpose of the ranging is to make all Cable Modems

transmit at a power level that makes all upstream bursts from all
Cable Modems arrive at the CMTS at the same level. This is
essential for detecting collisions, but also required for optimum
performance of the upstream demodulator in the CMTS. The
variation in attenuation from the Cable Modem to the CMTS can
vary more than 15dB.

Upstream data format

Upstream data is arranged in short bursts. The DAVIC/DVB

standard requires a fixed length burst, whereas the MCNS
standard specifies variable length bursts.
Cable Modems 20

Since the upstream data is just a short burst of data, the

demodulator needs something to trigger on. That is the unique
word, that is prepended to the data. For DVB/DAVIC the unique
word is 32 bit of data that triggers the demodulator to demodulate
the burst. Without the unique word, the demodulator could easily
start to demodulate various noise signals etc. And then be all busy
doing that when the real data arrives. Also the unique word
provides resynchronisation at every burst.

MEDIA ACCESS CONTROL

The Media Access Control mechanism is normally

implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and
software. The primary purpose of the MAC is to share the media in
a reasonable way. Both the CMTS and the Cable Modem
implements protocols to do the following.
Cable Modems 21

• Ranging to compensate for different cable losses. It is

essential that the upstream bursts from all Cable Modems are
received in the Head-End at the same level. If two Cable
Modems transmit at the same time, but one is much weaker
than the other one, the CMTS will only hear the strong signal
and assume everything is okay. If the two signals are same
strength, the signal will garble and the CMTS will know a
collision occurred.
• Ranging to compensate for the different cable delays. The size
of a CATV network calls for fairly large delays in the
millisecond range.
• Assigns frequencies etc. to the Cable Modems. The Cable
Modem first listens to the downstream to collect information
about where and how to answer. The it signs on to the system
using the assigned upstream frequency etc.
• Allocate the time-slots for the upstream.

This is one of the areas that are most closely tied to the
specific standard. So It is impossible to give more detailed
information about the MAC, without going into the specific
standards.

CABLE DATA SYSTEM FEATURES

Beyond modulation and demodulation, a cable modem

incorporates many features necessary to extend broadband
communications to wide-area networks (WANs). The network layer
is chosen as Internet protocol (IP) to support the Internet and
World Wide Web services. The data link layer is comprised of three
sublayers: logical link control sublayer, link security sublayer
Cable Modems 22

conforming to the security requirements, and media access control

(MAC) sublayer suitable for cable system operations. Current cable
modem systems use Ethernet frame format for data transmission
over upstream and downstream data channels. Each of the
downstream data channels and the associated upstream data
channels on a cable network form an extended Ethernet WAN. As
the number of subscribers increases, a cable operator can add
more upstream and downstream data channels to support
demand for additional bandwidth in the cable data network. From
this perspective, growth of new cable data networks can be
managed in much the same fashion as the growth of Ethernet
LANs within a corporate environment.

The link security sublayer requirements are further defined in

three sets of requirements: baseline privacy interface (BPI),
security system interface (SSI), and removable security module
interface (RSMI). BPI provides cable modem users with data
privacy across the cable network by encrypting data traffic
between the user's cable modem and CMTS. The operational
support provided by the EMS allows a CMTS to map a cable
modem identity to paying subscribers and thereby authorize
subscriber access to data network services. Thus, the privacy and
security requirements protect user data as well as prevent theft of
cable data services.

Early discussions in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic

Engineers (IEEE) 802.14 Committee referred to the use of
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) over cable data networks to
facilitate multiple services including telephone, data, and video, all
of which are supported over cable modems. Although current cable
modem standards incorporate Ethernet over cable modem,
Cable Modems 23

extensions are provided in the standards for future support of

ATM or other protocol data units. IP–telephony support over cable
data networks is expected to be a new value-added service in the
near term.

STANDARDS

Three major standards exist for Cable Modems. First

generation Cable Modems uses various proprietary protocols etc.
making it impossible for the CATV network operators to use
multiple vendors Cable Modems on the same system.

Around 1997 three standards emerged. DAVIC/DVB were first

with a European standard, closely followed by MCSN with a US
Cable Modems 24
standard (DOCSIS). IEEE came last with 802.14, and clearly lost
the 1st round. IEEE is now trying to leapfrog the two other
standards by focusing on the next generation standards.

DVB/DAVIC
This standard is also known as DVB-RCC and as ETS 300
800. Initially run by DAVIC, but now the work has moved to DVB.
Very few vendors develop for this standard, but enough that it

does play a role. This standard is fighting the EuroDOCSIS

standard for the European market. This standard is based on fixed
cell size (ATM) and includes all the standard ways of doing quality
of service (QoS) that ATM is known for. In that way, the standard
is very well suited to both data i.e. TCP/IP (using AAL5) and
telephony as pure ATM. VoIP to the cable modem may not be the
best solution, although technically feasible.

Initially the standard lacked security (encryption), but that

was added as an option in version 1.4. Open to both internal and
external implementations, and also covering Set-Top Box
implementations with an additional out-of-band receive data
channel. Some of the European cable operators joined forces and
made a request for proposals for a EuroModem. The specification
is available to the public from EuroCableLabs for free, and even
though it does not seem very big, it does refer to other standards
including ETS 300 800 for the details.

MCNS/DOCSIS
DOCSIS (Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications) a
manufacturing standard for cable-modem companies established
by CableLabs, certifies cable modems and qualifies CMTSs for
interoperability. It defines interface requirements for cable
Cable Modems 25
modems involved in high-speed data distribution over cable
television system networks. The project also provides cable modem
equipment suppliers with a fast, market-oriented method for
attaining cable industry acknowledgement of DOCSIS compliance
and has resulted in high-speed modems being certified for retail
sale.

The dominant US standard-even though it has not gone

through any formal/independent standards body yet. This
standard is very much driven by the wish of the large cable
operators to have cable modems sold through the retail channel.
Initially the chip manufacturer Broadcom played an important
role, by pushing the standard and the level of chip integration at a
very fast pace. As a result, the complexity of the standard is
generally agreed to be much higher than what is strictly required,
and is even growing.

Initially the standard did not support QoS which is required

for telephony applications (VoIP) and other applications as well,
but this has been added in version 1.1.

Initially open to only external box solutions with Ethernet

interface, but now also allows internal modems and USB modems.
Host based processing solutions is still debated (start 1999).

While originally targeted at the US domestic market, an off-

spring named EuroDOCSIS is being pushed as the solution to the
DVB centric European market. EuroDOCSIS is essentially the
same as DOCSIS apart from the physical layer, which is DVB
compliant in EuroDOCSIS.
Cable Modems 26

IEEE
Lost the 1st round of the Cable Modem standards battle.
What happens down the road remains to be seen. It looks like part
of the IEEE group is working with Broadcom and Terayon on the
next generation physical layer with increased (30 Mbps) upstream
bitrate. This has also been termed DOCSIS 1.2, even though that

does not seem to be official, and is certainly not approved by the

DOCSIS vendor community yet. The battle for the US domestic
market is clearly won by the DOCSIS standard, but the same for
the European market is still going on.

ADSL Vs CABLE MODEM

ADSL provides a dedicated service over a single telephone

line; cable modems offer a dedicated service over a shared media.
While cable modems have greater downstream bandwidth
capabilities (up to 30 Mbps), that bandwidth is shared among all
users on a line, and will therefore vary, perhaps dramatically, as
more users in a neighborhood get online at the same time.

Cable modem upstream traffic will in many cases be slower

than ADSL, either because the particular cable modem is
inherently slower, or because of rate reductions caused by
contention for upstream bandwidth slots.

The big difference between ADSL and cable modems, however,

is the number of lines available to each. There are no more than
Cable Modems 27
12 million homes passed today that can support two-way cable
modem transmissions, and while the figure also grows steadily, it
will not catch up with telephone lines for many years. Additionally,
many of the older cable networks are not capable of offering a
return channel; consequently, such networks will need significant
upgrading before they can offer high bandwidth services.

High-Speed: DSL overtakes cable modems, offering downstream

speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps (T1 equivalent), and upstream speeds of
up to 768 kbps. Also, each ADSL circuit is separate, performance
of your ADSL circuit won't downgrade just because other people
are using theirs at the same time.

Two-Way Connection: Most cable modems only work in one

direction - downstream, and you still have to maintain a dial-up
connection to go upstream. With ADSL, you get a high-speed,
reliable two-way communications solution.

More Security: ADSL provides a permanent, dedicated

connection. It's dedicated to the user and no one else whereas
cable modems offer access over a shared cable connection.

ISSUES
1.Security: The DOCSIS specifications provide a baseline privacy
that guarantees user data privacy (across the cable network) and
services protection by encrypting CM/CMTS traffic flows and
controlling distribution of encryption keys to CMs. The DOCSIS
system architecture includes security components that ensure
Cable Modems 28
user data privacy across the shared-medium cable network and
prevents unauthorized access to DOCSIS-based data transport
services across the cable network. The DOCSIS architecture also
supports the policing (e.g., filtering) functions that can be used to
reduce risks from attacks targeted at attached CPE devices. These
policing capabilities are comparable to those available within
dedicated line network access systems (e.g.; telephone, ISDN, DSL.

2. Static and dynamic IP addresses: An IP Address is essential to

using the Internet, and since each PC needs one to get on the
Internet, having an IP address is a must. Typically, most cable and
xDSL ISP's do not want you to host a server. One big issue with
hosting on your home cable connection is a Dynamic IP Address.
This Dynamic IP may change at any time, and causes problems
when people try to connect to your PC. These Dynamic Addresses
are given out for two reasons: It makes network administration
easier, and it also acts as a deterrent to hosting your own server
on your Dynamic IP. A Static IP Address never changes (Not unless
you change ISP's usually), and can always be found on the
Internet. If you have a static IP address, they typically cost more,
or some ISP's won't even allow you to have a static IP Address.

3. Speed: Cable modems can provide very high speeds in

comparison with other technologies such as dialup, ISDN and even
DSL. But an important fact to be considered is that this
bandwidth is to be shared among a large number of users. As the
users log on to the network, the available downstream bandwidth
decreases and the performance may degrade further.
Cable Modems 29

CONCLUSION

Cable modem technology offers high-speed access to the

Internet and World Wide Web services. Cable data networks
integrate the elements necessary to advance beyond modem
technology and provide such measures as privacy, security, data
networking, Internet access, and quality-of-service features. The
end-to-end network architecture enables a user cable modem to
connect to a CMTS which, in turn, connects to a regional data
center for access to Internet services. Thus, through a system of
network connections, a cable data network is capable of
connecting users to other users anywhere in the global network.

Because cable operates at speeds many times faster than a

dialup phone line, it is now possible to view streaming video clips
real-time, download multi-megabyte software programs in
seconds, videoconference with friends and family and play video
games on-line. These capabilities were not practical nor, in some
cases, even possible with 56K dialup. In addition, cable Internet
subscribers can be fully connected, 24 hours a day, to both remote
and local services without interfering with their cable television
service or tying up a phone line. The requirements for greater
bandwidth and speed is on the rise. With the many advantages,
Cable Modems with the present technology seem to be a feasible
solution.
Cable Modems 30

REFERENCES

• www.iec.org
• www.itpapers.com
• www.acclaimcable.com
• www.cable-modems.org
Cable Modems 31

ABSTRACT

A cable modem is a digital device, which connects the

computer system to the Internet, via a coaxial cable, usually the
same as used in a cable television network. It converts digital
information into modulated RF signals(upstream) and RF signals
back to digital information (downstream) across cable TV
networks. Cable modem allows high-speed access to the Internet
via a cable TV network. A cable modem will typically have two
connections, one to the cable wall outlet and one to a computer.
Most cable modems are external devices that connect to the PC
through a standard 10Base-T Ethernet card and twisted-pair
wiring. Cable modem speeds vary widely, depending on the cable
modem system, cable network architecture, and traffic load. In the
downstream direction (from the network to the computer), network
speeds can be anywhere up to 27 Mbps, an aggregate amount of
bandwidth that is shared by users. In the upstream direction
(from computer to network), speeds can be up to 10 Mbps.
However, most modem producers have selected a more optimum
speed between 500 Kbps and 2.5 Mbps. An asymmetric scheme is
used in most cable modems.

Presented by
SIYAD P. M.
S8 ECE
Roll No : 50
Batch No .X ( e )
Cable Modems 32

CONTENTS

• Introduction

• CATV network

• Types of Cable Modems

• Typical Cable Modem installation

• Inside a Cable Modem

• Downstream

• Upstream

• Standards

• Issues

• Conclusion

• References
Cable Modems 33

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank God Almighty for the successful

completion of my seminar. I express my sincere

gratitude to Prof. P.V Abdul Hameed , Head of

Department, Electronics and Communication . I am

deeply indebted to Staff-in-charge, Mr. V.T Gopa

kumar and my tutor Ms. K Abitha , for their valuable

advice and guidance. I am also grateful to all other

members of the faculty of Information Technology

department for their cooperation.

Finally, I wish to thank all my dear friends, for

their whole-hearted cooperation, support and

encouragement.