Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
7
Relationship Among the Devices
This illustration shows a cable company that offers DOCSIS/
Euro-DOCSIS
compliant Internet services
Computer Cable Modem Cable Company Internet
What the Modem Does
The Thomson digital cable modem serves as a two-way high-speed bridge between your personal computer
and a cable Internet Service Provider (ISP). It converts information that originates from the Internet or your
computer into electronic messages that can be transported over the same wires your cable
company uses to transport video signals.
What the Modem Needs to Do Its Job
•
The Right Cable Company:
Make sure your local cable company provides data
services that use cable industry-standard DOCSIS/Euro-DOCSIS technology
compatible with your cable modem.
•
The Internet Service Provider (ISP):
Your cable company provides you access to an Internet
Service Provider (ISP). The ISP is your gateway to the Internet. It provides you with a pipeline to
access Internet content on the World Wide Web (WWW).
Check with your cable company to make sure you have everything you need to begin; they’ll know if
you need to install special software or re-configure your computer to make your cable internet service
work for you.
(Internet Service Provider)