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Technology Types

Cable Internet (DOCSIS)

Broadband delivered over coaxial cable TV lines using the DOCSIS protocol, typically offering 100-1,200 Mbps download but significantly slower upload speeds.

What It Means

Cable internet uses Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) to deliver data. DOCSIS 3.1 supports up to 10 Gbps download and 1-2 Gbps upload in theory, though real-world speeds are lower. Cable is a shared medium, so speeds can slow during peak usage hours when many neighbors are online simultaneously. The latest DOCSIS 4.0 standard aims to close the gap with fiber by offering multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Cable Internet" mean?

Broadband delivered over coaxial cable TV lines using the DOCSIS protocol, typically offering 100-1,200 Mbps download but significantly slower upload speeds.

Why does Cable Internet matter for internet quality?

Cable internet uses Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) to deliver data. DOCSIS 3.1 supports up to 10 Gbps download and 1-2 Gbps upload in theory, though real-world speeds are lower. Cable is a shared medium, so speeds can slow during peak usage hours when many neighbors are onl...

Related Terms

Fiber Optic (FTTH)
Internet delivered via glass or plastic strands that transmit data as pulses of light, offering the fastest and most reliable residential connections available.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
Internet service delivered over traditional copper telephone lines, with speeds that degrade significantly over distance from the provider's central office.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
Broadband delivered wirelessly from a cell tower or base station to an antenna at the customer's location, using 4G LTE or 5G signals.
Satellite Internet
Broadband delivered via orbiting satellites, available nearly anywhere but historically limited by high latency and low speeds until the introduction of low-earth orbit constellations.

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About This Data

Definitions based on FCC standards, industry specifications, and federal broadband policy. Speed benchmarks reflect 2024 FCC standards. See our methodology.