Dictionary.net

A type of modem that allowspeople to access the Internet via their cable televisionservice.A cable modem can transfer data at 500 kbps or higher,compared with 28.8 kbps for common telephone line modems, butthe actual transfer rates may be lower depending on the numberof other simultaneous users on the same cable.Industry pundits often point out that the cable system stilldoes not have the bandwidth or service level in many areasto make this feasible. For example, it has to be capable oftwo-way communication.See also: DOCSIS.