As far as cable modems are concerned, downstream data is transmitted from the Internet towards the computer that requested it. Downstream data is sent in the form of a 6MHz channel, in the same way as a TV channel is sent. Upstream data is data that is sent or "uploaded" from a computer towards the Internet. Using less bandwidth and travelling as a 2MHz channel, uploading takes place far less frequently than downloading on the average Internet connection.
Cable Modems Use CATV Infrastructures
CATV Networks CATV (Cable Access Television, sometimes known as Community Antenna Television) is referred to as cable TV. Cable modems use CATV infrastructures that partly consist of HFC (Hybrid Fibre-Coax).
HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coax) Networks A HFC network consists of both fibre optic cable and coaxial cable. They are used in different sections of a network to transport broadband data. On HFC networks, companies can use fibre optic cable from the networks head-end to all nodes. From these nodes a coax cable then feeds towards the cable modems in residential homes or business locations/offices.
