Cable Modem - A modem that uses the bandwidth of a given cable system. Because cable modems provide Internet access over cable TV networks (which rely primarily on fiber optic or coaxial cable,) they're much faster than standard modems that use phone lines and switching hardware. Though the cable modem is capable of very high speeds, the cable provider usually caps the connection speed. The separate telephone connection of yesterday to upload with if you have a cable modem, is not usually necessary anymore as both upload and download is done through the same cable modem; also cable modems give a permanent connection to the Internet. Also see www.cable-modems.org.