Frequently Asked Questions

Internet FAQs

• Does MetroCast offer virus protection service?
  
  
  

  	No, MetroCast does not offer virus protection services.

  
  
  



• How fast will a cable modem download and upload data?
  
  
  

  	Speeds will depend on the service level to which you subscribe. The asymmetric cable modem scheme is the most common type of cable network setup, and will allow for a faster transmission rate (higher bandwidth) on the downstream data path than the upstream data path. This network set up works well since most cable modem users download more information than they send. For example, downloading web pages and multimedia files and participating in newsgroups requires much more bandwidth than sending web page requests or e-mail. For comparison, our base level of service downloads at 1.5 Mb per second, which averages at about 180 Kilobytes per second. Compare that to a telephone modem which downloads at about 7 Kilobytes per second. Would you rather drive at 55 miles an hour or 7 miles an hour?

  
  
  



• Is a telephone line still required when using a cable modem to access the Internet?
  
  
  

  	No, you will not need a telephone line when using a two-way cable modem. The cable line carries both upstream and downstream signals.

  
  
  



• How does a cable modem compare to a dial up modem?
  
  
  

  	Cable modems can connect to the internet and download information much faster than a dial up modem. For example, it will take a cable modem user milliseconds to connect to the Internet while it will take a dial up modem user about a minute. Cable modems can also download information at speeds beginning at 1.5 Mbps while a dial up modem will only download information at 53 Kbps or less.

  
  
  



• Can I watch television and browse the Internet at the same time?
  
  
  

  	Yes, since the television and the cable modem operate on separate frequencies of the available cable bandwidth, you will be able to watch television and browse the Internet at the same time.

  
  
  



• Will my browser time be monitored or restricted?
  
  
  

  	No, your browser time will not be monitored or restricted. MetroCast has a strict policy against monitoring or logging how our customers use their Internet access.

  
  
  



• How does a cable modem work?
  
  
  

  	Cable modems modulate and demodulate RF signals. The cable modem receives data in what is known as the downstream signal. This signal is modulated on television channels that are six MHz wide at frequencies between 88 to 860 MHz.

  
  
  



• What type of computer hardware and software do I need to use this service?
  
  
  

  	If you have a PC, you will need a minimum of a Windows 95 operating system, 100 Megabytes of hard disk space, and 32 megabytes of RAM (although we recommend at least 64 megabytes of RAM). A 486DX or Pentium Class processor running at 166 MHz or higher is also recommended. If you have a Macintosh, you will need a minimum of a system 7.5.3, 100 megabytes of hard disk space, and 32 megabytes of RAM (although we recommend at least 64 megabytes of RAM).

  
  
  



• What is a Cable Modem?
  
  
  

  	A cable modem is an external box that connects your computer to the internet via your local cable television provider. A cable modem has two connections, one that leads to the cable lines outside your home and an Ethernet connection to your computer.

  
  
  



• What are the advantages of using a cable modem to access the Internet?
  
  
  

  	A cable modem will provide you with High Speed access to the Internet. Downloading a file that would take hours using a telephone modem connection will take only a few minutes with a cable modem connection. Because MetroCast uses the cable television lines to access the internet,you will be able to talk on the phone at the same time you are on the Internet. As a high-speed medium, you will be able to view many different multi-media presentations---“live” or streamed---such as concerts, movies, etc.

  
  
  



• How does a cable modem connect to a computer?
  
  
  

  	There are two options for connecting a cable modem to your home computer. The most common connection type is Ethernet. Ethernet uses a 10Base T or 10/100Base T connection to transfer information from the modem to a Network Interface Card (NIC card) in your computer. In most cases MetroCast will add the Ethernet card into your computer if one is not already installed. (some restrictions apply) The other common connection type is USB. USB has some advantages in that no additional hardware needs to be added to the computer. MetroCast will help to choose the best connection type for your computer.

  
  
  



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