Is a cable modem the same as a wireless ISP uses?

JabbaTheHut

Sorry about the confusing sounding title, but as per usual, I'm asking sbout something akward.

I use RouterOS from Mikrotik on a Routerboard to recieve my wireless from an Access Point from about a mile away. A buddy of mine moved from Digiweb Wireless, I think he said, to Eircom DSL. He took down the wireless gear on his house and gave it to me. I always assumed that all wireless was the same, but I think I must be wrong.

What he gave me was a reciever, which has no electronics. It's a white box, that has a 6" square surface, a booster of some sort, and a cable modem. The booster sits between the reciever and modem and runs on 12v, I think.

My question is, what sort of wireless is this? Does the cable modem pick up a wireless signal just like a laptop would, or is it a different kind? I didn't think a cable modem worked like it could be used in a wireless situtation like this.

Hope this makes sense

FoxT

How do you know it is a cable modem?


I expect what you have is
1 - antenna ( the white box with no electronics)
2- downconverter (which may also provide some amplification)
3 - cable modem

Cable and wireless transmissions use similar modulation. In fact, some operators use DOCSIS CMTS to deliver an input signal to an upconverter/transceiver, so the signal types are identical. Digiweb used to do this, and for all I know, they may still be doing it. So, using a cable modem makes sense.

A laptop will pick up a wifi signal. Wifi & DOCSIS are completely different. I hope that answers your question.
-FoxT

JabbaTheHut

Ah yeah. That's exactly what I have. It is a cable modem alright, and the thing I was calling a booster is a down converter. You answered me spot on. Now I know. Thanks FoxT