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The terms one-way and two-way are used to describe how your computer relays data to the Internet when you are using a cable modem. In a two-way system, your computer uses the cable modem for both sending (uploading) and receiving (downloading) data, allowing for high speeds in both directions. This eliminates the need for a traditional analog modem and phone line when using the Internet. You may still need an analog modem and phone line for other things, such as sending faxes.

In a one-way system, your computer uses the cable modem for receiving (downloading) data, but still requires an analog modem and phone line for sending (uploading) data. The use of an analog modem in a one-way system means that you cannot upload data as fast as you can in a two-way system. Even so, a one-way cable modem system gives you nearly all of the speed benefits of a two-way system. When you browse the Web, you usually upload a URL request or a mouse click. What you get in return is all of the text, graphics, and sound from the page you want to visit. That Web page data will all come back to you through the high speed cable network.

The availability of a two-way system is dependent on the type of coaxial network Charter Communications has deployed in your area. Traditional cable networks are designed to deliver television signals in one direction only and are made up entirely of coaxial cable. Modern cable networks use a hybrid of fiber optic and coaxial cabling (HFC) to provide two-way capabilities. Approximately 85% of all cable networks in the United States are one-way.

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Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • in other words, a digital box, or pvr can receive information and send info ( ie, request movies etc,,), but analogue can only receive. Is this correct?

    2009-09-15 11:31:33



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by redxii See Profile edited by drake See Profile
last modified: 2004-05-29 20:21:01