At my new house (where I'm about to move in), they have "wireless internet" that connects thru the tv cable.

Question

How does this work? And how is it wireless if it comes through a cable? I have a laptop, does this mean that it will constantly have to be connected to the cable outlet in order to get internet? Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm giving you the dummy version because it's all I understand!
If your laptop was made in the last couple of years, you have a wireless card built in. (If not, they're less tham $100 at Staples.) You have a router connected into the cable box. Your wireless card "reads" from the router and that's your wireless internet. However, if your cable goes out (if they're working on the line or something) you lose internet too. That's the sucky part. But, boy, is it FAST! (Think in terms of a racehorse vs. a turtle.)

Answer 2

For a person to have a "wireless internet" connection does require a hard line (the cable connection). There is a device called a "wireless router", this router gets connected via the cable, but the router allows you to be almost anywhere in your house and have internet connection on your laptop, if your laptop is "wireless enabled".

So, your laptop "connects" to the router wirelessly, then your router is connected to the tv cable. The router needs to be near a cable outlet, but once everything is set up correctly, you can roam your new house with your laptop and be on the internet.

Answer 3

The term wireless can't be used with cable, I would check with them again, it sounds like they didn't explain it well. Even if it does have a cable, you can plug a wireless router into that cable, and use the wireless card on your laptop to access the internet. That is exactly what I do, and millions of others do as well. Go to Best Buy and buy a cheap linksys router, and all is well.

Answer 4

I think that they are proving wireless internet at cable speeds. They must have cable and then connected it to a cable modem and that to a wireless router which sends out the signal

Answer 5

They have hooked a wireless router to their cable modem, which means that any wireless Internet PC in the house will be able to use the cable connection.

For your laptop to work with this, it will need to have either built-in wireless (WIFI) capability, or a separate wireless networking card.

Best wishes and God bless.

Answer 6

It may mean that the interent is provided through the cable company, which they plug a wireless router in, therfore making it wireless.

Otherwise, you are right -- it isn't wireless.... you may need a router and/or modem in order to connect, though.

Check with the internet provider.

Answer 7

More than likely it is broadband access that comes through the cable. A cable modem is also needed. To make it wireless, a wireless router will be necessary.

Sounds like a "marketing" phrase to me.

Answer 8

It means in addition to the cable box there will be a wireless router that broadcasts a signal that you laptop can pick up.

Answer 9

Apparently, your home is already wired for "wi-fi", which is the term used for wireless internet.

Essentially, you use your computers in your home without wired connections to any walls. The digital signals pass through the air to devices which pick up those signals and put them into the cable high-speed system.

Sounds like this builder is trying to get out on the leading edge of technology with his homes. Good for him ... and lucky for you.

Answer 10

The main computer hooks up all the wires. The wireless part is where your lap top comes into play. You just need an adapter to plug into your USB port on your laptop, and the router picks it up.