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FAQ’s
- Can I use a Zoom Cable Modem with my
AT&T Broadband High Speed Internet service?
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- Yes. The Zoom 5041 and 5011 cable modems are approved
for use on the AT&T Broadband network.
- Can I use a Zoom Cable Modem with my
Cox High Speed Internet Service?
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- Yes. The Zoom 5041 and 5011 cable modems are retail approved
for use with Cox High Speed Internet.
- Can I use a Zoom Cable Modem with my
Comcast High Speed Internet Service?
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- Yes. The Zoom 5041 and 5011 cable modems are certified
for use with Comcast High Speed Internet.
- What is a CableModem?
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- A CableModem is a device that connects your computer to
the Internet - in much the same way your cable set top box
connects your TV to the television network. It differs from
a traditional "analog" modem in two important ways: you
don't have to "dial up" to get to the Internet (and tie
up a phone line in the process); and your Internet connection
is up to 100 times faster.
CableModem service can provide
a much more enjoyable Internet experience by delivering
richer broadband content in less time. However, data rates
can be limited by the cable operator's equipment, other
data traffic on the cable and the Internet itself. Nevertheless,
a CableModem user should enjoy data rates an order of
magnitude faster than that of a 56K analog modem.
- What is DOCSIS and how will it benefit
me?
- DOCSIS - Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification
- is a CableModem standard being developed by CableModem
vendors and cable system operators. When cable operators
began offering data over cable service several years ago,
there were no standards in the industry. Cable services
began deploying equipment that required proprietary CableModems
to work with their equipment. This created incompatibility
issues.
The cable industry recognized this issue and
worked together to define a standard that would unify
equipment specifications and allow interoperability of
equipment across the United States. The governing body,
which certifies CableModem vendors, is called Cable Television
Laboratories or CableLabs¨. The DOCSIS standard and close
derivatives are also being adopted in other countries
around the world. Currently, CableLabs is certifying DOCSIS
1.0 CableModems.
- Can I subscribe to CableModem service
without TV service?
- Yes.
- Can I watch TV while using a Zoom CableModem?
- Yes. CableModems use a separate "channel" for data.
- How do I log on to a cable Internet
service provider?
- You don't have to "log on." A great benefit offered in
Zoom CableModems is the "always on" feature. Once the CableModem
is turned on and registered with the cable service provider,
you will enjoy an "always on" connection with no need to
dial up or hang up. The Zoom CableModem requires very little
power and can be placed in a standby mode that preserves
registration with the cable service but drops cable connectivity
to the computer or network. The CableModem should be left
on and connected. It will be ready to serve your needs in
an instant the next time you access to the Internet.
- Can I use a Zoom CableModem with my
existing cable service?
- Many cable service providers are upgrading their cable
systems to be compatible with the new DOCSIS standards.
A majority of households in the US will be upgraded to two
way DOCSIS service by 2000. To find out if your area is
DOCSIS-compatible, call your local Cable Operator and ask
if they offer DOCSIS compatible service.
- What type of computer operating system
can a Zoom CableModem interface with?
- Zoom CableModems are designed to interface with any Windows¨
95, 98, NT, and 2000 operating system loaded on a desktop,
laptop or palmtop computer. Through its networking interfaces,
the Zoom CableModem can also connect to Mac, Unix, and a
variety of other systems.
- What support does Zoom offer its CableModem
customers?
- Zoom has years of experience supporting users who connect
their computers to the Internet and worldwide telephony
infrastructure. Our support begins with intuitive user manuals
and install wizards and extends to online and live support.
Live technical support specialists are available 80 hours
a week.
- Do I need cable TV to get High-Speed
Internet Service?
- No. Although there are usually discounts for customers
who subscribe to both cable TV and High-Speed Internet Services,
you are normally not required to purchase cable TV service
to get High-speed Internet Services.
- What types of operating systems are
supported?
- Zoom PCI modem is Windows Logo certified with Windows
98, Me and 2000. We are working to provide drivers for Linux
RedHat 6.1 and 6.2 (other RedHat TBD).
Zoom USB modem
has drivers for Windows 98, Me and 2000. We are in the
process to obtain MS WHQL testing for Windows certifications.
The Zoom Ethernet modem is OS independent and will work
with Windows 3.1 and later, Mac OS, Linux and Unix.
- Can I use my phone at the same time?
- Yes. The majority of cable operators do not use your phone
line, so you can make a phone call and surf the web at the
same time.
- If my house isn't wired for cable,
how do I get set up?
- If your home hasn't been wired for cable, a cable will
need to be extended into your home. This procedure will
be done by a cable technician during the installation process
and may require an additional charge.
- What is the installation process?
- Once you schedule your installation appointment with your
cable operator, a time will be setup and a technician will
install the CableModem and install the appropriate hardware
(network interface card) and/or software (Internet Explorer,
mail client, etc) if needed.
- How does the cable connect to my computer?
- First, the cable operator will bring the cable connection
into your home. (If you already have cable TV, they skip
this step.) Then they run the cable (the same type of cable
wire used for cable TV) to a CableModem, which is usually
located in the same place as your PC. (The CableModem is
a small box, about 2 x 7 x 10 inches.) Next, they connect
the CableModem to a network interface card in your computer.
You can purchase your own network interface card or the
cable operator will install one for you which you will purchase
from them. In most cases, they will only install the service
to one computer at the time of installation.
- Can I have more than one computer connected
to my CableModem?
- The cable operator may offer Home Networking which usually
allows you to connect a total of 3 computers or more, depending
on the services available from the cable operator for an
additional fee. Normally the fee is around $10. You may
also be required to purchase a standard "hub" to allow the
computers to be connected.
- Can I still keep AOL service if I have
CableModem service provided by my local cable provider?
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- Once you are connected to the Internet via the CableModem,
connect to AOL by clicking on the AOL icon, enter your
username and password, and select the "At Home Connection"
location, and click " Sign On".
- Change your billing plan to the "Bring your own Access"
plan so that you can pay a smaller amount per month.
To do this:
- Go to AOL Accounts and Billing under AOL Member
Services.
- Click on Change my Billing Method or Price Plan.
- Select "Update Pricing Plan".
- Select the $9.95/BYOA option at the bottom of
the page and click "Select Plan".
- This will allow you unlimited access to your AOL
account as long as you access it through your CableModem.
- Does my computer need to be in the
same room as my TV?
- No. Your computer can be located almost anywhere in your
home.
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The CL CABLELABS CERTIFIED and
Design mark, and the terms “CableLabs Certified”
or “Certified by CableLabs” are certification
marks of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. and cannot be
used without authorization of Cable Television Laboratories,
Inc. |
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