Through cable modems, homes and businesses receive broadband signals from their cable company for Internet access. Cable modems link to computers by Ethernet or USB connections, depending on which is preferable for your computer setup. While Government entities and larger corporations access the Internet and their networks through T1 cable options, one single high speed cable modem is sufficient for small business needs.

Whether you're running a one computer office or a four-computer office, buying a cable modem may be the route you want to take because of cost-saving benefits, ease in setup, as well as expandability options for future use. But ask yourself these questions before you seek out cable modems for sale:

1. How can I incorporate a cable modem into my everyday business affairs?

2. Where can I find a cable modem to meet my business's needs?

3. Can I use a cable modem with minimal training and expense?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Review approved cable modem manufacturers

The local cable company and Internet service provider in your area will have a list of cable modem devices that are compatible to their service signals in order to adequately send and receive data.

I recommend: Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cox Communications are the top three cable companies in the United States, and each has a broadband cable modem list online. If your business isn't located in one of these cable service areas, contact your local company from which you receive your bill and ask for a list of cable modem manufacturers compatible to their service.

Choose cable modem suppliers

You can establish a contact source for your cable modem equipment from which you can buy cable modem devices. Although you can rent or lease a high speed cable modem directly from your cable company, it may be more cost efficient to purchase a modem for your business and own it outright.

I recommend: You can purchase your cable modem from the manufacturer directly, such as D-Link, Linksys, Motorola or Samsung, just to name a few. You can also go to Alibaba, which is a global trading site with links to manufacturers and suppliers of cable modems.

Install and run your business cable modem

For your cable modem to work to its fullest potential with your broadband cable signal, you must install it properly. Your cable company's technical support center may offer direct assistance for setup and installation free of charge.

I recommend: Use tutorials and step-by-step installation tips available through Smart Computing and Digital Landing to help you get your Internet service up and running through your cable modem.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider connecting your cable modem to a wireless router, or use a wireless cable modem for your office, which can connect all the computers onto one network. This opens the door to file and print sharing for all your business needs.