What is the difference between a telco-return and a cable-return cable system?


A telco-return cable system only allows data to travel in one direction on the cable. These systems were set up so the cable provider could send programming from their system to consumer homes. Cable Internet access on a telco-return system allows for download speeds (Internet to your computer) of up to 500 Kbps, but requires a telephone line for uploads (Your computer to the Internet).

This upstream transmission has little impact on the perceived speed because users send little data (mouse clicks & e-mail) from their computer compared to the data (pictures, audio and video clips) they download from the Internet.

The current critical factor is how fast data can travel "downstream" i.e. from the source, across the Internet and to the customers' computer. A cable-return cable system allows data to travel in both directions. These systems have been upgraded to allow consumers to communicate with the Cable Company and the Internet directly via cable. On a cable-return cable system there is no need for a phone line. All data is transferred via cable.

This allows for constant connectivity to the Internet and eliminates busy signals and additional phone line charges.