Cable modems are used with cable internet connections to offer better internet browsing speeds than DSL connections.
Modems
To use the internet through a cable internet connection, you must connect a cable modem. The modem allows you to get access to the internet and this includes streaming audio and video files.
Your ISP can provide a cable modem or you can buy your own from any electronic retail shop. Your cable modem connects all your internet-enabled devices.
Devices
The device that you need to stream on needs to connect to the modem wired or wirelessly. A modern modem offers both wired and wireless types of connection. Once an active connection is established on your device, you can stream the content.
Some intermediary devices such as Android boxes and video game consoles are needed to provide TVs that are not internet ready with a way to connect to the internet to stream content.
Streaming Rates
Streaming video requires high-speed data transfer rates like the ones offered by a cable internet connection and modem. A high-rate produces smooth video playback.
A cable internet connection produces fast transfer rates that easily handle video streaming. Audio streaming uses slower rates.
Considerations
Just because you have a cable internet connection and modem that is fast enough to handle video streaming, your device can be the bottleneck.
For example, if your device is equipped with the Wi-Fi 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g, you will transfer data up to 54 Mbps.
This rate is enough to stream video and audio content but other factors such as available bandwidth and network traffic may cause buffering issues.
The Wi-Fi 802.11n standard supports data rates up to 600 Mbps and this is ideal for streaming content through a cable modem and internet connection.