Question Do Cable TV boxes need Ethernet connection ?

[Rodion15]

Sorry if this sounds too basic, as I don't have a cable TV box. Just for knowledge's sake. My idea is that the typical cable TV box will typically receive the TV channels through a coaxial cable and then it needs to be connected to the router (typical SOHO router with modem/switch and wireless access point) with an Ethernet cable, right? I mean, are there cable TV boxes that don't need this ethernet connection and do it all through the coaxial cable you plug to the cable box?

I guess that Ethernet connection is needed for upstream data right? so when you authenticate to a TV channel or buy a movie the data can be sent to the provider..

Any answers much welcome.

 

[USAFRet]

It all depends on your system and provider.
But no, they generally do not require an ethernet connection.

People without internet can still have cable TV.

 

[Rodion15]

It all depends on your system and provider.
But no, they generally do not require an ethernet connection.

People without internet can still have cable TV.

What's the Ethernet connection for? if I might ask.
Thanks for your answer.

 

[USAFRet]

What's the Ethernet connection for? if I might ask.
Thanks for your answer.

Could be used for anything the provider wants.
Network or whatever.
But it is not required.

 

[Deleted member 14196]

No It does not need to be hooked up to ethernet at all. It gets everything it needs through the coax

 

[USAFRet]

I just looked at the back of my secondary (no DVR) set top box from Verizon.
Model # QIP7100-P2

Ethernet port exists, unused.
As well as an unused USB port.

 

[Alabalcho]

We used to have Dish Network, going thru several generations of receivers. Older generations wanted a phone line so they can call home during the night to update something in order to receive a discount. Later models used Ethernet connection for video-on-demand, and dropped phone line requirement.

 

[USAFRet]

It is often less expensive to make 1 motherboard for multiple uses, rather than 2 completely different items.

Just leave the port unused.