What is the typical range for a cable modem's receive power?

The typical range for a cable modem's receive power is accurately represented by the choice of -10 to 12 dBmV. This range indicates the level of signal strength that a cable modem requires to effectively receive and process data transmitted over a cable network.

In this context, dBmV is a unit of measurement that reflects the power level in decibels relative to 1 millivolt across a 75-ohm impedance, commonly used in telecommunications. A power level in this range indicates that the modem can receive signals effectively without excessive noise or distortion, enabling reliable internet connectivity.

Signals that fall within this range are optimal for ensuring that the modem can manage its downstream channels efficiently and maintain a stable connection. Too low of a signal (below -15 dBmV) might lead to connectivity issues and reduced performance, while too high of a signal (above 10 dBmV) could also result in modulator overload or other issues that would impact data transmission quality. Thus, the range of -10 to 12 dBmV reflects a healthy balance to achieve effective operation of the cable modem.