How does a cable internet service provider adjust the amount of Mbps?

Question

They offer speeds of 5 Mbps, 10Mbps and a 16Mbps connection. How do they adjust your speed over say like your neighbor who might be getting 5Mbps and your getting 16Mbps

They charge more for the 16Mbps but what is it like them giving you lights and sirens where everyone on the cable highway should move over to the side and let you pass cause you got 16Mbps and they got 5Mbps? lol

Answer 1

Based of the MAC Address of your Cable Modem in the Backend of the system the provider will use a "Bandwidth Shaping" application. This limits the rates across your cable.

Answer 2

the k**b on your tubes is turned up to 3 and the k**b on your neighbor's is up to 11

Answer 3

The modem converts the speed that you were given.

I tried tweaking mine but it didn't work.

Lol

Answer 4

Each modem has a uniqe ID (MAC Address) that is synced with the ISP when your service is turned on.  From that point, they can allocate bandwidth to whomever they wish.  Weather your on a dynamic or static network, that Mac Address will stay the same.  Your example of a police escort is not terribly far off.  A more direct one might be of thinking of the total bandwidth your ISP has as a PVC pipe.  Than put plastic dividers in it.  The larger your section, the faster water flows.