What is the Advantage of a Cable Modem 3.1 DOCSIS over 3.0 DOCSIS?

What is the Advantage of a Cable Modem 3.1 DOCSIS over 3.0 DOCSIS

Are you looking to upgrade your cable modem? In this article, you will discover the advantages of a Cable Modem 3.1 DOCSIS over 3.0 DOCSIS and how it can enhance your internet experience.

Officially released by Cable Labs in 2013, DOCSIS 3.1, which stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, is the international standard to transfer high-quality internet data over existing coaxial cable network systems. However, few people know its benefits over the existing and much more widely adopted and utilized DOCSIS 3.0, which has been used for years.

This article will inform you about the differences between DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 and tell you how the newer version is much better than the old one. To fully understand the advantages and differences, keep reading!

Advantage of a Cable Modem 3.1 DOCSIS over 3.0 DOCSIS

Let’s start by discussing the features and qualities of both:

DOCSIS 3.0

The older 3.0 DOCSIS version was exemplary in its own time. It never provided before expected speeds of up to 1 Gbps. It also had numerous additive features and functions which improved functionality, operation, and reliability. Thereby making DOCSIS 3.0-enabled modems a blessing for both customer and service providers since it brought forth a new limit of 1 Gbps download speeds and 100 MBps upload speeds. It’s the most widely used version and provides ample speed for most users. 

DOCSIS 3.0

However, it doesn’t go above these limitations. Also, due to increasing traffic and the bandwidth remaining more or less the same, the average speeds provided by DOCSIS 3.0 modems have decreased over the past couple of years. This can especially be an issue if you’re an avid online gamer, a streamer, a content creator, or like to watch 4K videos without any buffering. This is why DOCSIS 3.1 was needed.

DOCSIS 3.1

DOCSIS 3.1 is the newer, revolutionary technology that provided speeds that blow the previous versions out of the water. It was released in 2013 after a couple of years of teasing and anticipation. It still isn’t widely available, and most ISPs continue to use DOCSIS 3.0. 

DOCSIS 3.1

However, some ISPs have adopted the 3.1 version, providing lightning-fast internet in select cities worldwide. Modems that support DOCSIS 3.1, when connected to supported ISPs, can provide download speeds up to 10 Gbps and 1 Gbps upload speeds. That’s a feat in itself.

Moreover, there are a plethora of additive features which improve the overall experience for both the ISPs and the end customers. These speeds enable users to experience flawless streaming, super-smooth gaming, and 4K videos without buffering. Furthermore, 3.1 provides more security options and is more energy-efficient, sometimes allowing the model to “sleep” during the day when it’s nearly inactive to save energy.

Advantages of DOCSIS 3.1 over DOCSIS 3.0

  • The most obvious and head-on advantage of DOCSIS 3.1 modems over DOCSIS 3.0 modems is that they provide significantly faster speeds. The 3.1 version can provide up to 10 Gbps download speed. That’s insanely fast. You can download and stream 4K movies in a jiffy. There’s no limit to what you can do. With a good router, you can power your IoT (Internet of Things) and run it smoothly.
  • God-sent For some professionals who rely more on upload speeds than download speeds, DOCSIS 3.1 is a God-sent. It can provide up to 1 Gbps upload speeds which were unimaginable 5 years ago. Now, they’re a reality.
  • Security protocols and features allow the 3.1 version to be more secure than its predecessors, thereby being a great product that benefits both the consumer and the ISPs.
  • The updated version is more efficient, too. It can detect when it’s not being used too much, and it’s idle and then go to “sleep.” This saves energy as well as probably bandwidth for other users.
  • The higher density of the internet is supported. With DOCSIS 3.0, if there were a large number of internet connections in a small residential area, per se, then there would be significant losses in bandwidth. It simply can’t provide enough bandwidth to support many connections in a small area. However, DOCSIS 3.1 provides 1 GHz of the spectrum, enabling many connections to be powered even in small areas. It also utilizes Active Queue Management, significantly reducing delays in high-traffic networks. So, there’s no need to worry about internet traffic in your area with the 3.1 version and its modems: you’ll always get your fair share of bandwidth and speed.
  • DOCSIS 3.1 modems support all DOCSIS versions, and you don’t have to worry about your ISP not providing DOCSIS 3.1 yet. If you’re getting a modem and wish to upgrade, you’d be wise to choose a DOCSIS 3.1 modem to future-proof your purchase so that whenever the 3.1 version becomes available, you can fully utilize it. And until then, utilize your current version with no complications as well. If you want to upgrade your cable modem, here’s a review by Appuals for the best cable modems to help you get started.

 

best cable modems

 

FAQs

Will DOCSIS 3.1 increase speed?

Yes, DOCSIS 3.1 is capable of increasing speeds. It supports 10 Gbps download speed which is more than DOCSIS 3.0.

Is DOCSIS 3.0 going away?

DOCSIS 3.0 is gradually being phased out as newer and more advanced versions like DOCSIS 3.1 have gained importance.

Summing Up

DOCSIS 3.1 is significantly better than its predecessor; the most important is the speed that it provides. Getting a 3.1 modem is going to future-proof your investment. So, if you have the budget, I’d suggest you buy a 3.1 modem instead of a 3.0.

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