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If you want to upgrade some hardware in your networking setup, a modem is one of the most crucial parts to consider. As important as your router, a modem can be the difference between making the most of your internet connection or paying for unused bandwidth.
What Is DOCSIS?
DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. It’s a telecommunications standard developed in the 1990s by CableLabs, a non-profit cable research consortium. It aimed to provide high-speed data transfer using the existing coaxial cable infrastructure (CATV).
Previously, cable companies looking to provide internet to their customers would have to use non-interoperable standards, which was a problem for both the companies and their customers.
DOCSIS made it possible for local cable providers to evolve into ISPs, eventually offering both cable TV and internet over a single connection, which is great, givenwhat the future holds for Cable TV. In simple terms, if you get your internet connection from your local cable provider, you’re using DOCSIS.
Since its introduction in 1997 with DOCSIS 1.0, the standard has undergone many iterations, each adding either higher data transfer speeds or better security. DOCSIS 1.0 offered theoretical download and upload speeds of 40Mbps and 10Mbps, respectively. This was improved upon with DOCSIS 2.0 in 2001, which had maximum theoretical download and upload speeds of 40Mbps and 30Mbps, respectively. This meant a significant improvement for connections like VoIP calling or just about anything that used a bidirectional connection.
DOCSIS 3.0 launched in 2006 and offered much higher potential speeds of 1Gbps download and 200Mbps upload. This was also when DOCSIS started implementing channel bonding, allowing modems to use multiple up or downstream channels for transmission. It also implemented 128-bit AES encryption to previously insecure 56-bit encryption in older DOCSIS formats.
The next version, DOCSIS 3.1, launched in 2013 and improved power management and network stability. Data transfer speeds also increased to 10Gbps download and 1.5Gbps upload.
The latest iteration of the standard, DOCSIS 4.0, launched in 2017 but hasn’t seen widespread consumer adoption yet. It retains the same download speed, but uploads can go up to 6Gbps.
DOCSIS 3.1 vs. DOCSIS 3
DOCSIS 3 and 3.1 are the two most popular iterations currently. While DOCSIS 1.0 and 2.0 modems have long been discontinued, unless you’ve opted for a multi-gigabit connection from your ISP, you’re probably using a DOCSIS 3.0 modem.
Here’s a quick summary of the differences between them.
DOCSIS 3.0
DOCSIS 3.1
Download/Upload speed
1 Gbps/200 Mbps
10 Gbps/1.5 Gbps
Minimum Download/Upload channels
Network encryption
128-bit AES
Network stability
Better latency and less connection jitter
Apart from data transfer speeds, one of the biggest differences between DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 modems is the number of channels they can use for upstream or downstream transmissions.
As mentioned before, DOCSIS 3.0 allowed modems to use multiple channels for uploads or downloads for higher speeds. Compatible modems are required to use at least four channels for both downstream and upstream connections. However, a lot of modems can support up to 32 channels for downloads and eight for uploads. These are generally mentioned in a “download x upload” format like 4x4, 16x4, 24x8, or 32x8.
DOCSIS 3.1, on the other hand, requires a minimum of 32 channels for downloads and eight for uploads (32x8). This means even the slower DOCSIS 3.1 modems are faster than the flagship DOCSIS 3.0 modems.
The channel system has also been structured in DOCSIS 3.1, contributing to the higher data transfer speed. So, while a 32x8 DOCSUS 3.0 modem could theoretically provide 1.4GBPS download speed, a 32x8 DOCSIS 3.1 modem can go as high as 10Gbps.
Do You Need DOCSIS 3.1?
While DOCSIS 3.1 modems are faster than their 3.0 counterparts, your internet connection’s bandwidth will determine whether you can use that speed.
If you have a 500Mbps download and 30Mbps upload connection, a 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 modem would suffice. If your internet connection is any faster, you’ll need a faster DOCSIS 3.0 modem to fully take advantage of its bandwidth.
However, if your internet connection offers 800Mbps or more in download speeds, it’s better to spend a little more and get a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Technically, DOCSIS 3.0 can be pushed to 1Gbps, but almost all ISPs require a DOCSIS 3.1 modem regardless.
It’s always best to get a faster modem than your current internet connection offers, as that allows you to upgrade your internet package without swapping out the hardware down the line.
The prices of the cheaper, slower, and faster modems aren’t massively different either, so a little extra expense on your modem isn’t as bad. Of course, the router also plays an important part (and there are differences between modems and routers), but it can’t do much if your modem can’t handle your internet connection’s bandwidth.
Which One Should You Choose?
As mentioned above, unless you have an 800 Mbps or higher internet connection, you’re fine with a DOCSIS 3.0 model. Depending on your internet speed, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem will probably last you another few years. However, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem is a must-have if you have a gigabit internet connection.
While buying a DOCSIS 3.1 modem would be future-proof, depending on your internet connection, you can save a few bucks by getting a DOCSIS 3.0 modem for the time being. That said, if you don’t mind the extra expense, a faster DOCSIS 3.1 modem isn’t a bad idea.
