Officially released by Cable Labs in 2013, DOCSIS 3.1, which stands Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, is the international standard used to transfer high-quality internet data over already existing coaxial cable network systems. It's the latest version used among a long line of modem technologies.
It provides unparalleled speed and stability that is astonishing. However, not many people are aware of its benefits over the existing and much more widely adopted and utilized DOCSIS 3.0, which has been in use 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 so much better than the old one. To fully understand the advantages and differences, you'll need a little bit of information regarding both versions.
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 provider 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.
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 has 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 is the newer, revolutionary technology which provided speeds which 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.
However, some ISPs have adopted the 3.1 version and provide lightning-fast internet in select cities across the world. 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 any buffering whatsoever. Furthermore, 3.1 provides more security options and is also more energy-efficient, sometimes allowing the model to go 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.
- For some professionals who rely more on upload speeds rather 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 which 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 on idle and then go to "sleep." This saves energy as well as probably bandwidth for other users.
- The higher density of 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 a large number of connections in a small area. However, with DOCSIS 3.1, it provides 1 GHz of the spectrum, which enables a large number of connections to be powered even in small areas. It also utilizes Active Queue Management, which in turn significantly reduces delay 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 yourself 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're looking to upgrade your cable modem, here's a review by appuals for the best cable modems to help you get started with.
Conclusion
DOCSIS 3.1 is significantly better than its predecessor in numerous ways, the most important one being the speed that it provides. Getting a 3.1 modem is going to future-proof your investment and if you have the budget, I'd always suggest you buy a 3.1 modem instead of a 3.0 one to maximize what you get out of the modem.