Is DOCSIS 3.1 worth it?

A slow internet connection may be a bummer when you are trying to catch up on your favourite TV shows, going through social media or when you are just trying to work from home. Generally, we all want to have access to a fast and stable internet connection as we go through our day and the DOCSIS 3.1 technology might just be the solution to this.

Network technology has been improving as the years go by. In addition, competition is quite stiff and network providers are doing whatever it takes to keep a competitive edge. For this reason, there is the continuous upgrade from older systems to newer ones, and the DOCSIS 3.1 technology is just but one of them. The use of this particular technology has made a positive impact to both cable providers and the consumers of broadband services. DOCSIS 3.1 boasts increased internet speeds, beefed up security and better capabilities as compared to its predecessor, the DOCSIS 3.0 technology.

So, you may be wondering whether DOCISIS 3.1 technology is worth it. Well, it certainly is. This is because gives you the quickest internet speedsas well as cyber security. In addition, there are multiplebenefits of this tech that make a great impression and seem a guarantee to meet all your network needs.

Benefits of DOCSIS 3.1

Fast Internet speeds

When it comes to internet technology, the first things we look for are speed, speed and speed! And with DOCSIS 3.1, you should expect nothing but speed. DOCSIS 3.1 will give you internet download speeds of up to 10Gbps and upload speeds of up to 2Gbps. If you are a tech guru then you definitely know that this is enough to cater for all your high bandwidth applications at all times without experiencing any buffering.

Fast connection can let you do so many things over the internet simultaneously. Your modem will also manage to support more users at a go without you having any lag or buffering issues. This comes in handy if you have a large family and often have guests coming by.

Future Proof

Developed in 2013, the DOCSIS 3.1 was expected to be functional for about 10-15 years. You therefore will not have to invest in new modems in the near future thus saving yourself some few bucks. The only limitation is that, you will not easily find modems that run on the DOCSIS 3.1 technology which may be a drawback to its use. However, the very few DOCSIS 3.1 modems that you will find are definitely high quality and high performing thus a great addition to your home or office.

It allows enhanced spectral efficiency

DOCSIS 3.1 allows QAM modulations to reach 4k and beyond. Spectral efficiency matters because the speeds you are introduced to by your Internet Service Provider aren’t necessarily what you will get. There are many factors which can lead to fluctuation of internet speeds. Internet Service Providers do not have unlimited frequency spectrum at their disposal which makes them use their frequency assets in the most conservable manner.DOCIS 3.1 enhances spectral efficiency by packing more information in a single transmission. With DOCSIS 3.1 you will get improved frequency efficiency which will give you better bandwidth. This will in turn give you more stable and faster internet speeds.With this new tech you are assured of value for your money.

Cost saving

The best thing about the DOCSIS 3.1 is that it uses the same “old mile” technology to achieve fast internet speeds. Unlike fiber, DOCSIS 3.1 uses the famous coaxial cables to provide speeds that are almost similar to fiberoptic.  When you would want to switch to fiber optic cables, you will notice that Internet Service Providers will have to develop new infrastructure which will cost a fortune.

DOCSIS 3.1, however, makes the whole process completely inexpensive for you and your internet service provider at the same time, as new infrastructure does not need to be established in your home as it would with previous technologies.

Backward Compatibility

Another great perk about the DOCSIS 3.1 is that it is backward compatible with the previous DOCSIS technology. Most network operators still use DOCSIS 3.0 for upstream connection. When using both techs for upstream connection, the servers will be less congested giving consumers faster upload speeds over the internet. At the end of the day, what you are probably looking for is a faster internet connection therefore making this a win-win for both clients and network providers.Furthermore, if you want to get the best performance out of DOCSIS 3.1 technology, you also have to invest in the best equipment for this.

Best modems for DOCSIS 3.1 Technology

The table below highlights a few high quality and high performing DOCSIS 3.1 modems that exist in the network industry. Each one of these have been designed to meet all your network needs and satisfy your personal network preferences.

Modem	Download Speeds	Ethernet pots	Availability
Arris SBG 8300	Up to 4 Gbps	4	Check Price
Arris SB 8200	Up to 2 Gbps	2	Check Price
Netgear CM 1150V	Up to 2 Gbps	4	Check Price
Netgear CAX80	Up to 2 Gbps	5	Check Price
Netgear CM1200	Up to 2 Gbps	4	Check Price

Conclusion

If you are looking for ultra-fast internet speeds with coaxial cables then you would be impressed with everything that the DOCSIS 3.1technology has to offer. In addition, it is backwards compatible with the DOCSIS 3.0 technology. This simply allows for the usage of this new technology with older systems or solutions without having to upgrade any of these systems or solutions to the latest versions. Backward compatibility eliminates the need for you to start afresh when you upgrade to newer products.

FAQs

1. Are DOCSIS 3.1 modems compatible DOCSIS 3.0 systems?

Yes they are. DOCSIS 3.1 modems are backward compatible.

2. Does a DOCSIS 3.1 modem need a dedicated spectrum?

Yes, its downstream channel requires a dedicated spectrum to function.