I have read the DOCSIS 4.0 whitepaper, so you don’t have to.
Read on as I explain what DOCSIS 4.0 is and how it differs from the previous standards.
Let’s get started.
What is DOCSIS 4.0?
DOCSIS 4.0 is the upcoming version of Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS). The new and improved 4.0 version is entering the broadband market after long-term testing and certification.
DOCSIS 4.0 is CableLab’s initial substantial move towards advanced upstream speeds since their 2016 “Full Duplex DOCSIS 3.1” spec iteration. [1]
This upgraded technology is capable of supporting the next generation of hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks. DOCSIS 4.0 will further enhance communication efficiency. It combines exceptionally high speeds and flexibility with a boosted data-carrying capacity on a Full Duplex DOCSIS 3.1 network.
Why is DOCSIS 4.0 Important?
Before DOCSIS 4.0 technology, the maximum possible upstream capacity was 1.5 Gbps. With DOCSIS 4.0 technology, upstream capacity has multiplied. It increases the capacity. Plus, it allows for multi-gigabit upstream and downstream services for business and residential settings.
As of now, the average broadband customer’s upstream data consumption is only 10% of their downstream consumption. So, why is large upstream and downstream capacity important?
Well, with new technology and applications, you will likely use more advanced capabilities in the future. For example, sharing interactive high-resolution video, which requires not only a large downstream capacity but a large upstream one too.
With DOCSIS 4.0, your network will be able to support the upstream and downstream speed and latency requirements you need.
When Will DOCSIS 4.0 be Available?
At the time of writing, DOCSIS 4.0 technology isn’t available. The initial products aren’t expected to appear until sometime in 2022. Deployments will follow in the years after the release.
The path to DOCSIS 4.0 is more complicated than its predecessors. This is because it supports both Full Duplex DOCSIS (FDX) and Extended Spectrum DOCSIS (ESD)/Frequency Division Duplex (FDD). [2]
The dual compatibility has forked the path to some degree, leading to almost double the work and testing to validate it and iron out any bugs.
How Does DOCSIS 4.0 Compare to DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1?
DOCSIS 4.0, 3.1, and 3.0 are the most recent releases of the DOCSIS technology. DOCSIS 4.0 technology has yet to appear for the general public’s use, but most internet users have been using DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 for many years.
| Criteria | DOCSIS 4.0 | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.0 |
| Upstream Capacity | 6 Gbps | 1-2 Gbps | 200 Mbps |
| Downstream Capacity | 10 Gbps | 5-10 Gbps | 1Gbps |
| Channel Bonding | N/A | Backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 32×8 | 4×4, 8×4, 16×4, 24×8, 32×8 |
| Year first released | 2019 | 2013 | 2006 |
| Main Applications | Scenarios requiring higher upstream speeds: Video conferencing, health care, remote learning, IoT, virtual reality, etc. | Domestic and professional use | Domestic use for one or more devices |
| Latency | TBD | ~10ms when idle, ~10ms under load | ~10ms when idle, ~50ms |
| Value Prop | Significantly increased upstream rates from DOCSIS 3.1 | Substantially increased downstream and upstream data rates, restructured channel specs | Significantly increased downstream and upstream rates, channel bonding, support for IPv6 |
| Average Modem Cost | TBD | $120 to $300 | $50 to $150 |
What is DOCSIS?
If you’re interested in DOCSIS 4.0, you might be wanting to learn more about the DOCSIS standard. DOCSIS technology is an international telecom standard that enables high bandwidth data via a preexisting cable television system.
Telecom operators can use established hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks to supply consumers with internet services. CableLabs developed the standard specifications in collaboration with multiple other companies, including:
- Broadcom
- Netgear
- Intel
- Cisco
- Comcast
- Texas Instruments
- And more [3]
The initial version of the technology, DOCSIS 1.0, was released in March 1997. Since then, several upgrades have followed, including 1.1, 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, and 4.0.
Although DOCSIS 4.0 modems haven’t been released to the general public yet, their specifications went public in 2019.
What is DOCSIS 3.0?
DOCSIS 3.0 is one of the earlier versions of the technology. Specifications were initially released in 2006, which build on the foundation of its predecessors.
Although the first specs were released in 2006, it wasn’t made available to the public until 2008.
DOCSIS 3.0 offered substantially enhanced capacity from earlier versions, as well as channel bonding and IPv6 support.
The primary highlights of DOCSIS 3.0 include the increase of capacity and efficiency compared to previous versions.
DOCSIS 3.0 Differences from DOCSIS 4.0
DOCSIS 3.0 is one of the older versions of the technology, which has since been upped by the 3.1 and 4.0 (upcoming) versions.
The 3.1 version is built off the offerings of DOCSIS 3.0, so there are considerable changes between the 3.0 and 4.0 technologies.
The downstream and upstream capacities are significantly increased from DOCSIS 3.0 to 4.0. Downstream and upstream speeds in the 3.0 version are 1 Gbps and 100-200 Mbps, respectively.
Comparatively, they’re much higher in DOCSIS 4.0 with downstream of 10 Gbps and an upstream of 6 Gbps.
Additionally, consider channel bonding, which allows several downstream and upstream channels simultaneously with a single subscriber.
It was available in DOCSIS 3.0 in 4 (quantity of downstream channels) x4 (number of upstream channels), 8×4, 16×4, 24×8, and 32×8. Channel bonding isn’t available in DOCSIS 4.0.
DOCSIS 3.0 is still in use by many networks. However, it may become obsolete in the near future.
What is DOCSIS 3.1?
DOCSIS 3.1 followed the 3.0 version, with initial specs released in 2013 and made available to the public in 2016. Again, the upgraded version offered considerable advancements from its predecessor.
The 3.1 version provided significant capacity and efficiency improvements. It also added the use of OFDM and wideband channels.
DOCSIS 3.1 Differences from DOCSIS 4.0
DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0 share several similarities. DOCSIS 4.0 technology branches off the existing foundation of DOCSIS 3.1, yet it adds several features to advance the future of the internet.
For example, DOCSIS 4.0 offers better reliability and increased security. It has a higher upstream capacity of 6 Gbps compared to 1-2 Gbps on DOCSIS 3.1.
DOCSIS 3.1 is backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 (32×8) channel bonding but won’t be an option on DOCSIS 4.0
Which is Better? DOCSIS 4.0, DOCSIS 3.1, or DOCSIS 3.0?
With the new caliber of DOCSIS set to come out in 2022, you might be wondering which is best. DOCSIS 4.0 hasn’t yet hit the market with widespread availability. But since it’s an improvement over 3.1 in every regard, it is better.
DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 are already here, but even these two standards are different and can change how you use your modem. The option of the three that’s better ultimately falls to your internet needs.
For example, if you’re happy with your current internet speeds and only a few devices are using the same network, DOCSIS 3.0 may be sufficient for your needs.
However, it’s essential to recognize that DOCSIS 3.0 will become obsolete some time in the future. So, when your ISP implements DOCSIS 3.1 completely, your DOCSIS 3.0 modem will cease to work. But it may take a long time before the switch actually happens.
Suppose you have several devices drawing from the same network, such as a few computers, a media server, and a couple of additional devices (phones, tablets, etc.). In that case, you may find the extra bandwidth of DOCSIS 3.1 or 4.0 a better choice.
When it is finally available, DOCSIS 4.0 will be the ideal choice for scenarios that require higher upstream speeds.
For example, if you regularly participate in video conferences or remote learning, DOCSIS 4.0 will be the best option. In addition, DOCSIS 4.0 will likely be a popular choice with healthcare, virtual reality, IoT, etc.
Conclusion
DOCSIS 4.0 is the new standard of Data Over Cable Service Service Interface Specification. It is will be released in 2022 and has many improvements over the previous standard, DOCSIS 3.1.
DOCSIS 4.0 has better latency, faster upstream and downstream transmission. Plus, it can handle multi-gigabit speeds.
If you want more information on how DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 compare, check out our guide here.
