Here’s everything you need to know about DOCSIS 3.0 vs 3.1. We have all been there trying to make a decision between a cheaper DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem and a fast and future-proof but expensive DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. So if you have been there too, you have to take enough time comparing and contrasting the two of them.
Every internet user with cable internet from providers that use coaxial cables to deliver the bandwidth has a DOCSIS modem. The Data over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) is the interface standard that determines how internet signals will be transferred from a cable ISP.
It makes sure that the internet signals are transferred and translated into the Internet service that users will use to surf the web and stream. Additionally, the DOCSIS sets the standard for how your input is translated into data.
So, it is very important that you know what type of DOCSIS your cable modem uses to be able to install the right cable modem for you.
There are two Current versions of DOCSIS:
- DOCSIS 3.0 (Most common)
- DOCSIS 3.1 (The future)
Table of Contents
DOCSIS 3.0:
This is the most common of the two DOCSIS standards and works with the older cable modems that were released before the year 2010, thus, it is also called legacy DOCSIS. The biggest advantage of using this type is that it requires less bandwidth and can handle speeds up to 343 Mbps download and up to 100 Mbps upload speeds in a single channel download environment.
This means that if you have a cable internet provider with one or more downstream channels then this type of cable modem will work for you as long as your provider has at least one downstream channel available for use by your device at any given time.
The DOCSIS 3.0 standard is also not backward compatible with the older DOCSIS 2.0 standard, so you will not be able to use a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and an older cable modem at the same time.
DOCSIS 3.1:
This is the future of cable modems as they will be used on all new cable modems that are released in the future and on all new cable modems that have been released in the last decade or so. The biggest advantage of using this type is that it provides faster speeds than the DOCSIS 3.0 and can support speeds up to 622 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload speeds in a single channel download environment.
This means that if you have a cable internet provider with one or more downstream channels then this type of cable modem will work for you as long as your provider has at least one downstream channel available for use by your device at any given time.
The DOCSIS 3.1 standard is also not backward compatible with the older DOCSIS 2.0 standard, so you will not be able to use a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and an older cable modem at the same time.
The Difference: DOCSIS 3.0 vs. DOCSIS 3.1?
There are many differences between these two cable modems including features, prices, performance and availability. Let’s now check the major differences between these two cable modems.
The price
The price of the DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem is generally higher than the DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. For example, if you are looking to buy a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem then you should expect to pay more than $100 for the device itself and then an additional $20 or so for installation services and activation fees before you can start using your new DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem.
On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem then you will only need to pay about $40 for the device itself and then an additional $30 or so for installation services and activation fees before you can start using your new DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, which means that if you have a higher speed internet plan then this type of cable modem will be cheaper than its predecessor (DOCSIS 3.1) in most cases since it does not require any additional equipment or service fees when compared to the other one.
Availability
DOCSIS 3.0 is more available than its predecessor. You can get access to new and refurbished DOCSIS 3.0. Cable providers that have equipment that support DOCSIS 3.0 are Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, Time Warner Cable and many others. DOCSIS 3.1 is available in a limited number of cable modems that can be bought at the time of this writing but it will be more widespread in the future.
Performance
DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems can provide speeds up to 622 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload speeds in a single channel download environment which means that if you have a cable internet provider with one or more downstream channels then this type of cable modem will work for you as long as your provider has at least one downstream channel available for use by your device at any given time.
DOCSIS 3.0 is backward compatible with the older DOCSIS 2.0 standard so you will be able to use a DOCSIS 3.0 modem and an older cable modem at the same time on the same connection provided that both devices support the same version of DOCSIS. This is clear that DOCSIS 3.1 is an upgraded version of 3.0 meaning that it performs better than the latter.
DOCSIS 3.1 modem advantages over 3.0
DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems have a few advantages over their older counterparts as follows:
Speed
DOCSIS 3.1 is faster than the older DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems because it has a higher data transfer rate which is up to 622 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload speeds in a single channel download environment, compared to the former which has a maximum data transfer rate of 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload speeds in a single channel download environment.
Security
DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems have a higher level of security compared to the former because it is more secure than the latter. Internet security is an important consideration especially because criminals and hackers are upgrading their skills daily.
Long-term use
The DOCSIS 3.0 are not outdated and out of service yet but it’s safe to say that DOCSIS 3.1 are more future-proofing and you can expect them to remain in use for a longer time.
DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems are more future-proofing than the older DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems because they are more secure and they have a higher data transfer rate.
Is speed important to you?
If speed is important to you, then DOCSIS 3.1 has a relatively higher transfer rate. The 3.1 version can support speeds up to 10 times faster than its counterpart. It can take up top 10GBps which is very impressive for people with such internet speeds. Most providers in the US offer Gigabit internet plans of up to 940 Mbps.
At the time of writing this post, Xfinity is the only provider that gives speeds above 1Gbps. If you are an Xfinity user ordering internet from Xfinity, then the plan will include a Modem-router combo with DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. For people that choose to order internet from Xfinity and use their own equipment, that can cost a lot.
Cheaper Option: DOCSIS 3.0
For people with internet speeds less than 500Mbps, DOCSIS 3.0 is the way to go. The main advantage is its cheap price. The main disadvantage is that it has a lower data transfer rate than DOCSIS 3.1. Also, you will be limited to one channel download and upload speeds.
DOCSIS 3.0 is the cheapest option of all the cable modems out there. It is also the most common type of cable modem. All major cable providers offer this type of cable modem.
FAQs
Is DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 better?
These two cable modems have their advantages and disadvantages. First, DOCSIS 3.0 is the cheaper of the two but lags behind when it comes to the transfer rate and security. On the other hand, DOCSIS 3.1 is relatively expensive but one of the best in terms of speeds and security. Depending on your Budget and the Internet speeds, you can pick one between the two of them. However, we usually recommend the 3.1 version because it’s more future-proofing.
Is DOCSIS 3.1 more efficient?
Yes, DOCSIS 3.1 is more efficient than DOCSIS 3.0. It’s faster supporting speeds of up to 10Gbps which is 10 times faster than what DOCSIS 3.0 can support. Additionally, the 3.1 version has additional features and is one of the best for people with faster internet speeds.
Do you need DOCSIS 3.1 for Gigabit?
Yes, if you have internet speeds of up to 1Gbps, then DOCSIS 3.1 is the best alternative to DOCSIS 3.0 versions. It supports higher internet speeds and is more secure and future-proofing.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best cable modem for your internet connection, then make sure to buy a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. It supports higher data transfer rates and is one of the best for future-proofing. Additionally, its future-proofing because it can support Gigabit speeds in the future.
