If you have cable internet, then you're using DOCSIS technology. DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, and it's a standard that defines how your modem relays cable internet signals to and from your home. If you have cable internet from Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity or a regional cable internet provider like Armstrong, you're using a DOCSIS-compliant modem.
The DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem is ideal since it produces faster upload speeds. But while specifications for DOCSIS 4.0 have been released, DOCSIS 4.0 modems aren't yet widely available for retail purchase. That means if you’re shopping for a new cable internet modem, you’ll likely only have the choice between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1. As the numbers suggest, the two modem versions are similar, but we recommend opting for DOCSIS 3.1 while you wait for a new 4.0 modem.
Modern cable modems are compliant with DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1, with more and more internet service providers recommending DOCSIS 3.1 modems.
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DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 vs. 4.0: What are the differences?
DOCSIS is the standard cable modems use to move data. Dong Ngo/CNET
Despite the simple one-tenth difference in versions, DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 modems vary significantly in performance, pricing and availability. DOCSIS 4.0 would imply a bigger jump in performance, but the improvement largely has to do with upstream capacity. Here's a quick look at the advantages of each.
DOCSIS 3.0 modem advantages
Price : DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems are generally cheaper than their 3.1 counterparts.
: DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems are generally cheaper than their 3.1 counterparts. Availability: You're likely to have more options, including used or refurbished devices, when shopping for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem.
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