DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 vs. 4.0: Comparing the Differences

What do these letters and numbers mean anyway? If you have cable internet, then you're using DOCSIS technology. DOCSIS, which stands for data over cable service interface specifications, is a standard that defines how your modem relays cable internet signals going to and from your home. If you have cable internet, whether from Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity or one of many regional cable internet providers 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 said, if you’re shopping for a new cable internet modem, you’ll likely only have the choice of DOCSIS 3.0 or 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 ... Read full article.