DOCSIS Types

DOCSIS 1.0 debuted in March 1997 and is what most consumers typically link with high speed cable Internet access . This version facilitates a downstream traffic transfer rates of 27-36 Mbps over a radio frequency (RF) path in the 50 MHz to 750+ MHz range, and upstream traffic transfer rates between 320 Kbps-10 Mbps (average 5 Mbps) over a RF path between 5 and 42 MHz. In layman's terms when more people who use DOCSIS 1.0 are using the Internet the slower the overall speed will be for customers.

DOCSIS 1.1 can coexist with DOCSIS 1.0, but features an increased upstream data transmission and improved security. This version facilitates multiple services such as voice and streaming. The end result is faster transmission and reception with a greater inventory of features.

DOCSIS 2.0 has an added capacity for symmetric services by operating at 64 QAM, backed by a new 6.4 MHz wide channel. Enhanced modulation and improved error correction ensures that this standard offers an increased bandwidth for IP traffic. The upstream traffic DOCSIS 2.0 is above 30 Mbps which is 3 times better than DOCSIS 1.1 and 6 times faster than DOCSIS 1.0. DOCSIS 2.0 is interoperable and backward compatible with DOCSIS 1.x. Long story short - this version works with both of the others but remains much faster and exhibits fewer errors.

The latest development in cable Internet connection is Embedded DOCSIS (eDOCSIS). eDOCSIS is designed to provide subordinate services at the core chip level to the host device. Its purpose includes end device management (including traffic management), configuration and security issues to significantly reduce cost in the service operation and to enhance speed and quality of end customer services. This evolution of service provides greater overall speed, reduced costs, and is less problematic for your service provider.


Posted by: Wasim Javed