Cable Data Interface Specification or DOCSIS is an international telecommunication standard that allows you to add data transfer to your existing high-bandwidth coaxial cable television system. This is important for both Internet users and Internet providers, because it allows you to increase the speed of the Internet without replacing coaxial cable networks. At a practical level, consumers will need to know which DOCSIS standard is needed when purchasing a cable modem.
Modem Basics
DOCSIS enables cable connections to serve high-bandwidth applications. It was created in March 1997. During this period he went through several stages of improvement. The system includes a modem located in the user's premises, as well as devices located in another place, as a rule, at the central station of the provider's company or at an intermediate node.
There are two main components of DOCSIS: the physical layer (PHY) and the medium access control (MAC) layer. The physical layer refers to the equipment used for wiring and routing, as well as the transfer of data through these various physical systems. In general, a faster transfer rate means better performance. However, there are several limitations in terms of physical distance.
These restrictions affect the areas where the DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem can be installed and other infrastructure, which affects their speed and price. The MAC level is designed for intelligent control at any time by a huge amount of processed information, which allows to provide a critical level of organization that prevents frequent “traffic jams” caused by oncoming signals.
Internet transfer rate evolution
In general, over the years there have been three different large DOCSIS iterations: 1.x, 2.x and 3.x. Initial specifications 1.0 and 1.1 had an operating limit of 38 Mbit / s for transmission speed and only 9 Mbit / s for increase in speed. As technology developed over the next several years, it was necessary to organize work so that cable providers had more flexibility as speed improved and service levels improved. This led to the creation of DOCSIS 2.0 in 2002.
DOCSIS 2.0 did not introduce new features to reduce network speed, but three times increased speed, allowing you to connect 30 Mbps. The most significant changes occurred in 2008 with the introduction of DOCSIS 3.0. This new iteration was a format that significantly increased the speed to 1.2 Gbit / s and 200 Mbit / s, respectively. This was a huge leap, with DOCSIS 3.0 including the introduction of channel communications.
It allows you to collect or combine several channels up and down the signal movement with improved speeds throughout the range. With a channel connection, the more channels are present, the better. So, installing 16 channels downstream and 4 channels up or 16x4 provides fast speed, and a 24 x 8 system is even faster.
The latest integration standard
In 2016, DOCSIS 3.1 was released, which led to a sharp jump in speeds, including in the downward direction. This iteration brought a packet of speeds of up to 10 Gbit / s and 1 Gbit / s, respectively. Today, work is already underway to develop a new iteration, commonly called DOCSIS 3.1 Full Duplex. This version will support 10 Gbit / s symmetric ascent and lower speeds.
Inevitably, the DOCSIS cable modem will continue to evolve, using ever-new technologies and user requirements around the world. Consumers must keep track of these changes in a timely manner to move to advanced models.
As 4K and UHD are becoming more common for both wireless and wired networks, their options are increasing in terms of volume and convenience. Therefore, in the coming decades there are still many interesting events in the field of DOCSIS.
Buy or rent
If a user rents a cable modem from his Internet provider, a purchase is an option that will save him hundreds of dollars during the operation of the device on rental payments. Some companies charge about $ 120 annually for rent, and given the low cost of modems, most of them will pay off very quickly. In addition, the choice of a modem for personal needs allows you to use the Internet plan as efficiently as possible, and the network works better than rented equipment.
Not every modem is suitable for all types of Internet services. Cable Internet will not work with DSL modems because they use different delivery methods. DSL uses land-based telephone infrastructure. If your ISP is also a landline phone operator, you probably need the right type of DSL.
More advanced users recommend a combo modem and router if you need an inexpensive and compact replacement for a rented device. However, keep in mind that they do not give much control over the router. If one device breaks, both will need to be replaced.
The principle of the cable modem
It provides data transmission in cable television networks and can be connected directly to the TV socket. Thus, it is located between the cable connection of the user and the computer. It can also be connected to a computer via USB or a network cable. If the user wants to connect several computers, then in addition to the modem you need a compatible router or a combination device that will combine both functions.
The data sent by the computer must be converted to a suitable format in order to be able to transmit them at special frequencies via a television cable. Today, Internet providers provide mainly combined devices from a cable modem router, which allows you to connect via WLAN to the Internet.
Multiple devices with one IP
Your ISP only provides one IP address. But often there is a situation when you need to connect several devices via WLAN in parallel to the network. This is possible if this IP address is not connected directly to a PC, but to a router that connects the internal network to the outside world. It works with a public IP address. However, the internal network uses a separate block of IP addresses.
Theoretically, they range from 192. 168.0.0 to 192. 168. 258. 255. In practice, they are almost always equal to 192. 168.1.1 or 192. 168. 1.50. Addresses starting with 192.168., By definition, are always private IP addresses. Devices with the same IP address are found in many millions of small and large networks. Almost every personal router uses the internal IP 192.168.1.1 by default.
It is very important in which order the devices turn on. First they turn on the cable modem and wait until the LED lights up, indicating that it is ready to start and connected to the Internet. Then start the router. Experience shows that this happens a little faster than with a modem. Only at the moment when they are ready, the terminals are connected to the network in any order: mobile phone, tablet, laptop, desktop PC.
Connect and configure the router
Setting up network equipment with routers is much easier today than before. Before connecting a cable modem, it’s useful to understand which type is best for a quick connection in order to avoid unwanted problems in the future. Connection to Motorola:
- Open an internet browser. Enter in the address field for Motorola routers: 192.168.100.1, for the modem: 192.168.0.1.
- Press "Enter". The default username is admin. The default password is motorola, all lowercase letters.
- Click "Log In". If you cannot log in with 192.168.0.1, try using 192.168.100.1.
- Verify that the username: admin and password are used: motorola.
- Make sure that the plug-in model of Motorola cable modem starts with the letter "M", for example: MB8600, MG7550, MD1600.
- Set the device to factory default settings. Here you need a pin or a straightened paper clip.
- This is done at power up. At the back of the device find the RESET hole.
- Press the RESET hole with a paper clip for about 25 seconds. Wait for the device to reconnect.
Home network with TP-Link AC1750
The high-performance TP-Link AC1750 (with Archer C700) DOCSIS 3.0 modem features a wireless AC router that supports a reliable home network. It allows you to transfer 4K without slowing it down. Now this incredible modem at a price slightly higher than budget models, however, the difference in performance justifies these price indicators. Positive traits:
- Provides up to 1750 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, provided by 16 streaming and 4 upstream channels.
- The 2.4 GHz processor supports heavy online games.
- Equipped with internal antennas and powerful amplifiers, it can increase the signal level and reduce interference.
- It has a convenient setup.
- Motorola cable modem is compatible with most internet providers.
Even if users have problems with setup, the support team is available 24/7 and is ready to provide assistance.
The disadvantages of the model:
- A web interface for managing settings could be more user friendly.
- File transfer speed could be better.
Despite a few complaints, this device still has the vast majority of positive reviews.
In addition, it is a device with excellent performance at a reasonable price.
Optimal home model NETGEAR
NETGEAR CM500 - 1AZNAS is a cable modem, the connection of which is based on DOCSIS 3.0, which provides speeds of up to 680 Mbps and is ready to handle a wide range of connection packets. This is the best budget model, because it can give incredible speed at a price below $ 70. It is compatible with various operating systems: Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, 2000 Mac OS. It can work with most major cable internet providers. Functionality - simultaneous execution of 16 downloads and 4 upstream channels.
Positive traits:
- Supports 4k and HD streaming video.
- Works up to 300 Internet plans.
- Up to 680 Mbps speed, 16 × 4-channel connection with DOCSIS 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet port.
Disadvantages:
- Voice services that are included in the kits do not work well.
- Does not work with Verizon, AT & T or CenturyLink.
ARRIS for fiber optic network
If the user uses gigabyte speed in a fiber optic network, the Arris cm820 cable modem is most suitable for him, regardless of whether he is on a 1 Gb / s network or not. This is one of the online gamers who has also worked well among users who use huge streams of data to download movies and games or just need the latest technology.
Gigabyte internet is the pinnacle of this line. Thus, in order to enjoy all the advanced technologies, you need to check with your provider if they have fiber optic lines to provide services in the home. However, it should be noted that the maximum speed of the Internet will depend on the tariff plan.
Positive traits:
- The fastest Internet speed with downloads up to 1.4 Gb / s for fiber and 626 Mbit / s on cable. This is a real gigabit cable modem Arris.
- Internet speed is supported by 32-channel channels.
- Is the latest DOCSIS 3.0.
- Support for IPv4 and IPv6.
- Certified by most major internet providers.
The disadvantage is that the LEDs are too bright and annoying.
If a person wants to enjoy all the benefits of fiber optic internet, ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 is the ideal modem. It is equipped with the best technologies that will help optimize a gigabit subscription, but the main plus is that it comes with a price below $ 100.
The following hardware configuration is recommended:
- CPU - P4, 3GHz or faster.
- RAM - 1 GB or more.
- Hard disk - 7200 rpm or faster.
- Ethernet - Gig-E (1 thousand BaseT).
- Windows
- Ethernet connection - Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 MacOS.
- Ethernet connection - system 7.5 up to MacOS 9.2 (recommended to use Open Transport) or Mac OS X, Linux / other Unix.
- Ethernet connection - hardware drivers. Computers that do not meet this configuration will be able to work with the CM820, but will not use its maximum bandwidth.
Budget model D-Link DCM-301
D-Link DCM-301 is the most affordable budget cable modem for home networks. In particular, it provides good speed and simple design, easily works in individual network settings. In addition, it is quite simple to combine it with a cloud router or connect it to a storage device for network needs. Thus, among all the others in this range, this is the best modem choice.
Positive traits:
- Cheap and reliable for a cost of $ 50.
- Uses DOCIS 3.0 technology, which is 8 times faster than DOCSIS 2.0.
- Compatible with most internet providers.
- Easy setup.
- Small design and does not take up too much space.
- Available Internet speed, taking into account its price: 343 Mbit / s.
Disadvantages: some inconsistency in the connection, which is easily resolved by a quick reset.
Combo Motorola Router
Smart MG7550. If the user wants the network layout to be small, he will probably prefer a router. Since there is not always free space for cables and two separate devices, this fact makes the combo modem router a good option. It is a good choice for the best combination of routers, it has reliable network quality and supports gigabyte internet. The combined technologies of this device provide maximum WI-FI speed and provide the possibility of broadcasting, like a cable modem cisco.
Positive traits:
- Compatible with most major Internet service providers, including Comcast, XFINITY, Time Warner Cable, Cox, and Charter Spectrum.
- Fast and reliable speeds of up to 686 Mbps 4-gigabit Etherport supporting super fast internet.
- Easy setup.
Disadvantages: The power-up function, which should provide a wireless signal anywhere in the house, often does not meet customer expectations.
Using the modem / router command has its advantages.
Thus, although the Motorola Smart MG7550 with the AC1900 can be a little expensive, it offers the best transmission speeds and will still be ideal for a small apartment, home or office. In addition, this network solution is great for gaming and streaming.