How the Supported DOCSIS Version Affects Internet Speed
Newer versions of DOCSIS like DOCSIS 3.1 and the upcoming DOCSIS 4.0 allow for higher upload and download speeds than earlier DOCSIS versions.
Going from DOCSIS 3.0 to DOCSIS 3.1 will allow for up to 9 Gb/s faster download speeds and 1.8 Gb/s faster upload speeds.
The difference between DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 4.0 will be minimal to most users since their internet plan from their internet service provider (ISP) often doesn't support upload speeds of over 2 Gb/s anyway.
With more implementation of DOCSIS 4.0 from ISPs, they will eventually have plans that reach higher upload speeds, but you won't notice a difference for now. The main difference is going from DOCSIS 3.0 and below and upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1.
You will also get increased stability upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1 and above.
| DOCSIS Version | Max Download | Max Upload |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 1 Gb/s | 200 Mb/s |
| 3.1 | 10 Gb/s | 1-2 Gb/s |
| 4.0 (Future) | 10 Gb/s | 6 Gb/s |
Learn more about DOCSIS in my DOCSIS Cable Modem Guide and Version Comparison
.
Newer Modems May Have Better Firmware Support From ISP
Suppose you have outdated firmware on a modem. In that case, this can reduce the speed and stability of the connection or prevent it from working altogether.
Generally, internet service providers (ISPs) push out firmware to modems, allowing them to work correctly on their service. ISPs tend only to support newer modems and discontinue support for older models that the ISP doesn't provide.
Modems rented from an ISP are usually supported with firmware updates for longer or are swapped out for newer modems. However, it's typically cheaper to own a modem than rent one.
Supported Download/Upload Speeds of a Modem
Modems can only support specific upload and download speeds, mainly based on the DOCSIS version of the modem.
The easiest ways to find which version of DOCSIS your modem supports is by: looking at the product name, looking on the bottom or side of your modem for a label, or searching online with your modem's model number.
From there, you can look at the table below and view which DOCSIS version your modem has, to find the supported speeds.
| DOCSIS Version | Max Download | Max Upload |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 40 Mb/s | 10 Mb/s |
| 1.1 | 40 Mb/s | 10 Mb/s |
| 2.0 | 40 Mb/s | 30 Mb/s |
| 3.0 | 1 Gb/s | 200 Mb/s |
| 3.1 | 10 Gb/s | 1-2 Gb/s |
| 4.0 (Future) | 10 Gb/s | 6 Gb/s |
Modem's Ethernet Port Speeds
The Ethernet port on your modem can affect the speed of your connection because there are different Ethernet port types.
Here are the three types of Ethernet ports and their supported speeds:
| Ethernet Port Type | Max Speed |
|---|---|
| Fast Ethernet (10/100) | 100 Mb/s (0.1 Gb/s) |
| Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) | 1,000 Mb/s (1 Gb/s) |
| 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000/10000) | 10,000 Mb/s (10 Gb/s) |
Ethernet Cable Speeds
Even if a cable modem's Ethernet port supports a high speed, it can still be limited by the type of Ethernet cable connecting the modem and router. Lower versions of Ethernet cable can limit your internet speed because they only support specific speeds.
Here are the minimum versions of Ethernet cables that are needed to reach maximum speeds for each Ethernet port type:
| Ethernet Port Type | Ethernet Cable Needed for Max Speed |
|---|---|
| Fast Ethernet (10/100) | Cat 5 |
| Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) | Cat 5e |
| 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000/10000) | Cat 6a |
Modem/Router Combos
Some modems are combined with a Wi-Fi router in the same device. Slow Wi-Fi speeds could affect your overall internet speed. The device's and client's supported Wi-Fi versions determine the maximum possible Wi-Fi speed.
Here are the different Wi-Fi versions, along with the expected speeds that they can reach:
| Wi-Fi Version | Typical Speeds | Theoritical Speeds |
|---|---|---|
| 802.11b | 3-5 Mb/s | 11 Mb/s |
| 802.11a | 3-32 Mb/s | 6-54 Mb/s |
| 802.11g | 10-29 Mb/s | 54 Mb/s |
| 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) | 50-80 Mb/s | 300-900 Mb/s |
| 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | 210 Mb/s - 455 Mb/s (2x2 MIMO) | 433 Mb/s - 1.7 Gb/s |
| 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 300 Mb/s - 840 Mb/s (2x2 MIMO) | 10 Gb/s |
Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
Motorola MB8611
- 6 Gbps max speed.
- 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port.
- Lightning and power surge protection.
- Active queue management, which can reduce internet latency.
- Backwards compatible to DOCSIS 3.0.
- Works with Comcast Xfinity, Comcast Business, Cox Communications, and Charter Spectrum.
- It does not have a built-in wireless router.
- It does not have telephone call capability.
- Check the latest price of the Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem on Amazon (affiliate link).
Motorola MB8611 Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
A Note From the Authors
As technology experts, we are dedicated to providing accurate and helpful information on various technology products and services. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and recommendations that help our readers make informed decisions.
We understand that the technology industry is constantly evolving, and we strive to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. However, we recognize that there may be occasions when errors or inaccuracies slip through, despite our best efforts.
That's why we welcome feedback from our readers and encourage them to reach out to us with any corrections or suggestions they may have. By working together, we can ensure that our content remains accurate, helpful, and up-to-date.
If you have any feedback or suggestions for us, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We value your input and look forward to hearing from you.