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DOCSIS 3.0 Issued - The Next Generation of Cable Modem Technology

On Monday, Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (CableLabs) released its long-awaited broadband cable standards update, Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.0. This specification update will allow cable operators to bond together four or more 6 MHz channels to deliver dramatically higher speeds and greater bandwidth. This process, known as channel-bonding, allows consumers to access data at shared downstream speeds of at least 160 Mbps and shared upstream speeds of 120 Mbps. That’s 10 times faster than the current standard.

In addition, DOCSIS incorporates Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). IPv6 replaces its 20-year old predecessor IPv4. This new version expands the number of Internet addresses cable operators can use. It also allows for a greater number of IP-based services, such as digital voice, digital video, high definition television, digital video recorder and video on demand.

In response to the release of DOCSIS 3.0, Tony Werner, chairman of the DOCSIS Business Team at CableLabs stated, “This set of specifications will lead to cable modem products that greatly strengthen cable's package of offerings to consumers, enabling delivery of services that may not even be imagined today.”

What is DOCSIS?

According to CableLab’s Web sites, Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification or DOCSIS defines interface requirements for cable modems involved in high-speed data distribution over cable television system networks. This project also provides cable modem equipment to suppliers with a fast, market-oriented method for attaining cable industry acknowledgement of DOCSIS compliance and has resulted in high-speed modems being certified for resale.

Interoperability among DOCSIS modems is required. Although member companies are not required to purchase DOCSIS modems, It is expected that the majority of modems purchased will be DOCSIS certified. MSOs and CableLabs require vendors seeking product certification to work with other vendors and CableLabs as part of the hot-staging for interoperability venues.

CableLabs is a non-profit research and development consortium founded in 1988 by members of the cable television industry. The group is dedicated to pursuing new cable telecommunications technologies and to helping its cable operator members integrate those technical advancements into their business objectives.

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