Upgrading your network to DOCSIS 3.1
DOCSIS 3.1 technology delivers superfast internet with exceptional quality, which is needed for online gaming and real-time applications such as augmented reality and IoT. DOCSIS 3.1 is also a more sustainable, greener solution with advanced energy management protocols increasing cable modem energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint.
- Higher capacity (10 Gbps downstream (DS) and 2 Gbps upstream (US))
- Lower latency
- Energy efficient
- Backwards compatible
DOCSIS 3.1 uses more spectrum than previous versions of DOCSIS with downstream frequency ranges up to 1218 MHz and upstream frequency ranges up to 204 MHz. Up/down frequency split is relatively flexible (sub-, mid- or high split), supporting a growth strategy with a high split of 204/258 MHz being possible.
DOCSIS 3.1 supports orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), a more robust modulation scheme, advanced forward error correction and advanced queue management. This results in a low latency and robust data transport system supporting 4KQAM.
DOCSIS 3.1 high split frequency range
What’s the impact on the network?
Network and in-home components need to be specified up to 1218 MHz as a minimum to cope with ever increasing demands from both homes and businesses. Additionally, a downstream frequency range up to 204 MHz must be supported. Flexible solutions are required with pluggable or switchable diplexers such as the Technetix DBx range of nodes and network amplifiers used with the EZ in-home amplifier or the direction neutral 1.8 GHz amplifier (DNA), Technetix’s award-winning bi-directional, diplex filter free amplifier. Higher cable loss at 1218 MHz will mean that amplifiers need to have a higher Total Composite Power in both the upstream and downstream.
Are any problems anticipated?
Although DOCSIS 3.1 is a robust protocol, it is imperative that the network and the components used are of the best possible quality. Adjacent Device Interference (ADI) could be a problem in areas where DOCSIS 3.1 co-exists with a legacy platform. A DOCSIS 3.1 modem transmits at a high level in the receiving window of a legacy set top box (STB), overdriving the STB. Isolation between ports is even more important in this instance.
