DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 Modems: Does It Make a Difference? [CNET]

A 3.0 and 3.1 doesn’t imply much difference, but choosing one DOCSIS version over the other can affect your modem’s speed capability, security and cost.

Your cable internet, whether that comes from Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox or one of the many regional cable ISPs, arrives to your home via coaxial cable. From there, your cable modem, a DOCSIS device, translates the incoming and outgoing data, creating the internet connection you use for everything you do online.

DOCSIS stands for “data over cable service interface specifications,” the key there being “data over cable service.” It’s the interface standard that defines how your modem does its job relaying cable internet signals. Modern cable modems are compliant with DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1.

As the numbers suggest, the two modem versions are similar, but there are some distinctions between the two that could help you determine which is best for your home.

What’s the difference between DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1?

Despite the simple one-tenth difference in versions, DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 modems vary in performance, pricing and availability. Here’s a quick look at the advantages and of each.

DOCSIS 3.0 modem advantages

• Price: DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems are generally cheaper than their 3.1 counterparts. 
• Availability: You’re likely to have more options, including used or refurbished devices, when shopping for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem.

DOCSIS 3.1 modem advantages

• Speed: DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems support faster speeds than DOCSIS 3.0 modems, and are thus better suited for high speed plans, especially those with gig speeds or higher.
• Security: While both modems have built-in security features, DOCSIS 3.1 modems may offer the best online security, especially if you purchase a modem-router combo device.
• Long-term use: DOCSIS 3.0 modems aren’t exactly outdated yet, but it’s safe to say 3.1 modems are the best option for long-term use.

DOCSIS 3.1 supports faster speeds, if you need that

Device	Max download speed	Max upload speed	Price range	Year released
DOCSIS 3.0	1Gbps	100Mbps	$50-$150	2006
DOCSIS 3.1	10Gbps	2Gbps	$150-$250	2013

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The most significant difference between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 is that the latter can support download speeds 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0, up to 10Gbps. That’s impressive, but unless you’ve got a particularly high-speed plan, that may not matter. 

Most cable providers do offer a gigabit plan with max speeds around 940 or 1,000 megabits per second. Astound, Cox, Xfinity and select other cable providers offer download speeds above 1,000Mbps.

If you choose speeds above 1 gig and rent your equipment, you’ll receive a modem-router combo that comes with DOCSIS 3.1 built in, so you don’t have to worry about it. Otherwise, if you choose to use your own equipment, you’ll want to spend a little extra for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem to take full advantage of the plan’s speed potential.

But suppose your plan comes with speeds up to 200Mbps. If you rent from the provider, the modem included with your equipment may be a DOCSIS 3.0 model, which is more than capable of supporting your internet connection.

When opting to use your own modem, you probably won’t see much of a performance improvement, if any, by purchasing a DOCSIS 3.1 device over a DOCSIS 3.0 one. Considering the price difference and available options between the two, you’d be better off opting for DOCSIS 3.0 on lower-tiered internet plans.

DOCSIS 3.0 has more, cheaper options

DOCSIS 3.0 is the cheaper option when shopping for a modem or modem-router combo. New DOCSIS 3.0 modems can cost between $50 and $150 depending on the device you choose and the source you buy from, but you may be able to score a used device for less than $50. On the other hand, DOCSIS 3.1 modems can easily cost $150-$250 or higher.

Manufacturers like Arris, Asus, Netgear and Motorola have made DOCSIS 3.0 modems for years. These manufacturers make DOCSIS 3.1 modems as well, but you’ll have fewer options than you would if you were shopping for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, at least for now.

DOCSIS 3.1 is more secure and future proof

Any major internet protocol update, like the transition from DOCSIS 3.0 to 3.1, will include improved security features. This typically comes with enhanced encryption, so a DOCSIS 3.1 modem will presumably be better equipped to keep your information secure. Additionally, the best router and modem combos that are equipped with DOCSIS 3.1 will also include WPA3, a more advanced router security feature than older modem-routers that may come with DOCSIS 3.0 and WPA2. 

DOCSIS 3.0 was released in 2006 and DOCSIS 3.1 arrived in 2013, which is quite a long time in the tech world — long enough for initial security measures to become outdated. Modem manufacturers and ISPs release regular security updates to keep your equipment safe. Still, I would recommend additional security software or using a good VPN to help boost your online security, especially when using a DOCSIS 3.0 modem.

Considering the increase in home internet speeds and need for up-to-date security, DOCSIS 3.1 is well on its way to replacing DOCSIS 3.0. It hasn’t entirely done so just yet, mainly because slower, cheaper cable internet plans can still get by with DOCSIS 3.0 technology. Still, as faster plans become more available and affordable, DOCSIS 3.1 will emerge as the go-to standard for cable modems.

So why choose one DOCSIS modem over the other?

If you’re content with a low or midtier cable internet plan, then a DOCSIS 3.0 modem will likely meet all your needs and come at a lower price than a DOCSIS 3.1 device. But if you want faster speeds, especially those approaching or surpassing 1Gbps, or simply want a device you know you can use for years to come, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem is the way to go. You’ll have to pay more for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, but chances are you’re also paying a premium for those faster speeds, so you might as well equip your home with a device that will let you enjoy them.