7 Best Smart WiFi Routers 2021 (Top Rated 7 Smart WiFi Routers 2021)
| Cons | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | + Seriously Affordable + Reasonable Performance + Manages Network Congestion | - Limited Range | ||
 | + Great Speeds + Compelling Feature Set + Great for Gaming and Streaming | - Exceedingly Large Wall Wart | ||
 | + Good Range + Built-in VPN + Attractive Design | - Heavy Router | ||
 | + Affordably Priced + Easy to Install + Supports MU-MIMO Streaming | - No USB Ports | ||
 | + Uncongested Whole-Home Coverage + Straightforward Set-Up + Compact Design | - Limited Ports | ||
 | + Super-Simple Setup + Great Value + Excellent Design | - Limited Hardware Control | ||
 | + Great Speeds + Compact Housing + Better Coverage | - Not Enough Capacity for Large Family |
“We are living in a time of rapid technological advances. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the evolution of cable internet speeds. DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 have opened up whole new worlds for consumers, businesses, and content providers who rely on fast internet to function smoothly.”
Due to many features offered by both modems people often get confused about which one is better. If this is your problem worry not. Below are the necessary details about the pros, cons and features of DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 to help you answer your question should I Buy a Docsis 3.0 or 3.1 Modem?
What is DOCSIS 3.1?
DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. ARRIS Surfboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gigabit Cable Modem is the latest standardized version that provides Internet access via cable TV (CATV) networks.
What is DOCSIS 3.0?
DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. ARRIS SURFboard SBG7600AC2 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem provided Internet access via cable TV (CATV) networks. A few years ago, major cable providers such as Comcast and Cox were only offering speeds up to 100 Mbps download / 25 Mbps upload over their hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) cable systems.
But in April 2013, Comcast announced a significant increase on Internet speeds up to 200Mbps throughout most of its service area by doubling the number of downstream channels. Because the traffic on the internet was more now and people needed more internet usage so speed was increased in 3.0 later.
Who Has More Advantages, DOCSIS 3.1 Or 3.0?
Should I Buy a Docsis 3.0 or 3.1 Modem? To help answer this query let’s compare advantages of DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1.
- More speed means increased network capacity and better customer service. DOCSIS 3.0, Comcast Xfinity offers download speeds up to 200 Mbps (and upload speeds up to 25 Mbps). Whereas DOCSIS 3.1, offers download speed of 10 Gbps (and upload speeds up to 1 Gbps) which can mean more reliable Internet access for all of our connected devices including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and TVs.
- DOCSIS 3.1 allows for Full Duplex DOCSIS – which has been designed to allow downstream and upstream traffic on a single strand of fiber, ultimately allowing more data throughput (rate at which service is produced and delivered to customers) but DOCSIS 3.0 upload and download speed was less and the data throughput was low.
- DOCSIS 3.1 allow self-installation from the customer’s home without requiring a technician’s visit! This could mean that you may be able to save on installation fees and do it yourself.
By simply ordering your own new cable modem online, plugging in their new CM820 Cable Modem, and setting up your Wi-Fi network using the onscreen instructions available within the advanced configuration portal of their SB8200. But for DOCSIS 3.0 you must need a technician for the installation of the modem.
Who Has More Disadvantages, DOCSIS 3.0 Or 3.1?
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems are much larger with a totally different form factor (the physical size and shape of a piece of computer hardware) than traditional DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems. It may create issues as they can block adjacent outlets if not plugged into an appropriate outlet and interfere with nearby power cords or network cables.
- DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems and Gateways will be compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 (that means if your ISP doesn’t support DOCSIS 3.1, your cable modem router still works using DOCSIS 3.0.
- DOCSIS 3.1 modems are currently only available in retail stores such as Best Buy and Amazon at the time of this writing. It is not easily available everywhere. But DOCSIS 3.0 are still available in the local market and online retailers.
- Comcast Xfinity has been updating their website with information about products they have tested for compatibility. Unfortunately, not all cable modem models from different manufacturers will be compatible with both current and future versions of DOCSIS. So make sure to check with your ISP before purchasing a new DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem on your own.
What Modem Should I Get For My House?
Why should I Buy a Docsis 3.0 or 3.1 Modem? Currently, DOCSIS 3.0 modems are still the most popular choice among American ISPs and generally offer a cost-effective solution for the average household.
However, if you’re looking to future proof your network with support for 1 Gbps download speeds on your home network. It would be wise to consider purchasing a DOCSIS 3.1 modem or gateway such as the Netgear CM1100 or SB8200 (if compatible with your ISP). Because these devices will allow you to maximize any speed upgrades made by your ISP without having to purchase an entirely new cable modem!
What are the Top DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0 Modems?
For the time being, there are only a few popular DOCSIS 3.1 gateways and modems on the market that are compatible with major ISPs in America, such as Comcast Xfinity and Cox Communications. The ones listed below are currently the only DOCSIS 3.1 modems that work with Comcast Xfinity’s systems as of April 2021:
- Cable Modem – DOCSIS 3.1 (CM1000)
- Cable Modem – DOCSIS 3.1 (CM1100) -Cable Modem – DOCSIS 3.1 (SB8200)
- Cable Modem – DOCSIS 3.0 (CM400)
- Gateway – DOCSIS 3.1 (CM600)
- Gateway – DOCSIS 3.1 (CM700)
The ones listed below are currently the DOCSIS 3.0 modems available:
- ARRIS / Surfboard TG1682
- ARRIS / Surfboard TG2472
Conclusion
Should I Buy a Docsis 3.0 or 3.1 Modem? The answer to this question is that it depends on the situation. One of the first factors to consider when selecting a Docsis version is how much you use the Internet. If you’re just a casual browser or streamer, a 3.0 modem will probably suffice. Professional gamers and heavy internet users, on the other hand, may want to buy 3.1.
As of 2021, current DOCSIS 3.1 models such as the CM1000, CM1100 and SB8200 are still somewhat pricey – so it may be good to buy a DOCSIS 3.0 modem in the meantime and purchase a DOCSIS 3.1 model when they become more reasonably priced.
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