CableLabs Lays Out DOCSIS 3.1 Details

At the DOCSIS Symposium at SCTE Cable Tec-Expo, CableLabs shared the details of the DOCSIS 3.1 specifications.DOCSIS 3.1 is intended to enable a new generation of cable services and help operators continue to meet consumer demand for high-speed connections and sophisticated applications. Specifications are expected to be published by the end of this month. DOCSIS 3.1 details include:

• Supports up to 10 Gbps downstream and 2 Gbps upstream



• Reduces latency by employing Active Queue Management



• Allows DOCSIS 3.1 modems to co-exist with older versions and build on top of the previously deployed capacity; allows incremental deployment on CCAP



• Enables cost per bit reduction relative to a DOCSIS 3.0 based solution; allows 50% more data capacity over the same spectrum



• Operates on existing HFC networks and supports more upstream and downstream spectrum

DOCSIS 3.1 also changes the specification process to allow both silicon and product vendors to accelerate development and testing. As soon as prototypes are available, CableLabs will facilitate interoperability testing of products at its labs to help equipment manufacturers prepare for certification and qualification.