What is the difference between DOCSIS 3.1 specifications and 4.0 specifications?

The difference in specifications is an increase in upstream capacity and more options for operators to increase downstream capacities. Current DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems support capacities up to 5 Gbps downstream and 1.5 Gbps upstream. DOCSIS 4.0 cable modems will support capacities up to 10 Gbps downstream and 6 Gbps upstream.

How did CableLabs and the industry cooperate to develop DOCSIS 4.0?

In June 2016, FDX technology transitioned from an innovation project to an industry-wide R&D effort led by CableLabs. It was originally introduced in the DOCSIS 3.1 suite of specifications. CableLabs moved FDX requirements from DOCSIS 3.1 to DOCSIS 4.0 specifications in August 2019. Vendors and member cable operators of CableLabs continue to collaborate on further developing DOCSIS 4.0 to include Extended Spectrum DOCSIS (up to 1.8 GHz).

Where can I find DOCSIS 3.1 technology resources?

DOCSIS 3.1 information and resources can be found in its new home URL: https://www.cablelabs.com/innovations/docsis3-1

How does DOCSIS 4.0 technology contribute to 10G?

DOCSIS 4.0 technology is a major step toward reaching the industry’s 10G goal. With full duplex and extended spectrum capabilities integrated into next-generation DOCSIS 4.0 technology, the industry will be able to deliver on that 10 Gbps promise over hybrid fiber coax networks. Learn more about the road to 10G and its technologies .

10G Technology

DOCSIS® 4.0 Technology

DOCSIS 4.0 technology enables the next generation of broadband over cable’s hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, delivering symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds while supporting high reliability, high security and low latency.

What is DOCSIS 4.0 technology?

DOCSIS 4.0 technology supports up to 10 Gbps speeds downstream capacity and up to 6 Gbps upstream capacity, easily allowing for multi-gigabit symmetric services over HFC networks. As future applications are developed that benefit from higher upstream speeds, such as interactive video conferencing, remote learning and health care applications, IoT and virtual reality, the ability to offer symmetric speeds is significant.

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Why is DOCSIS 4.0 important?

Before today, maximum upstream capacity of 1.5 Gbps was possible. Now, with DOCSIS 4.0 technology, we’ve been able to significantly increase upstream capacity which will enable multi-gigabit symmetrical services for residential and business services. Today, a typical broadband customer’s upstream data consumption is only 10% of their downstream consumption. As new technologies and applications emerge that enable customers and their devices to share interactive high-resolution video, our networks will be prepared to support the speed and latency requirements.

What problems are we solving?

Cable broadband networks, consisting of both fiber optic and coaxial cable, already crisscross multiple countries, and in the U.S. reach over 90% of American households. DOCSIS 4.0 technology allows us to increase the efficiency of this existing infrastructure without the need to lay more cable. In addition to the significant cost savings, we are also future-proofing our cable networks and ensuring that our customers have access to cutting-edge services for years to come. It’s a major step to making 10G a reality.

The Evolution of DOCSIS

	DOCSIS 1.0	DOCSIS 1.1	DOCSIS 2.0	DOCSIS 3.0	DOCSIS 3.1	DOCSIS 4.0
Highlights	DOCSIS 1.0 Initial cable broadband technology, high speed internet access	DOCSIS 1.1 Added voice over IP service, gaming, streaming	DOCSIS 2.0 Higher upstream speed, capacity for symmetric services	DOCSIS 3.0 Greatly enhances capacity, channel bonding, IPv6	DOCSIS 3.1 Capacity and efficiency progression, OFDM, wideband channel	DOCSIS 4.0 Symmetrical streaming and increased upload speeds
Downstream Capacity	DOCSIS 1.0 40 Mbps	DOCSIS 1.1 40 Mbps	DOCSIS 2.0 40 Mbps	DOCSIS 3.0 1 Gbps	DOCSIS 3.1 10 Gbps	DOCSIS 4.0 10 Gbps
Upstream Capacity	DOCSIS 1.0 10 Mbps	DOCSIS 1.1 10 Mbps	DOCSIS 2.0 30 Mbps	DOCSIS 3.0 200 Mbps	DOCSIS 3.1 1-2 Gbps	DOCSIS 4.0 6 Gbps
First Specification Issue Date	DOCSIS 1.0 1996	DOCSIS 1.1 1999	DOCSIS 2.0 2001	DOCSIS 3.0 2006	DOCSIS 3.1 2013	DOCSIS 4.0 2019

The performance numbers above are based on specifications; deployed network performance will vary across implementations.

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March 20, 2026