TOP 10: Best Docsis 4.0 Modems

The Best Docsis 4.0 Modem in 2021

• Having the fastest internet service means nothing without the muscle of a good modem to back it up. Every day, internet connections improve. They become more secure, reliable and fast. So fast that most modems can’t keep up with such speeds. Nowadays, only a DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem can guarantee that you get to fully use your upstream and downstream capacities.

• Regrettably, many users can’t tell apart a regular modem from a great one. To change that, we compiled a list containing all the things you should know before you buy. We’ll give you insight into different technologies found in modems, along with the best alternatives available in the market.

• Get the most out of your connection speed with a modem capable of taking advantage of its full potential. Don’t let poor internet connections become a problem for you.

Buying the best cable modem

It’s easy to overlook many important features when you’re shopping for an appropriate modem for your cable connection. Sellers take advantage of your ignorance and don’t explain what you’re paying for. Namely, the things that you want to be mindful of when you’re buying a cable modem are:

DOCSIS technology

The “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification”, or DOCSIS, is the protocol that allows your service provider to establish a broadband connection. Its first version introduced the possibility of transferring data over a cable television system. Over time, this technology has improved substantially.

The modem’s DOCSIS version will determine its downstream and upstream capacities, among other features. Choosing a modem with an older DOCSIS protocol will limit your connection speed if the modem can’t support it. Besides, getting a good DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem will ensure that your modem won’t become obsolete any time soon . 

Download speed

Your download speed indicates the amount of time it takes for data to be delivered to your device. It’s usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and its crucial to the user’s online experience. Having a modem with a low download speed means longer loading times. 

Remember to buy a modem that matches, or surpasses, your connection speed. If you don’t, you won’t be able to fully enjoy your connection speed until you do. You can’t have a 1Gbps connection with a 40Mbps modem and expect it to work somehow. However, using a DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem you shouldn’t have any issues even with a 10Gbps internet service.

Upload speed

Traditionally, upload speeds have been considerably lower than download speeds. That’s because, when you’re online, you usually request for more data than you send. Your upload speed measures the amount of time it takes for your connection to do the latter. Nonetheless, as new ways to interact with the internet emerge, like virtual reality, the need for higher upload speeds grows.

CableLabs has been working on a solution to that problem. DOCSIS 4.0 cable modems are capable of unprecedented upload speeds. When new technologies arrive, most people are going to migrate to DOCSIS 4.0 eventually.  

Compatibility

Cable modems are supposed to be used with a compatible service provider. Otherwise, they’ll malfunction or, likely, won’t work at all. It could mean that you have to purchase a new modem if you change your provider. Or you spend a bit more and get a modem with better compatibility from the start.

Most cable modems have rather limited compatibility. They usually only work with a couple of service providers. Getting one with high compatibility allows you to change service providers without the need to acquire a new modem. It’s a great way to ensure that you are free to switch service providers without minding about the extra expense.

Why choosing DOCSIS’s latest protocols?

Every time a new milestone is reached, both consumers and providers start migrating to the newer standards. Once everything is settled, developers catch on and take advantage of the better connection speeds. They provide a richer user experience and you get to enjoy it if you’re able to keep up.

DOCSIS 3.0 was the standard protocol for more than a few years. It changed the way we use our electronic devices in many ways. But now, with service providers offering connections up to several gigabits per second, things are changing again. To get a 10Gbps connection, a new protocol was devised. DOCSIS 3.1 came along to allow such speeds.

CableLabs has been working with the industry to improve on the 3.1 version of its protocol. These efforts paid off in the form of DOCSIS 4.0’s superior performance over the previous version. It’s the next step to take before making 10Gbps connections to the new standard.

DOCSIS 3.0 vs 3.1

The third version of the DOCSIS protocol was a major game-changer back in the day. Before that, download speeds were limited to 40Mbps, and most modems allowed for only a fraction of that speed. As new ways to stream and consume content online emerged, a new update in the DOCSIS protocol was necessary.

Later on, as the development of more bandwidth-demanding applications became common, connections needed a new update. Improving on their 3.0 version, CableLabs managed to make 10Gbps connections a reality. Along with other improvements, like its Full Duplex capacity, DOCSIS 3.1 is superior or equal to the previous version in every way.

DOCSIS 4.0

Further development over the 3.1 protocol gave birth to DOCSIS 4.0. Working with the same fiber cable as its predecessors, DOCSIS 4.0 offers a significant improvement in upload speeds. Managing the upstream and downstream processes efficiently, it managed to provide upload speeds up to 6Gbps.

As time moves forward, it’s likely that this will become the new standard for internet connections. Video conferencing, online gaming and many other things will benefit greatly when it happens. Symmetrical streaming also offers a lot of opportunities for developers. Buying a DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem today is a step in that direction.

Best Cable Modem review

Picking the very best modem for your connection takes a bit of effort. To help you, we tested all the cable modems we could find to give you a list of the best ones. Although results usually vary depending on the service provider, these modems delivered consistent performance with supported connections.

After thoughtful evaluation, the best cable modems available in the market, in our opinion, were:

1) NETGEAR CM1000

Last update on 2022-08-08 at 05:46

For non-tech savvy consumers, this is an amazing alternative from NETGEAR. This DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem is easy to set up and compatible with major service providers. It’s capable of a connection speed up to 1Gbps, making it great for high-resolution video streaming.
The great upload speed also makes it good for high-quality video calls, online gaming, and many other activities. If you add a good router, all your connectivity needs would be easily covered by this modem. With such a bandwidth, having multiple devices simultaneously connected to the internet doesn’t have to ruin the user’s experience.
Besides, there’s NETGEAR’s reputation as one of the best modem manufacturers to consider. They thoroughly test ever modem to meet their quality standards and have amazing tech support. If you’re an average user wanting to make the jump to DOCSIS 3.1, this could be the choice for you.

PROS

• Compatible with Comcast’s Xfinity, Spectrum and COX
• Easy to set up by novice users
• Cordial tech support provided by Netgear

CONS

• Hardware is a bit lacking for the price range
• It takes a lot of room and requires a modem

2) Motorola MB8600

Last update on 2022-09-22 at 18:27

Motorola was a big name in the telecommunications industry from early on. They don’t do things halfway, and this modem is no exception. This elegantly designed modem is a smart solution to your connectivity issues. The 1Gbps download speed and other perks earned a place on this list to this modem.
The AQM system reduces latency for a better overall experience when it matters the most. Namely, online gaming and other interactive applications are benefited from this feature. It keeps things running as smoothly as you would expect from a higher-end modem.
It works with any router, and you can set it up quite easily. The sober design also makes it barely unnoticeable in any room. And it performs flawlessly with any device connected to its Ethernet port. This modem is an all-around great opportunity to switch to DOCSIS 3.1.

PROS

• Great hardware specifications
• Fairly priced
• Made by a trusted manufacturer

CONS

• Not fully certified by Spectrum, a major service provider
• It requires a router

3) ARRIS SurfBoard AC2350

Last update on 2022-07-26 at 08:26

This alternative by ARRIS could be considered a high end. It’s certainly more expensive, but not overpriced. Its superior performance allows for a bigger price tag. Not only that, but it’s also a cable modem/router, solving two problems with the same device.

Considering that you get what you pay for, the pricing is completely fair, being adequate for a cable modem of such capabilities. It’s not cheap, but that’s a good thing. You don’t want a cheap modem. You want a good modem, and this may as well be the best.

However, despite the beautiful design, it’s rather bulky. It takes a considerable amount of space, although it is a fair trade-off considering that you don’t need a router. Overall, with its great compatibility and DOCSIS 3.1 protocol, you should run into any issues using this modem.

PROS

• Built-in router capabilities
• Sober design that matches any room
• Allows for several Ethernet connections

CONS

• It’s a bit large
• Price is on the higher end of the spectrum

4) ARRIS Surfboard SB6183

Last update on 2022-09-06 at 21:45

If you’re unsure about making the jump to DOCSIS 3.1, we got you covered. This is another modem from ARRIS, compatible with all major service providers. It’s the best modem for the money, and likely to be enough to cover all of your connection needs.

It’s capable of a connection speed up to 686Mbps, a significant value for a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. However, it’s only certified to work with major service providers with plans up to 400Mbps. Still, that’s a great connection if you don’t have too many devices connected to the internet at once.

When you buy from ARRIS, you know you’re getting only the best. Likewise, its amiable tech support team and warranty policies make sure that you get a satisfactory experience. If you’re going to stick to DOCSIS 3.0 for now, you might as well do it with class.

PROS

• ARRIS is a trusted manufacturer of high-end modems
• Good connection speed for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem
• Great price for an ARRIS modem

CONS

• Requires a router, sold separately
• It’s only certified to work up to 400Mbps

5) ARRIS SurfBoard AC1600

Last update on 2022-09-06 at 21:35

Last, but in no way least, we have a final alternative from ARRIS. This one was one of the cable modems we loved the most. Its built-in Wi-Fi capacity and surprisingly low price were impossible to resist. Besides the opportunity to get our hands on another ARRIS modem, which we would never pass.

Another important feature included in this modem/router is the two Ethernet ports located on the back. If you need to set separate networks, this is a great modem to do so. The process is rather uncomplicated and straightforward. Overall, the user experience provided by this modem exceeded our expectations by a long shot.

Getting our hands on this device, we could attest to its claims of being made of quality materials. Although modems aren’t something to be treated harshly, it’s good to know that this router won’t break down easily.

PROS

• Superb performance for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem
• Highly compatible with service providers
• Sturdy and resistant

CONS

• Doesn’t have DOCSIS 3.1
• It’s a bit large

6) ARRIS SURFboard Docsis 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem Plus AC2350

Last update on 2022-07-26 at 08:26

7) ARRIS Surfboard Docsis 3.1 Model:T25

Last update on 2022-09-22 at 18:27

8) NETGEAR CM700 (32×8) DOCSIS 3.0

Last update on 2022-09-06 at 22:05

9) MOTOROLA MG7540 16×4

Last update on 2022-09-06 at 19:46

10) MOTOROLA MT7711 24X8

Last update on 2022-07-26 at 08:46

Conclusion

As technologies evolve, connectivity becomes an essential need. Keeping up with the latest developments is the only way to enjoy the new experiences this growth allows. Choosing the best modem is the only way to ensure that you don’t miss out on any new exciting ways to interact.

Taking a step in that direction is only one decision away. Learning everything you should know beforehand can only take you so far. Upgrade your modem and rip the benefits of a faster and better connection. Once you get to enjoy the full potential of your connection with an appropriate modem, you won’t ever go back.

 

 

Best Trending New Release 3.1 Cable Modem

Last update on 2024-04-18 at 21:00