Comcast's Subscribers: 2008 Brings DOCSIS 3.0 Speeds

Comcast has announced that they are committed to deploying a DOCSIS 3.0 networking infrastructure in the next year that will be available to more than 20 percent of their network coverage. Comcast, as well as other Internet Service Providers, use the DOCSIS 1.1 specification for their Internet-over-Cable modems.

Compared to the dial-up access, cable ISPs are undoubtedly the kings of data transfer. Things tend to change as bigger sharks are swimming in the Internet and networking pools: the fiber Internet service Providers. Providing access speeds of 50Mbps down/30Mbps up, the fiber-optics providers beat the hell out of the DOCSIS 1.1 cable providers.

The new DOCSIS 3.0 specification won't perform miracles on the cable architecture and will surely not morph the coaxial cable mumbo-jumbo into a fiber-optics network, but at least would diminish the (currently) huge transfer rate gap. The new standard promises transfer rates of up to 160Mpbs down and 120Mbps, as proven during the DOCSIS 3.0 gear pre-testing.

DOCSIS 3.0 not only brings improved transfer rates. It also focuses on other important aspects regarding networking, such as enhanced network management and better security features. Comcast is alleged to deploy the new technology primarily in zones that are already under fiber-optics assault from the Verizon competition. DOCSIS 3.0 implementation, while not as fast as Fiber, is cheaper and much faster to deploy.

Full compliance with the DOCSIS standard requires the bonding of at least four upstream and four downstream channels, but rumors inside the company say that Comcast will take a shortcut and the first implementation of the standard will be downstream-only, while the upstream channel bonding will be available no earlier than the end of 2008 or early 2009.

Introduction of DOCSIS 3.0 requires both network improvement and newer, upgraded cable modems. It would take years for the majority of users to switch to DOCSIS 3.0 gear, but the race against cable providers is due to start the next year, after the DOCSIS 3.0 specs roll out from approval.