A smooth internet connection is one of the must-haves for anyone in this digital day and age. Regardless of whether you are a professional who has to work from home, or an avid gamer who takes his online games very seriously, a fast internet connection can be your lifesaver.
And, for that, it is better to buy a modem rather than spending money on renting one from the internet service provider. If you are planning to get a modem, your best bet would be to go for the DOCSIS 3.1 Modem.
What is a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem?
DOCSIS is the abbreviation for Data over Cable Service Interface Specification. It is an efficient and modern tech that helps in transferring data through coaxial cables. The cables were mainly created for offering a stable cable television connection. Because of the wonderful results it showed, it has been made as the gold standard for the cable operators.
Apart from high speed internet, you would also get video and voice services through the television cables that are readily available to you. DOCSIS comes with coax cables that connect way better and more securely than fiber cable. Thus, it lets you gain access to whatever you want and whenever you want, minus the hassles.
Are all DOCSIS 3.1 Modems the Same?
The answer to this question is, no, they are not. It might all look the same in terms of designs, shapes, and even a few of the basic features, but the truth is that every model is different from the other. There are ones that offer good speed and great connectivity, and there are others that are not that compatible with cable providers.
Modems can also double up as routers, but then again, not every modem can do that. Furthermore, some modems have more security features compared to others. For instance, parental control is a feature lacking in some of the modems.
The connectivity is also different for different models. Though DOCSIS 3.1 modems are meant to cover a greater area, there are a few that offer better connections compared to others.
As you can see, the similarity might be there in terms of design and shape, but that is pretty much where it ends for the DOCSIS 3.1 modems.
How to Choose a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem?
Choosing the right DOCSIS 3.1 Modem becomes easier when you know about the features that you should look for. These are the features related to an excellent performance of the modems. Here are the top three things to consider when choosing a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem.
The compatibility
The modem that you choose has to be compatible with the internet service provider you use. It’s not too difficult to get a compatible unit, but it is still a good idea to check beforehand. Most of the reputed cable companies are able to support almost all modems. But, there are still a few modems that are not supported, so, it is better to be safe from before rather than dealing with hassles after buying the product.
The internet plan
It is important to check the internet plan before selecting a modem, so that it actually comes to your aid as you have planned. Let’s say the speed of your modem is top-notch, but that of your internet plan is not. It will just affect the utility of your unit completely.
The durability
The modem that you buy has to be durable because it is not something that you plan to buy time and again. The unit you choose has to be sturdy and strong enough to last you a lifetime. The design of it has to be practical, as well. Moreover, the modem must be easy to integrate and access as a part of the setup. Finally, the best modems are the ones that offer uninterrupted connectivity to you.
6 Best DOCSIS 3.1 Modems
1. Best Choice: ARRIS Surfboard Gigabit Docsis 3.1 Cable Modem
This is one of the most popular modems in the market right now. ARRIS has been around for more than sixty years now. It also has the distinction of being the first company ever to bring in the idea of a digital TV and cable modem enabled internet.
With eight upload and 32 download channels, this modem lets you seamlessly stream ultra HD 4k videos. The Ethernet ports of two gigabit lets you have separate networks at home through one modem. Every family member gets to have his or her own channel of connection.
The compatibility is the best part of the product because it works for both 3.1 and 3.0 technology. IPv6 and IPv4 browsing is also made possible by it. The compact size of it is another plus point, even though the size does not affect its performance in any way.
However, it tends to overheat on prolonged use, which affects the speed of uploading and downloading. The connection might also drop due to overheating.
Pros
- The compatibility of working with both 3.1 and 3.0 technology
- An affordable product that is loaded with many good features
- Ethernet ports of two gigabit to have separate networks at home
- The modem is super-easy to set up
Cons
- Gets too hot when running for a long time, which affects throttle speed
- Poor customer service offered by the brand
2. Best For Compatibility: Motorola DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
When it comes to optimizing and improving the speed offered by your operator, Motorola DOCSIS 3.1 Modem is the one you rely on. It offers lightning fast speeds for your cable internet. Whether you are an avid gamer or someone who frequently streams 4K HD videos, the speed would be sufficient to meet your requirements.
If it is a Wi-Fi router or an Ethernet-supported PC, Motorola will be compatible with it.
It can be a mesh router or the Wi-Fi for the entire house, all you need to do is connect this product and get going. There is no in-built wireless router or the feature of making phone calls with it, but even then, the compatibility you get is top-notch.
You can assuredly use it with CableOne, Cox, Xfinity X1, and Comcast Xfinity for any speed. So, basically buying this modem saves you money in the long run. Even Cox Gigabit and Comcast Gigabit are compatible with this one.
Pros
- The compatibility with a wide range of options from CableOne, Cox, to Comcast Xfinity , and more
- Sophisticated and compact design that ensures portability
- Effective integration with the feature of Active Queue Management
- The two years warranty on the product
- Cheaper than the other products mentioned on this list
Cons
- The connection tends to drop at times
3. Best Docsis 3.1 Modem for Comcast (Xfinity): Netgear CM1150V (Certified for Xfinity)
This modem was mainly aimed at tech-novices and newbies in this matter, and going by its performance, it has effectively managed to reach that aim. So, if you are looking for a modem to set up for your parents or grandparents, this is one to purchase.
However, even the advanced users can go for this one because they will be able to access the customization options. It is one of the easiest modems to set up as it comes with one of the smoothest technologies you can think of. You can pretty much install it, and forget about it because it’s that low maintenance!
It offers great gigabit speeds and commendable voice quality thanks to Xfinity. It also comes with phone-line ports for helping you use voice services as provided by Comcast. Want to connect to the internet quickly? This is the modem you should go for. In terms of compatibility, it goes well with both 3.0 and 3.1 technologies.
Pros
- With a hexagonal design, the look of the modem is really attractive
- The ability to support over twelve connections equally seamlessly
- Native mesh and MU-MIMO support on offer
- The compatibility of working with both 3.1 and 3.0 technology
- One year of warranty and three months of technical assistance
Cons
- Overheating leading to throttle in the speed of downloads and uploads
4. Netgear C7800
This was one of the first products that were launched in the market at the time when Docsis 3.1 chipset of Broadcom was introduced. To be honest, it does not come with all the top-notch features that the later products of the brand have, but it is still a good product to meet all your needs of connectivity and speed.
The speed offered by the modem is pretty commendable, and the brand claims that it can give tough competition to the speed provided by an optical fiber network. Playing VR games or streaming HD videos on multiple devices becomes super easy with the high-speed connection offered by this modem.
You will get a speed of around 3.2 GBPS, which makes it more than ten times faster compared to Docsis 3.0. The powerful 1.5 GHz processor comes with dual cores, which boosts both the wireless and wired connections. Being an all-in-one device, it can be used both as a Wi-Fi router and a cable modem.
Pros
- An all-in-one device to be used both as a Wi-Fi router and a cable modem
- The speed offered by the modem is pretty commendable at 3.2 GBPS
- Powerful 1.5 GHz processor with dual cores for both the wireless and wired connections
- Works well as a backup and comes with USB support
- Parental controls and other important security features
Cons
- Some users complained of connectivity issues
5. Netgear CM1000
When it comes to a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem, this one comes with high recommendations because its channel bonding ability is twice that of the other modems in the market. The brand has the distinction of being one of the first in the market to introduce this technology, and it has kept up its reputation till today.
Netgear CM1000 is actually one of the best products that the brand has come up with. The upload speed of around 304 MB/second and the download speed of 1.2 GB/second are commendable.
So, if you have the 8×4 modem right now, this can bring a big change in the streaming and browsing speeds you will get.
Take a look at the back panel of it, and you will notice it has a nice, user-oriented design. So, there is the power switch, input socket, reset button, coaxial connection, and internet connection, and that’s it. Right at the front, there are five LEDs and an aluminum strip. Overall, the device looks really modern, and works equally well.
Pros
- User-oriented design both at the back panel and in the front
- Supports all the speed tiers of a cable internet
- Upload speed of 304 MB/second and the download speed of 1.2 GB/second
- Compatibility with almost all the major cable providers
Cons
- The presence of no telephone ports
- Overheating of the device on prolonged usage
6. Netgear CM1200
It will not be an exaggeration to call Netgear CM1200 the future of 3.1 technologies because of the superb connectivity and lightning fast speed that it offers. If you have two gigabit Ethernet ports and link aggregation, then the modem can offer a transfer speed of 2 GB/second. In fact, very few models in the market actually come with the feature of link aggregation.
It has compatibility with almost all the major cable providers, which earns it further points for compatibility and super-fast speeds. In fact, you will get ten times faster internet with this modem. It goes well with both 3.0 and 3.1 technologies, so it has backward compatibility, as well.
With eight upload and 32 download channels, this modem lets you seamlessly stream ultra HD 4k videos. Even different IP addresses from one service provider are supported by this device. Finally, it also supports all the Wi-Fi routers.
Pros
- The unique feature of link aggregation
- It goes well with both 3.0 and 3.1 technologies
- Eight upload and 32 download channels
- It can offer a transfer speed of 2 GB/second
Cons
- The customer service of the brand is not up to the mark
- There might be a couple of quality control problems
Benefits of Investing in a Quality DOCSIS 3.1 Modem
There are more than one reasons as to why you should invest in a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem. Given below are the three benefits of Investing in a Quality DOCSIS 3.1 Modem.
Stability of the connection
The most important thing is that the coax cables offer more stability in the connection compared to fiber cables. You get to enjoy high speed internet without any interruptions. Thus, those downloads and uploads will not take forever, and constant buffering will not bother you. You will get to have the work completed within time thanks to the stable connection.
The speed
Having a super-fast connection is possible when you have a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem. Those lags that make it difficult to get any work done will become a thing of the past with the right product. This is a major advantage for the ones who are heavily into live streaming or online gaming. Playing VR games or streaming HD videos on multiple devices becomes super easy with the high-speed connection offered by this modem.
The security
A DOCSIS 3.1 modem offers a secured connection, and that is one of the major demands in the present times. You can stay at ease because with a good modem, any sensitive and valuable information will stay protected. Most of the products also come with the parental control feature, so, you can be assured that your kids are not getting access to something that they shouldn’t watch.
FAQs
Should I go for a DOCSIS 3.0 or a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem?
3.1 And 3.0 are version numbers, and the main difference is that of the number of channels running simultaneously and the speed of the connection. You decision depends on the speed offered by your internet service provider. The speed of over a gigabit is suitable for a DOCSIS 3.1 Modem.
How does DOCSIS 3.1 Modem affect the speed?
Download and upload can both be faster, and in fact, even graphics displays have better resolutions, when DOCSIS 3.1 Modem is used. Cable internet is widely available now, and so, DOCSIS 3.1 Modem can offer super-fast internet speed to your house.
Do I need to buy a router too?
A modem is needed for the internet to run properly, and a router is needed for a Wi-Fi connection. Internet providers usually offer all-in-one routers and modems, but it’s not like you will have to rely on that only. You can choose to have your own router and modem separately, or as a unit. It will cost less than renting.
Conclusion
With modern technology improving and progressing at a breakneck speed, keeping up with that would need you to have a stable internet connection. A good DOCSIS 3.1 modem can ensure exactly that for you. Hopefully, you now have all the information you need to choose the right modem for your requirements.