CableLabs Qualifies DOCSIS 3.0
CableLabs has awarded qualification status for DOCSIS 3.0. DOCSIS 3.0 specifications enable downstream data rates of 160 Mbps or higher and upstream data rates of 120 Mbps or higher. Casa Systems received “silver” qualification while Arris and Cisco received “bronze” qualification for their cable CMTS headend gear. The announcement comes at the conclusion of the recent test wave in which the first products built based on the DOCSIS 3.0 specifications were formally evaluated. DOCSIS 3.0 describes a methodology for channel bonding in both the upstream and downstream directions. A minimum of four channels, each with throughput of 40 Mbps, is specified. DOCSIS 3.0 also incorporates support for the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). IPv6 expands the number of Internet addresses that cable operators may use, allowing them to provide consumers with more IP-based services. DOCSIS 3.0 is also backward compatible with all existing DOCSIS products.