asked on

Cable Modem Procurement Question

When purchasing a cable modem, I know that the Number 1 X Number 2 (i.e. 16x4) is the downstream and upstream channels that it is capable of handling.

However, is it possible to correlate those numbers to the speed package that we are receiving? I don't want to over or under buy a device for the current tier we are on, which is 200/20.

Also, what are the opinions on DOCSIS 3.0 vs. DOCSIS 3.1? Do we really need 3.1 to future proof ourselves?

SOLUTION

ste5an

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Brad McAfee

ASKER

Does anyone know how many channels (average/approximately) the ones supplied by the cable company (like a Charter or Comcast for example) such Arris or Touchstone have?

David Favor

@Brad, many times ISPs bake custom configs into Modems the provide to customers.

Before you buy a modem, be sure you have the option of installing/using your own modem, rather than the ISP provided modem.

You can do this easily by opening a customer support ticket + asking your question.

Your channel numbers question for a give ISP + also a given area (as technology will vary depending on date it was initially deployed) is also best answered by the specific ISP for a specific service address. Open an ISP support ticket for this answer too.

serialband

Comcast or Charter provides a list of approved DOSIS modems. You only need to buy one that's at least the DOCSIS level you've purchased.

https://www.buyacablemodem.com/charter.php
https://approvedmodemlist.com/comcast-xfinity-approved-modems/
https://www.spectrum.com/policies/docsis-modem-policy.html

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Owen Rubin

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial