CableLabs officially issued Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) 3.0 — a new set of specifications enabling downstream data rates of 160 Mbps or higher and upstream data rates of 120 Mbps or higher over cable networks.
To achieve these higher data rates DOCSIS 3.0 describes a methodology for channel bonding in both the upstream and downstream directions.
DOCSIS 3.0 also incorporates support for IPv6.
The specifications were made available for review and comment early this year to supplier companies that have signed non-disclosure agreements with CableLabs. The week of July 17th, 2006 CableLabs hosted a week long interoperability event to bring together suppliers that have been utilizing the specifications to develop DOCSIS 3.0 products.
The interoperability event involved the following companies representing cable modem termination system (CMTS) headend equipment, consumer premise cable modems and test equipment: ARRIS, BigBand Networks, Broadcom Corp., Casa Systems, Conexant Systems, Filtronic Signal Solutions, NETGEAR, Scientific Atlanta a Cisco company, Cisco Linksys, and Cisco Systems.
CableLabs described the first DOCSIS 3.0 interoperability event as a success. All companies’ downstream channel bonding products were able to interoperate with each other with data successfully being transferred over the bonded channels. In addition, limited IPv6 testing was successfully performed.
CableLabs will conduct a DOCSIS 3.0 certification/qualification program.
“This set of specifications will lead to cable modem products that greatly strengthen cable’s package of offerings to consumers, enabling delivery of services that may not even be imagined today,” said Tony Werner, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Liberty Global, Inc. “Needless to say, these specifications advance our competitive position in the IP space,” added Werner, who is chairman of the DOCSIS Business Team at CableLabs.
“IPv6 implementation is a critical tool for our industry as we seek both to expand our triple play offerings and to extend into new areas. It also will allow cable operators to effectively manage the proliferation of devices that are capturing consumer interest, including portable media players, cellular phones, gaming consoles, PDAs and others,” said David Fellows, Comcast Chief Technology Officer.
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