Albert Einstein said, “the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” It’s true about physics – it’s also true about how the internet works. But unlike the mysteries of the universe, the internet is a finite network. The tools that make it run, while exceedingly complex and ever-changing, are well understood. That’s why we’re making an effort to simplify and answer some of the more common questions about how the internet works.
Few people know it, but the technology that runs cable's internet networks is called DOCSIS. It stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. DOCSIS technology has been the “secret sauce” to cable internet since 1997 when its first iteration, DOCSIS 1.0, was developed by CableLabs and launched by cable providers across the country.
Most homes now use DOCSIS 3.0 which offers incredibly reliable, fast, low-latency internet access to over 90 percent of homes in America. And while it works well for today’s needs, the future of online experiences – from telehealth to virtual reality and the burgeoning internet of things – demand more. That is why CableLabs and internet providers are launching the latest DOCSIS iteration, DOCSIS 3.1. Deployment has already begun and with it will come the ability to deliver super-fast multi-gigabit internet connections to homes across the country.
For many, knowing that DOCSIS 3.1 is coming and that it will offer wildly fast internet is enough. No need to dig deeper. But for those who want to know the ingredients in the secret sauce, we’ve developed an interactive graphic of DOCSIS 3.1 showing how it more efficiently handles data, and how it’s going to deliver some of the fastest residential internet on earth. You can check it out here: https://www.ncta.com/gigabit#DOCSIS The interactive graphic explains a technology that almost everyone uses every single day, but few understand. We encourage you to explore it and, if you have questions, to please let us know on Twitter at @NCTAitv.