CableLabs has released the DOCSIS 4.0 specification, which incorporates both full duplex and extended spectrum capabilities. A part of the suite of technologies that support the 10G platform, DOCSIS 4.0 is intended to support downstream speeds of up to 10 Gbps and upstream speeds of up to 6 Gbps to enable cable operators to deliver symmetrical multigigabit services.
Specification development started in August 2016. The full duplex capabilities were described in October 2017, and the extended spectrum capabilities were completed in September 2019.
Delivery of the specification is the first step of a three-part DOCSIS lifecycle. The second step includes interoperability events, and the final step is certification.
DOCSIS 4.0 is intended to support the four pillars of the cable industry's 10G platform initiative:
- Multigigabit symmetrical speeds
- Lower latency
- Increased security
- Higher reliability based on proactively identifying and addressing network issues before consumers are aware of them
