Your modem is a crucial part of your WiFi network, since it is how you get an Internet connection. So, what happens when it starts acting up?
How do you know if or when you should replace your cable modem? As a general rule, you should replace your cable modem every 2-4 years if possible. While modems can last many years, they become more and more outdated as technology (quickly) advances. Here are things to look for if you are unsure.
Should I upgrade or just troubleshoot my modem?
If you are unsure if it’s time to upgrade your cable modem, or if it’s simply some troubleshooting you need, look for these signs:
- Troubles connecting to the Internet
- Internet connection randomly dropping out
- Having to reset or restart your modem
- Video streaming or gaming lags often
- Internet speeds are inconsistent
- The indicator light is unlit
- The modem runs hot to the touch
- If your modem is over 5 years old, it’s likely time to upgrade.
Replacing DOCSIS 3.0
Other things that could encourage an upgrade to DOCSIS 3.1 are if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers faster Gigabit speed tiers for higher speed Internet plans. This is something you can take advantage of to increase your home network performance. But you will need a cable modem or cable modem router with recent technology to support these Gigabit speeds, unlike DOCSIS 3.0 which is 15-year-old technology!!
Does a DOCSIS 3.0 Modem support Gigabit?
DOCSIS 3.0 technology was released in 2006, over 15 years ago. DOCSIS 3.0, as a technology standard, was developed to support downstream speeds up to 1 Gbps but that is its speed limit. DOCSIS 3.0 was replaced by DOCSIS 3.1 in 2013, which offers significantly faster speed capabilities and technology enhancements that continue to keep us up-to-date with the latest online entertainment experiences and security protection.
Is DOCSIS 3.1 required for Gigabit speeds?
Yes. DOCSIS 3.1 technology enables us to take full advantage of multi-Gigabit speeds available from your cable ISP, today and tomorrow. A DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem future-proofs your Internet connection to handle the fastest speeds available from your Cable Internet provider today and their fastest speeds tomorrow, so you won’t have to upgrade your modem anytime soon.
A DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, like Hitron’s CODA DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, can achieve speeds up to 6 Gbps. DOCSIS 3.1 unlocks a wide variety of online experiences because of its ability to deliver faster download and upload speeds. Streaming 4K video, video conferencing and multi-player online gaming becomes lag-free and buffer-free for you to enjoy every day.
With a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, you will experience 50% more data capacity and greatly reduces latency, meaning you can connect more devices simultaneously to your Internet connection, and still enjoy ultra-highspeed and high definition digital experiences.
Choosing your Modem
Not all modems are the same. When you need to replace your modem, avoid older technology and choose one that can handle your Internet connectivity needs. Look for these key features in your new cable modem.
Hitron’s CODA DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem can replace your outdated modem, regardless of the version of DOCSIS that you are upgrading from. It handles speeds up to 6 Gbps, which means you are future-proofing your Internet connection because a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem can deliver the fastest speeds available, today and tomorrow, from your ISP.
You can purchase Hitron’s CODA DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem on Amazon today. If you feel that you need more information about cable modems, cable routers, or other home networking solutions, you can check out our other articles under our Learn Cable Modems and Routers page.
