Basic explanation of DOCSIS

So you have a broadband connection at home/work and are wondering how it all works. Well I hope to explain to you how it works on a low-tech level so you will have a better understanding of how your connection works. Broadband services from cable companies or Multiple Service Operators (MSOs) are normally provided via cable modems and 90% of the cable modems are using DOCSIS (Data over Cable Service Interface Specification). So lets now look at what DOCSIS is and what is means. DOCSIS defines interface requirements for cable modems involved in high-speed data distribution over cable television system networks (definition from cablelabs.com). With DOCSIS comes the different versions (1.0, 1.1, 2.0, & soon 3.0) and the limits for each version. We are not too worried with the versions and limits between the versions as consumers since we just want speed and security. But the important thing about DOCSIS is that its a standard that protects the consumer and vendors by forcing interoperability and keep the cost of equipment down. If the modems where proprietary then the consumers would have to pay a very high price for the modem or would be force to lease them from the MSOs. Most MSOs will allow you to use just about any cable modem that is DOCSIS certified. Now not all MSOs will do this since they have to support all the modems on the plant with firmware upgrades and other issue with support but most of your well known modems should be supported.

Now for the CMTS & Node

Cable modems communicate with a device called a cable modem termination system (CMTS). The CMTS is a router that talks to all the cable modems and routes there traffic to the internet or the MOSs backbone. There are a few different vendors in the CMTS market but the most recognized is Cisco Systems. Cable modes are typically grouped into regional nodes. A node is most likely your subdivision but could but a smaller or lager area the MSO uses to support all you services. The node is a fiber to RF converter which allows the MOS to send services to you area via fiber up to the point of you local service area and them the services are sent over coax. The size of the node and number of modem customers in that node can make some difference in the speeds of you modem. With cable modems the node is you local access point and the more users the less bandwidth available for all. Most MSOs over subscribe nodes but try to make sure there is always 50% available bandwidth at peak hours. What this means is that if you are in a heavily loaded node and everyone is downloading files you service can slow some. With how competitive the ISP business is most MSOs will try to not over subscribe nodes to much with out adding more nodes or splitting then.

Security on the Network

Other things to watch out for is the security of the node. Make sure other subscribers in your node are not able to see you computer and its traffic. This security issue is normally handled by encryption on the modems traffic to the CMTS. Most ISPs use BPI+ encryption to protect you traffic but you should always use a hardware firewall/router off of any broadband connection. To test the security of the node you can open your windows network places and look to see if any unknown shares are listed. If there is no encryption in the node and youre on the same subnet you might be able to see other users network shares. This is bad if you have pictures or other sensitive data you do not want others to see. Other things to know are that most MSOs will block ports to your computer network. This is for both there business goals and your protection. MSOs typically block NetBIOS, SMTP, port 80, and a lot of other virus ports (business accounts may not have port filters). The port blocking is done mostly to protect the customers from viruses and worms that travel quickly over broadband connections.

Signal Levels and Splitters

Lets now look at the signal level needed to keep your cable modem online and surfing. Most cable modems have a signal range that they need to communicate to the CMTS. The signal levels can differ from vendor to vendor but as a rule of thumb most modems work well from RX -10dbv to +10dbv and TX 40dbv to 56dbv. A lot of modem vendors provide an informational webpage or diagnostic page you can connect too on the modem to see the messages from the modem and its levels. The diagnostic pages IP is different from modem to modem but if you lookup your vendors modem specifications you will be able to see if you modem has this diagnostic page available. Other things to keep in mind is that your cable modem should be on its own coax line from the cable audit box outside or from the main feed you get from the MSO. Its not a good idea to have your modem on a coax line with a lot of splitters due to each splitter has at least 3.5dbv or loss. And if you have to use a splitter make sure you read the throughput ratings on the splitter it should be at least 5-1000 MHz pass though. I hope this basic look at cable modems has helped you better understand how it al works and if you would like to find out more information about DOCSIS, CMTSs, or cable modems try to use Google.