Latest news with #cableinternet
CBS News
10 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
Baltimore man raises concerns after BGE leaves debris in his yard after repair work
Baltimore man raises concerns after BGE failed to clean up tree debris after making repairs Baltimore man raises concerns after BGE failed to clean up tree debris after making repairs Baltimore man raises concerns after BGE failed to clean up tree debris after making repairs A Baltimore man said his backyard was turned into a mess after a visit from Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). James Conyer said BGE crews came out to cut down trees and help restore internet and cable to the neighborhood. However, they never picked up the trees. Desbis left behind after BGE work Conyer said this was not how he imagined the backyard of his new home as he dodged piles of branches, leaves and debris that he said were left behind by BGE. "It looks almost like a jungle, that's the best way I can describe it," said Conyer, a Baltimore City resident. Conyer said a week ago, BGE showed up unannounced at his home on Yale Avenue. They cut down tree branches that were interfering with cable and internet service to the neighborhood. Conyer said while the cable has since been restored, the mess still remains. "When I called BGE, someone told me that they'll be back to pick up the trash," Conyer said. "They said with the weather, it may not be until Friday. I waited until Friday, that's when I called them back. They said they're not going to pick up anything." BGE responds In a statement, BGE said, "We are still confirming that it was BGE who trimmed the tree limbs." The statement went on to say, "BGE cannot assist customers with the disposal of tree debris. The final disposition of this material will be the responsibility of the property and/or tree owner." Conyer said this is ridiculous. Frustrated, Conyer said the mess has disrupted his trash pickup and forced him to cancel weekend plans for a cookout with family and friends. "I'm 71 and I'm on a fixed income, I cannot afford to pay anyone to move this trash, and I shouldn't have to anyway because this is something that BGE caused," Conyer said. Conyer said he made several calls to BGE. Company representatives told him someone would be out on Wednesday to survey the mess.
CNET
7 days ago
- CNET
DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 vs. 4.0: What Are the Differences?
If you have cable internet, then you're using DOCSIS technology. DOCSIS, which stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, is a standard that defines how your modem relays cable internet signals going to and from your home. If you have cable internet, whether from Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity or one of many regional cable internet providers like Armstrong, you're using a DOCSIS-compliant modem. The DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem is ideal since it produces faster upload speeds. But while specifications for DOCSIS 4.0 have been released, DOCSIS 4.0 modems aren't yet widely available for retail purchase. So that means that if you're shopping for a new cable internet modem, you'll likely only have the choice of DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1. As the numbers suggest, the two modem versions are similar, but we recommend opting for DOCSIS 3.1 while you wait for a new 4.0 modem. Modern cable modems are compliant with DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1, with more and more internet service providers recommending DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Which Router Upgrade Is Right for You? Which Router Upgrade Is Right for You? Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 9:01 Loaded : 3.34% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 9:01 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Which Router Upgrade Is Right for You? DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 vs. 4.0: What are the differences? DOCSIS is the standard cable modems use to move data. Dong Ngo/CNET Despite the simple one-tenth difference in versions, DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 modems vary significantly in performance, pricing and availability. DOCSIS 4.0 would imply a bigger jump in performance, but the improvement largely has to do with upstream capacity. Here's a quick look at the advantages of each. DOCSIS 3.0 modem advantages Price : DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems are generally cheaper than their 3.1 counterparts. : DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems are generally cheaper than their 3.1 counterparts. Availability: You're likely to have more options, including used or refurbished devices, when shopping for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. DOCSIS 3.1 modem advantages Speed : DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems support faster speeds than DOCSIS 3.0 modems and are thus better suited for high-speed plans, especially those with gig speeds or higher. : DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems support faster speeds than DOCSIS 3.0 modems and are thus better suited for high-speed plans, especially those with gig speeds or higher. Security: DOCSIS 3.1 modems may offer better online security than 3.0 models, especially if you purchase a modem-router combo device. DOCSIS 4.0 modem advantages Upload speeds : DOCSIS 4.0 is designed to "significantly increase upstream capacity," according to CableLabs, the organization that sets and tests DOCSIS specifications. : DOCSIS 4.0 is designed to "significantly increase upstream capacity," according to CableLabs, the organization that sets and tests DOCSIS specifications. Future proof: DOCSIS 3.1 is the current standard, but 3.0 is still in use, nearly two decades after its introduction in 2006. It's safe to assume that 4.0 modems will be useful for many years to come. DOCSIS 3.0, 3.1 and 4.0 specifications Device Max download speed Max upload speed Price range Specification issued DOCSIS 3.0 1Gbps 100Mbps $50-$150 2006 DOCSIS 3.1 10Gbps 1Gbps $150-$250 2013 DOCSIS 4.0 10Gbps 6Gbps N/A 2019 Show more (0 item) Shop providers at my address The most significant difference between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 is that the latter can support download speeds 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0, up to 10Gbps. DOCSIS 4.0 also supports downloads up to 10Gbps but is capable of significantly faster uploads, up to 6Gbps. The symmetrical, or close, download and upload speed capacity brings cable internet closer to matching the speed potential of fiber-optic internet service. Locating local internet providers DOCSIS 4.0 could pave the way for faster cable plans with faster upload speeds Most cable providers already offer a gigabit plan with maximum speeds of around 940 or 1,000 megabits per second. Astound, Cox, Xfinity and select other cable providers offer download speeds above 1,000Mbps. With DOCSIS 4.0 technology, cable providers can offer even faster speeds using their current cable/fiber hybrid infrastructure. The DOCSIS 4.0 modem notably allows for much quicker upload speeds, which cable providers sorely lack. Upload speeds are more important than you think. Many US households are seeing a rising trend in upstream data or upload speeds. Certain activities, such as using smart home devices and uploading photos and videos to social media, utilize your upstream data. According to CableLabs, DOCSIS 4.0 allows for "an increase in upstream capacity and more options for operators to increase downstream capacities." Still, DOCSIS 3.1 is the current standard for high-speed cable internet If you choose speeds above 1 gig and rent your equipment, you'll receive a modem-router combo that comes with DOCSIS 3.1 built-in, so you don't have to worry about your modem's specifications. Otherwise, if you choose to use your own equipment, you'll want to spend a little extra for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem to take full advantage of the plan's speed potential. What if I don't need gig and multi-gigabit speeds? The speed potential of DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0 is impressive, but unless you've got a high-speed plan, that may not matter. Suppose your selected plan comes with speeds up to 200Mbps. If you rent from your provider, the modem included with your equipment may be a DOCSIS 3.0 model, which can support your internet connection just fine. If you use your own modem, you probably won't see much of a performance improvement, if any, by purchasing a DOCSIS 3.1 device over a DOCSIS 3.0 one. Considering the price difference and available options between the two, you'd be better off opting for DOCSIS 3.0 on lower-tiered internet plans. A standalone cable modem sits atop a much larger SURFboard eXtreme combo device. Dong Ngo/CNET DOCSIS 3.0 has more, cheaper options DOCSIS 3.0 is the cheaper option when shopping for a modem or modem-router combo. New DOCSIS 3.0 modems can cost between $50 and $150 depending on the device you choose and the source you buy from, but you may be able to score a used device for less than $50. On the other hand, DOCSIS 3.1 modems can easily cost $150 to $250 or higher. Manufacturers like Arris, Asus, Netgear and Motorola have made DOCSIS 3.0 modems for years. These manufacturers make DOCSIS 3.1 modems as well, but you'll likely have fewer options than you would if you were shopping for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Is DOCSIS 3.0 outdated? In terms of the latest technology shaping how we get online, yes, DOCSIS 3.0 is sorely outdated. With more and more ISPs rolling out multi-gig plans and the overall trend of heavier internet usage in recent years, according to Open Vault, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem will not support the faster speeds many internet users are turning to. If you don't have a need for speed, you'll most likely be fine with a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, especially if you're trying to save money by avoiding an upgrade. Still, nearly all ISPs support DOCSIS 3.1 and often recommend DOCSIS 3.1 to get the most out of your internet connection. DOCSIS 3.1 is more secure and better for long-term use Any major internet protocol update, like the transition from DOCSIS 3.0 to 3.1, will include improved security features. This typically comes with enhanced encryption, so a DOCSIS 3.1 modem will presumably be better equipped to secure your information. Additionally, the best router and modem combos equipped with DOCSIS 3.1 will also include WPA3, a more advanced router security feature than older modem routers that may come with DOCSIS 3.0 and WPA2. DOCSIS 3.0 was released in 2006, and DOCSIS 3.1 arrived in 2013, which is a long time in the tech world -- long enough for initial security measures to become outdated. Modem manufacturers and ISPs release regular security updates to keep your equipment safe. Still, I would recommend additional security software or a good VPN to help boost your online security, especially when using a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Considering the increase in home internet speeds and the need for up-to-date security, DOCSIS 3.1 is well on its way to fully replacing DOCSIS 3.0. It hasn't entirely done so, mainly because slower, cheaper cable internet plans can still get by with DOCSIS 3.0 technology. Coming to a home near you: DOCSIS 4.0 DOCSIS 4.0 technology is on the verge of improving cable internet service, but it's not here just yet. Since 2023, Xfinity is the only major cable internet provider to have begun rolling out DOCSIS 4.0 in the country, starting with select service areas in Atlanta, Georgia; Colorado Springs, Colorado and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, if you want to get ahead of the game and purchase a DOCSIS 4.0 modem, you're out of luck. There are currently no DOCSIS 4.0 modems available for retail purchase, at least none I could find from a trusted source. According to a press release from Comcast, Xfinity will continue deploying the 4.0 modem to new areas over the next few years. Bottom line: DOCSIS 3.1 will bring you faster speeds Since DOCSIS 4.0 modems aren't widely available yet, your choice of a new or used device will come down to 3.0 or 3.1 versions. If you sign up for faster speeds, especially those approaching or surpassing 1Gbps, or simply want a device you know you can use for years, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem is the way to go. If you're content with a low- or mid-tier cable internet plan, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem will likely meet all your needs and come at a lower price than a DOCSIS 3.1 device. But chances are you're also paying a premium for those faster speeds, so you might as well equip your home with a device to let you enjoy them. DOCSIS 3.0, 3.1, 4.0 Modem FAQs What does DOCSIS stand for? DOCSIS stands for data over cable service interface specifications. This telecommunications standard allows your modem to deliver internet from your cable provider to your home. There are three different versions of DOCSIS: 3.0, 3.1 and 4.0. Is DOCSIS 3.1 the best cable modem? Most cable modems comply with DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 technology since the 4.0 modems are not yet available for purchase throughout the country. That said, most cable internet users will likely have the option between 3.0 and 3.1. We recommend going with the 3.1 standard as it supports high-speed internet plans like gigabit and multi-gigabit tiers. Compared to the 3.0 standard, the 3.1 modem will offer better online security.
