CommScope has claimed a record in downstream speeds using a DOCSIS 4.0 network.

August saw CommScope verify its distributed access architecture (DAA) at a testing event in Colorado, with the network infrastructure provider claiming to have reached downstream speeds of 16.25 Gb/s in the trial.

The speeds were reportedly achieved across two load-balanced DOCSIS 4.0 modems from multiple vendors with different chipsets, using a 258–1794 MHz downstream and 10–204 MHz upstream radio frequency (RF) plant configuration powered by CommScope’s virtual converged cable access platform.

The setup is also reported to have delivered consistent performance with customer-premises equipment (CPE) from various vendors and across different chipsets.

With these results, CommScope indicated that a DOCSIS 4.0 network could potentially rival Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) speeds without the need for new infrastructure.

“By extending DOCSIS 4.0 speeds beyond their previously accepted limits, we’ve laid the groundwork for our customers to extract maximum performance and value from their network assets,” said Guy Sucharczuk, SVP & president for access network solutions at CommScope.

DOCSIS versus FTTH

Standing for data over cable service interface specification, DOCSIS is an international telecommunications standard that allows high-speed data transfer over existing cable TV systems.

As an upgrade to existing hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks using RF signals and shared architecture, it differs from the pure fiber solution of FTTH.

Using light signals to offer higher performance and future scalability, FTTH demands new infrastructure for actualization, where DOCSIS doesn't.

Traditionally DOCSIS supports up to 10–10.8 Gb/s downstream and a theoretical 6 Gb/s upstream. This is in contrast to the 10–100 Gb/s downstream and upstream inherent to FTTH.

There is also a possible differentiator in environmental impact, with a Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) study claiming FTTH reduces carbon footprint by 96% when compared to DOCSIS 4.0 HFC cable broadband.

CommScope in 2025

The DOCSIS claim comes after CommScope sold its connectivity and cable solutions (CCS) segment to Amphenol for $10.5 billion in July.

The deal, which is expected to close within the first half of 2026, followed the sale of CommScope’s mobile networks business to Amphenol for $2.1 billion in mid-2024.

CommScope CEO Chuck Treadway said the company would focus on its access network solutions (ANS) and its Ruckus enterprise networking division following the divestments.