ISP says they are pushing DOCSIS 3.1, Modem Says Differently, Arris Agrees with ISP.

why does it need to be “docsis 3.1”? 

Is it getting the speeds you pay for? 

many isp’s (the tier 1 techs won’t know) still use the docsis 3.0 connections for lower tiers or to hit diffent speeds. 

are you not getting your speeds? 

Having issues?

I want to be on DOCSIS 3.1 because it provides better performance, lower latency, and improved stability, even if my speeds seem fine (¾ of what I pay for). My issue isn’t just about hitting my plan’s speeds—it’s that my modem’s status indicators don’t match what my ISP claims.

According to both the manufacturer and my ISP, my service should be running on DOCSIS 3.1, yet my modem’s LED status and interface screen suggest it’s still on 3.0. I’ve already gone through all the basic troubleshooting steps—checking connections, using proper cables, restarting the modem, and verifying settings—yet the inconsistency remains.

I’m trying to figure out if my ISP hasn’t fully provisioned my modem for DOCSIS 3.1 or if something else is preventing the switch. Has anyone dealt with this before, and how did you get your ISP/Arris to acknowledge and resolve it?

A couple things. 

1. 3.0 to 3.1 didn’t change latency unless you in one of the xfinity LLD (low latency docsis) trial areas. 
2. your power levels are all over the place. They should be within 3.5dbmv of each other. Yours is from -1 to 11 dbmv. Way out of spec. And thats not even seeing your logs. 
3. 3.1 added ofdma channels which are the higher speeds/spec channels. the screensnips you took aren’t of the ofdma chanels. So it doesn’t help a whole lot other than tell me that your line has issues and you’re not aware of what 3.1 is other than a value that you want. 

1. I understand that transitioning from DOCSIS 3.0 to 3.1 does not necessarily reduce latency unless you are located in a low-latency trial area.

2. The power levels ranging from -1 to 11 dBmV are quite wide. What practical measures can I take within an apartment complex to enhance my internet connection?

3. I am aware that OFDMA channels are a crucial component of 3.1. The screenshots I shared only provide basic downstream statistics, not the OFDMA-specific details (check bottom of first photo).

Look, I’m relatively new to this, and it’s my first time owning an ISP account, third-party network devices, and so on.

I pay for 1000 Mbps, but I don’t have that many devices, so I should theoretically get as close to those speeds as possible. However, the fastest speed test results (Ookla, Fast.com, Cloudflare) have only reached just over 500 Mbps. 

I hope you can understand my frustration. 

1. you should reach 940mbps with that device. But thats directly through the modem. Some routers will decrease throughput depending on what data inspection (traffic monitoring, parental controls, etc) they’re doing. Test your speed directly off the modem. 
2. Your power values are way out of spec. About all you can do from an end-user is remove everything from the coax and directly connect the modem to where the coax comes into the apartment. If you’re still getting those values, your ISP needs to check the line and connection before your apartment. 

Figured as much. Thanks. 

​@CASEYLP Go to the Product Information page on the SB8200, Standard Specification Complaint will tell you if the modem is in D3.1 mode.  I got the screenshot from their serial number lookup FAQ.  I recall seeing 3.1 on my modem when I had Xfinity service.

https://arris.my.salesforce-sites.com/consumers/articles/General_FAQs/SB8200-Locating-the-Serial-Number