From the Cisco company Scientific Atlanta comes the DPC3000, a cable modem boasting compatibility with DOCSIS 3.0 and featuring the ability to drive four bonded data channels to the aggregate tune of over 160 Mb/sec downstream and up to 120 Mb/sec upstream. To realize this performance, Cable providers would need to offer the modem to their customers in combination with channel-bonded compatible head end gear (also available from Cisco); if the modem is used with standard (non-Channel-Bonded) CMTSs it automatically falls back to DOCSIS 2.0/1.1/1.0 compatibility mode.

The modem itself takes a typical desktop format that can be used horizontally or vertically, and includes front panel LED lights indicating the power, upstream activity, downstream activity, online, and link status. On the back, inputs are provided for power (12 VDC) and cable connections; while two-way USB (2.0) and Ethernet ports (10/100/1000) provide for the data transfers. The data ports are bridged, enabling them to be used simultaneously by multiple users. Up to 64 total users can make use of the device--one through the USB connection and the other 63 through Ethernet hubs (not included) that would need to be connected to the Ethernet port.

USB and Ethernet cables, a CD containing the user guide and USB drivers for Windows 2000/XP/Vista, and a power supply complete the package. The USB port is not available on all international flavors of the modem; see the vendor for details.

Primary management of the device is via a built-in Web-browser-based interface; while remote management via SNMP V1/V2/V3 is also possible. The modem's software can be downloaded and upgraded over the network, as well.

The modem is offered primarily to Cable Service Providers; to which Cisco additionally offers their uBR10012 CMTS and xDQA-24 edge QAMs, completing a DOCSIS 3.0 deployment.

The DPC3000 is expected to be available in the Spring of 2008. Contact Cisco Systems for further information.