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Comcast Cable
DOCSIS Cable Modem Process and Requirements
28 March 2014
DOCSIS Certification Process and Requirements
Comcast Confidential Page 1
1 Getting Started
In order to enter into the certification process for any DOCSIS device a device maker must at least have already entered into the Cable Labs DOCSIS testing process (completion can be done in parallel). A device maker should be prepared to send a number of devices to various Comcast teams before the start of a certification wave, so that lab and field testing can be performed.
Currently we are featuring three types of certification a vendor can obtain as follows:
One Star: A One Star designation indicates that the device has undergone DOCSIS testing by Comcast and has received the relevant Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and CableLabs certifications. Comcast's DOCSIS certification supplements CableLabs testing by adding things like performance and interoperability tests. This helps to ensure that, for example, a given device can support a given service tier's speed.
Two Star: A Two Star designation indicates that the device has undergone all of the One Star tests as well as a basic Physical and Environmental (P&E) evaluation. Such basic P&E testing indicates basic manufacturer self-certification of a subset of P&E tests. That basic P&E evaluation is intended to address a number of important performance and safety issues, which tests from UL, the FCC, and CableLabs do not address. Some of the things P&E tests check for include areas such as device performance and safety during overheating, power interruptions (including brown outs), radio frequency (RF) interference, electrostatic discharge, electrical surges, and network impairments.
Three Star: A Three Star designation indicates that the device has undergone all of the Two Star and One Star tests as well as a full Physical and Environmental (P&E) evaluation. Such full P&E testing indicates that all P&E tests were performed and that these tests were overseen in person. This is the highest and most thorough level of testing available.
2 Fees
A statement of work covering certification activities will be provided to each device maker. The process of DOCSIS certifying new retail-only devices (which Comcast does not plan to purchase) costs $25,000. If a device maker wishes to undergo Three-Star testing, which includes P&E testing, the device maker will reimburse Comcast for the costs for overseas travel required of Comcast personnel (domestic travel is at Comcast’s cost). Payment of the DOCSIS certification fee is no guarantee that a device will be approved by Comcast; it must pass the applicable technical requirements.
3 Certification Timing
Certification waves generally begin twice each month.
4 Beginning the Process
To enter the certification process, please contact Comcast as far in advance of when you wish to begin testing as possible. Please contact Joe Carfagno by email at [email protected].
DOCSIS Certification Process and Requirements
Comcast Confidential Page 2
5 Test Requirements
Comcast’s detailed test requirements are shared under Non-Disclosure Agreement. However, below is a summary of these requirements.
For DOCSIS 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0: Comcast will NOT accept any new DOCSIS 1.0, DOCSIS 1.1, or DOCSIS 2.0 modems for certification.
For DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1: Comcast WILL accept new DOCSIS 3.0 or DOSCIS 3.1 modems for certification.
IPv6: Comcast will NOT accept new DOCSIS modems for certification unless they support IPv6.
Physical Design requirements cover things like the fact that a LAN port may be required, in order for a customer to connect their computer to the device, that the device is UL-approved, etc.
Functional Test requirements cover things such as how long it takes for a device to register on the network, that it supports MDD Override, supports DHCP for obtaining a network address, can be managed via SNMP, has diagnostic capabilities to enable troubleshooting, that device software can be upgraded, that DOCSIS security features are supported, that the device can support the speeds offered on the Comcast network, that DOCSIS 3.0 devices can perform channel bonding, that devices interoperate with the Comcast network and systems, etc.
Performance Testing covers things that enable Comcast to ensure that a device is capable of supporting the speeds associated with particular service tiers, so that our MyDeviceInfo website can accurately reflect which tiers the device can support, etc.
