Comcast has started field trials for low latency DOCSIS (LLD) to demonstrate its applications for Xfinity Internet and mobile customers. The company is collaborating with Valve, NVIDIA, and Apple to improve online gaming, cloud gaming, and video conferencing with the new technology.
Comcast has been working on several parallel technologies as part of its 10 Network to improve the internet experience for gamers and consumers in general. From LLD and DOCSIS 4.0 to AI and WiFi 6E, here’s how Xfinity internet is now even better for gaming.
Comcast’s Low Latency DOCSIS
What Causes High Latency?
Latency in internet connections is unavoidable. The speed at which data packets can travel is fundamentally limited. A certain amount of latency is expected depending on the distance between you and the server you’re connected to.
However, many other avoidable factors contribute to latency. For instance, when data packets get dropped in weak connections, they have to be resent, which spikes latency. This is why gamers prefer connecting to the internet via Ethernet and not WiFi.
One factor that’s out of the subscriber’s control is network congestion. When a network has reached its capacity, some data packets may have to wait before they can be transmitted. This is why you may experience higher latency during peak usage times.
How LLD Improves Latency
Low latency DOCSIS is a new 10G technology from CableLabs that’s based on the Low Latency Low Loss Scalable Throughput (L4S) from Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). It works by marking certain data packets as “latency-sensitive” and then allowing those data packets to be transmitted on priority.
This way, data for video conferencing and online gaming doesn’t have to wait as much as other traffic. The latency is as low as possible for traffic that can benefit the most from low latency. LLD improves latency for “latency-sensitive” traffic while minimally impacting the rest of the traffic.
Latency has been arguably the biggest challenge in cloud gaming. LLD will be used in GeForce Now, NVIDIA’S cloud gaming service, to give gamers a more responsive experience. Apple will also use it to improve video conferencing quality for Apple devices.
The DOCSIS 4.0 Rollout
Why Are Cable Upload Speeds Low?
Most tasks don’t require much bandwidth for upstream data, which is why specifications for cable networks so far have only assigned a limited number of channels for upstream data while maximizing downstream capacity.
However, there’s been an increasing demand for higher upload speeds in the gaming community as more gamers live-stream their content. High upload speeds are necessary for high-resolution, lag-free live streaming. Fiber already offers upload speeds as high as download speeds, but upload speeds with cable internet are currently only a fraction of the download speeds.
How DOCSIS 4.0 Will Improve Upload Speeds
DOCSIS 4.0 is the latest set of specifications from CableLabs for coaxial networks. It has a maximum upstream capacity of 6 Gbps and a maximum downstream capacity of 10 Gbps. DOCSIS 4.0 is a future technology that won’t be fully implemented till 2025, but Comcast plans to bring higher upload speeds for Xfinity internet customers as early as the second half of 2023.
Comcast is implementing DOCSIS 4.0 in its virtual cable modem termination systems (vCMTS) at its headends. Once the implementation is complete, Xfinity will offer symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds to existing Xfinity internet customers in certain markets.
DOCSIS 4.0 modems aren’t coming to the consumer market anytime soon. But Xfinity will use vCMTS based on DOCSIS 4.0 to deliver higher upload speeds to customers with DOCSIS 3.1 modems. DOCSIS 3.1 can allow maximum upload speeds of 2 Gbps. The latest xFi Advanced Gateways have DOCSIS 3.1.
Improving Reliability with AI
What Causes Network Downtime?
Cable networks are complex. Any issues at any point in the network can temporarily lower speeds or lead to downtime for a large number of subscribers. These issues are often difficult for internet service providers to detect and they’re often only able to fix them after the complaints start coming in.
How AI and ML are Improving Reliability
Comcast is using AI and ML to analyze its network in real time and provide live insight into the network. Comcast says AI and ML algorithms can help it detect and fix problems before subscribers even notice them. This can significantly improve the internet experience for gamers and Xfinity internet customers in general.
The New xFi Gateway
Why Does WiFi Increase Latency?
Wireless internet access has revolutionized the world. WiFi is convenient and increasingly fast, which is why almost all smart devices are connected to the internet wirelessly. However, gamers still prefer hardwiring their PCs and consoles via Ethernet cable.
WiFi signals are prone to interference from other nearby radio transmitters. Their range is limited, and they have a higher error rate than wired connections. All of these factors can increase latency—and since low latency is critical in competitive online gaming, gamers are unwilling to sacrifice it for convenience.
How WiFi 6E Improves Gaming
WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E use a new technology called Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) that divides available channels into multiple subcarriers. This allows a larger number of devices to stay connected to the router at the same time and receive data constantly without having to wait for channels to get unoccupied. WiFi 6 can have up to 75% lower latency compared to WiFi 5.
The latest xFi Gateway has WiFi 6E, which is a notch above WiFi 6. WiFi 6E features a 6GHz band in addition to the existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This band has an even higher bandwidth than the 5 GHz band, allowing for even faster data rates.
The 10G Network
The Problem with Fiber
Fiber is a relatively new technology being used to provide internet to residential customers. All internet service providers use fiber at some point in their network, but some use fiber all the way to the home. As of now, this kind of fiber internet connection is more of a marketing gimmick than a superior service for an average consumer.
Fiber is not available in many areas, and it’s expensive to install and maintain. Now that Xfinity is bringing symmetrical multi-gig speeds to cable, fiber is running out of selling points.
How 10G is Making the Internet Faster While Keeping it Affordable
10G is a group of technology that are improving the cable networks already installed throughout the US. The network will continue to get faster and more reliable for gamers as Xfinity implements the technologies discussed here and adds new improvements to the mix.
The 10G network doesn’t require any cable deployment or new equipment, which makes it considerably cheaper than fiber internet. Comcast’s vCMTS technology has further reduced the cost of running and upgrading headend equipment, making Xfinity’s internet more affordable today than ever before.
Xfinity Internet Plans for Gaming
Xfinity internet prices may vary by region. Some states also have data caps on some plans. Some plans have term contracts but you can get the plan contract-free as well. For location-specific plans that suit your unique needs, reach out to Xfinity customer service.
Xfinity Connect
This is Xfinity’s most affordable internet plan that includes all the benefits of the 10G Network, including 99.9% network reliability and consistent speed. It costs $30 per month with 75 Mbps top download speed and 10 Mbps top upload speed. The promotional price is valid for 12 months.
Xfinity Connect More
Connect More is perfect for those who want affordability and value at the same time. It costs $25 per month for max speeds of 200 Mbps up and 10 Mbps down. It also includes WiFi equipment at no additional cost. The promotion lasts for 24 months.
Xfinity Fast
Xfinity Fast currently has a limited-time offer that includes an Xfinity Unlimited Intro mobile line for free for 24 months in select markets. It costs $50 a month with a 24-month price lock for 400 Mbps top download speed and 10 Mbps top upload speed. WiFi equipment is also included.
Xfinity Superfast
Xfinity Superfast Internet costs $65 a month for a maximum download speed of 800 Mbps and a maximum upload speed of 20 Mbps. The price is locked for 24 months and there is a 2-year optional term contract. WiFi equipment comes free with this plan.
Xfinity Gigabit
The Gigabit plan has a max download speed of 1 Gbps and a max upload speed of 20 Mbps for $75 a month. This plan also has a 24-month price lock and a 2-year term contract. WiFi equipment is included for free.
Xfinity Gigabit Extra
Gigabit Extra costs $80 a month for max speeds of 1200 Mbps up and 35 Mbps down. There’s a 24-month price lock and a 2-year term contract, and WiFi equipment is included. Faster plans are also available in some areas.
Conclusion
Xfinity Internet is getting faster and more reliable for gamers as Comcast develops and implements its industry-leading technologies. The latency and upload speeds are most notably going to improve shortly.
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