rs might experience delays during peak usage periods. DOCSIS 3.0 is currently the fastest, most advanced cable modem standard. Bonding enables support for higher speeds of 173Mbps to 343Mbps downstream to homes, and 123Mbps upstream to the cable operator. Bonding is the process of combining adjacent channels into one large channel to support higher-speed services. For example, bonding four channels together that each comprise 38 1Mb channels creates a single 152Mb channel. In effect, bonding creates a bigger pipe that is shared by homes connected to the same node. Because of its support for Quality of Service (QoS), DOCSIS 3.0 can support applications such as voice and video, which are sensitive to delays. An upgrade to DOCSIS 3.0 requires a new DOCSIS 3.0-compatible cable modem at the subscriber location and at the CMTS. This makes it a costly endeavor. According to a January 30, 2010 article by Todd Spangler in Multichannel News, titled "Ahead of the Broadband Curve," cable operators in the United States offer DOCSIS 3.0 service to more than 52 million consumers. These customers can select options for higher speed and more costly Internet access. According to the article, competition from carriers that offer FTTP is one factor that's spurring implementation of these higher-speed offerings. It is intended to support video over broadband as well as high-speed services to business customers. Capacity on Coaxial Cable Signals on coaxial cable in cable TV networks are transmitted as electromag- netic waves (radio frequencies [RF]). Capacity on these coaxial cable systems and on TV channels is measured by the amount as a function of frequency. This amount is determined by the difference between the highest and lowest frequen- cies on the coaxial cabling. For example, a 6MHz channel might be within the 60MHz and 54MHz range (60 - 54 = 6). - Upgrading to gigahertz from megahertz networks adds capacity for additional video channels and higher-speed Internet access for subscribers. See Chapter 7, "Mobile and Wi-Fi Networ