So ultimately it seems there is no "switch" so to speak to make the modem work as DOCSIS 3.0 if 3.1 is available

The Motorola Ultra Fast DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem works well.

Even though DOCSIS 3.1 is not available, I figure I have that available in the future.

OH, and you may be wondering around Netgear's DOCSIS 3.1 offering - the third of three and the only one I left out of this review

This Docsis 3.1 modem was perfect for my Comcast/Xfinity internet service.

DOCSIS 3.1 is just not ready for Prime Time.

Motorola Ultra Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem, Model MB8600, plus 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0

My old DOCSIS 3.0 (SB61210 modem started to suffer in the last 3 years of large amounts of speed issues during what I would consider 'normal' activities, VPN, plus a bunch of browser tabs, background downloads/uploads (cloud) etc

I just replaced the old modem (Motorola Surfboard SBG6580) with this modem, the Motorola MB8600 (Ultra fast DOCSIS 3.1).

Of the three DOCSIS 3.1 modems 'approved' by Comcast, this one is the cheapest but has the most features (bonded Gigabit ports) to future-proof my modem as much as possible.

Review for Motorola Ultra Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem, Model MB8600, plus 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0, Certified by Comcast XFINITY and Cox CommunicationsI received this on Aug 23, 2017.

has not had a single problem, extremely fast and gigabit / DOCSIS 3.1 compatible

you need to ask you service provider if they support DOCSIS 3.1 in your area in order to get DOCSIS 3.1 speedsSECOND, if they do support DOCSIS 3.1, in order for them to activate it almost ALL providers will not activate it until you upgrade your speed to either 300mbs or 500mbs, increasing your monthly bill

so it was the cheapest DOCSIS 3.1 capable modem available on amazonfootnote:as of this review, i have only been running the hardware for a few hours, if things get wonky and they aren't provider issues, i'll update my comments to reflect any stability issues.

I have Comcast cable, and it appears Comcast supports the new DOCSIS 3.1 protocol, as the modem lights are indicating this

Since the Motorola Ultra Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem, Model MB8600 had the newer DOCSIS 3.1 standard, I checked, and it was compatible with Comcast/Xfinity

This one was priced lower than the other two DOCSIS 3.1 modems currently available.

To make a long story short, this Motorola Ultra Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Modem is working like a dream.

Well worth the money if your cable company has DOCSIS 3.1 in your area and you are paying for faster speeds

My personal intuition suggests this experiment may possibly end my quest for a stable DOCSIS 3.1 connection.

I upgraded to Cox Ultimate and wanted to future proof if Gigablast comes into my area - I noticed about a 10% speed increase over my still working surfboard DOCSIS 3.0 modem.

Motorola Ultra Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem, Model MB8600, plus 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0

In my case my modem at that point proceeded to update the firmware, and once it stabilized I then switched the ethernet cable to my router