This interface specification is one of a family of interface specifications designed to facilitate the implementation of data services over Hybrid Fiber-Coax (HFC) cable networks, as well as over coaxial-only cable networks. Figure 5‑1 provides the context for this specification in relation to the data-over-cable reference architecture and the other interface specifications in the family. This specification defines the interface requirements for data-over-cable services between a cable modem and the customer premise equipment (CPE). The CPE may include PCs, Macintoshes, workstations, network computers, and other electronic equipment. This specification defines the applicable communications standards and protocols as needed to implement a cable modem interface to the CPE.
This specification only applies to DOCSIS 3.0 (and forward) cable systems employing HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) and coaxial architectures.