Recently, as reported on this very site, Grande Communications has launched a new 1000/50mbps, DOCSIS 3.1 based service. My old SB6183 is not DOCSIS 3.1 compatible, so I purchased a SB8200 on Amazon (thanks same-day delivery!) and called to complete the upgrade. On my old plan (400/20) my speeds were very consistent, and even over WiFi I was typically receiving 200-420mbps speeds depending on the time of day (using a Netgear Orbi with 1 satellite). Since the change in equipment and upgrade of my plan, I've noticed my speeds are extremely inconsistent. Download speeds will range from 15(!)-820mbps, although upload is generally reliable at 45-52mbps even on WiFi. I've tested the connection even directly connected to the modem, and have noticed no improvement over being hardwired to the main Orbi unit (WiFi download speeds have taken a dive, though, rarely exceeding 100mbps, but that may be unrelated to the modem as it does not provide WiFi, the Orbi does).
Doing some research on the new modem, I found that Arris recommends power levels of -15 to 15 dBmV for downstream connections when utilizing QAM256 modulation, and 45 to 51 dBmV for upstream connections when using 3+ channels (as shown here: http://arris.force.com/consumers/articles/General_FAQs/SB8200-Troubleshooting-Internet-Connectivity/?l=en_US&fs=RelatedArticle). Looking at the stat page for my SB8200, it looks like my line states are failing on both fronts, with downstream power generally at 16+, and upstream at 36 (but again, my upstream "seems" generally ok).
When Grande first installed my service they did add a splitter near the modem (coax leads from the wall connection to the splitter, which then has 3 outputs of which only 1 is used to then send additional coax to the modem). The tech said the signal was too strong, which makes sense when looking at my downstream signal strength, but not when looking at the upstream strength.
My question is, considering my service was perfect on the SB6183 and on the 400/20 tier using the same physical connection, is there any real chance the issue is with the modem itself, or at least being exacerbated by the modem? Does the problem as stated here, and taking into account the screenshots of my modem stat page, sound like something that would have occurred simply due to upgrading my service, and which ISP should be able to solve? I know that Linksys has their own retail available DOCSIS 3.1 modem but I don't want to jump the gun with a lot of equipment changes, not the least because I have AT&T Digital Life and any time I swap hardware it requires a tech support call to reestablish a connection to my WiFi.
It may be I do not understand all of the changes that occur when moving from a DOCSIS 3.0 to 3.1 service, and that Grande will have to make adjustments on their end, it just seems odd that I suddenly having trouble using a physical connection and a provider that have both been superb up until now, with the only physical change being the modem itself. I appreciate any insight you can provide!
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