What modification in DOCSIS 3.0 enabled increased bandwidth for upstream carriers from earlier versions?

The modification in DOCSIS 3.0 that enabled increased bandwidth for upstream carriers is the increase of the maximum frequency for upstream to 85 MHz. This advancement significantly enhances the capacity for data transmission in the upstream direction, allowing cable service providers to offer higher-speed internet services to customers.

Prior to DOCSIS 3.0, the upstream frequency was limited to a lower threshold, which constrained the overall bandwidth available for uploading data. By raising the upstream frequency capacity, DOCSIS 3.0 effectively doubles the potential upstream capacity compared to earlier versions, facilitating the transmission of more data simultaneously and improving overall network performance.

The other options do not directly correlate with the specific change that allowed for the increased upstream bandwidth in DOCSIS 3.0. While modulation techniques and fiber optics can enhance overall network performance, the defining modification for upstream bandwidth specifically relates to the frequency increase. Reducing packet size may enhance data management but does not contribute to increased bandwidth.