In a DOCSIS network, why is the data throughput over the return or upstream path typically less than the throughput of data over the forward or downstream path?

Compared to the downstream path, the narrower bandwidths and lower transmit power of the modems used to transmit data over the return path cause the downstream and upstream data throughput to be unequal or asymmetrical.

Compared to the downstream path, the higher bandwidths and lower orders of modulation used to transport data over the return path cause the downstream and upstream data throughput to be unequal or asymmetrical.

Compared to the downstream path, the narrower bandwidths and lower orders of modulation used to transport data over the return path cause the downstream and upstream data throughput to be unequal or asymmetrical.

Compared to the downstream path, the narrower bandwidths and higher orders of modulation used to transport data over the return path cause the downstream and upstream data throughput to be unequal or asymmetrical.