Arris SB8200 Vs Motorola MB8600 Vs Netgear CM1000 –Which Cable ModemStands Out?
Since cable modems supplied by your ISP are charged monthly, it can get quite expensive to maintain these costs. Often, users cut down the costs by purchasing their own modems. This Arris SB8200 Vs Motorola MB8600 VsNetgear CM1000 review offers you more.
The ArrisSB8200, Motorola MB8600 and Netgear CM1000 cable modems are top of the range modems with extremely fast gigabit speeds that support high performance gaming or heavy multi-4K online streaming without delays or buffering.Moreover, the 3 modems have potential for the super-fast future speeds of 10+Gbps. To crown it, the Arris SB8200 and Motorola MB8600 evenhave extra ports to help plug heavy-internet-consuming devices directly onto the net. This improves the devices’ overall performance. This review seeks to compare 3 of the leading cable modems in the market today, with a view of identifying the best.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Arris SB8200, Motorola MB8600 and Netgear CM1000?
Arris SB8200 |
Netgear CM1000 |
Motorola MB8600 (Winner) |
|
Internet speed |
Gigabit+ |
Gigabit |
Gigabit+ |
Gigabit Ethernet Ports |
2 |
1 |
4 |
DOCSIS Protocol |
3.1 and 3.0 |
3.1 and 3.0 |
3.1 and 3.0 |
Upstream and Downstream Channels |
DOCSIS 3.0: 32 X 8
DOCSIS 3.1: OFDM 2X2 |
DOCSIS 3.0: 32 X 8
DOCSIS 3.1: OFDM 2X2 |
DOCSIS 3.0: 32 X 8
DOCSIS 3.1: OFDM 2X2 |
Maximum Speeds (Gbps) |
Download: 1.9
Upload: 1.0 |
Download: 1.0
Upload: 1.0 |
Download: 3.8
Upload: 1.0 |
RAM |
3GB |
256MB |
512MB |
Warranty |
2 years |
1 year |
2 years |
Chipset |
Broadcom BCM3390 |
Broadcom BCM3390 |
Broadcom BCM3390 |
Arris SB8200 Vs Motorola MB8600 VsNetgear CM1000 – How do they Compare?
Gigabit Ports
The Netgear CM1000 has 1 Gigabit port, while the Arris SB8200 is designed with 2 and the Motorola MB8600 comes with 4. When a modem has multiple gigabit ports, it offers the option of plugging multiple heavy internet consuming devices like game consoles directly into the internet. This ensuressuch devices access faster internet speeds making them more stable and improving their overall performance.With its 4 gigabit ports, the Motorola MB8600 enables more of these devices to be connected to the internet, making it ideal for heavy duty gaming and streaming.When it comes to Gigabit ports, the Motorola MB8600 is the best it can have up to 4 devices connect directly to the internet.
Speed/Performance
Netgear CM1000 supports maximum speeds of 1 Gbps which are 10 times faster than fast Ethernet (100Mbps). The Gigabit Ethernet also offers less delay than fast Ethernet and covers a distance of 70 km, compared to Ethernet’s 10 km.Arris SB8200 has potential for maximum download speeds of 2Gbps as a result of link aggregation by its 2 gigabit ports. Link Aggregation Group (LAG),is a technology that combines the individual gigabit speeds of each port, into one gigantic speed. Motorola MB8600, with its 4 gigabit ports, is able to support speeds of up to 3.8Gbps due to LAG.
The LAG technology is yet to be actualized by ISPs. That’s why it’s referred to as a future technology. Maximum speeds achieved by cable modemsare largely determined by the speeds supported by theInternet Service Providers (ISP). Since ISPs at the moment only support speeds of 1Gbps, all 3 modems have their speeds capped 1 Gbps. This is still a large bandwidth that is able to support most office and home networks.Although all 3 modems support maximum speeds of up to 1 Gbps, the Motorola MB8600 has potential for the highest future speeds. This makes it the model of choice when it comes to performance.
Design
At only 5.13 X 1.70 X 5.25 inches in dimensions, the Arris SB8200 is the smallest of the 3 modems and is a compact white device, with a matte finish. It weighss 1.85 lbs.It is therefore homey in design. Also known as the Nighthawk Ultra-speed cable modem, the Netgear CM1000 is light in weight but has a large footprint standing at8.8 X 5.4 X 5.9 Inches and weighing 380g (0.84 lb). It is black, and bulky in appearance. In fact, it is the largest of the 3 modems. The Motorola MB8600 is also black and stands at 7.25 X 2.25 X 7.88 inches. It is however the lightest of the 3 modems and weighs 1.1 ounces (0.07 lbs).The Arris SB8200’s small, sleek appearance makes it most ideal especially when space is a constraint. Besides, its heavy weight improves its stability.
Arris SB8200 Vs Motorola MB8600 VsNetgear CM1000 – A Comparative Review
Arris SB8200
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Better connectivity, better speed. The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS...
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem...
Arris is popular in the manufacture of home networking equipment. Being the latest member of the company’s SurfBoard family, it could be termed its most advanced modem.
The modemis easyto set up and manage. It comes equipped with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports which in futurewill help double its 1Gbps throughput. In addition, the2 ports enable direct connection of other devices on to the internet. The Docsis 3.1 modem is back compatible with Docsis 3.0, through which it gets access to 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. Having a 3GB RAM enables it offer lots of hardware performance while its spectrum analyzer feature helps monitor cable line connection. This modem is perfect for 4K HD video streaming and virtual gaming.
Pros
- Easy set up/use
- 2 Gigabit ports
- 3GB RAM
- Supported by all major ISPs
Cons
- Gets hot with prolonged use
- No built-in Wi-Fi router
- Lacks a physical power button
Motorola MB8600
- Top Internet Speeds for all Multi-gigabit Speed Tiers - Wirecutter recommends this model as the best...
- Save Money - Eliminate up to 168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees (Savings are shown for...
Motorola MB8600 is manufactured by Zoom Telephonics and is one of the most advanced Docsis 3.1 modems currently in the market.It supports the Active Queue Management technology (TQM) which helpsreduce lagging that could result from having many bandwidth draining devices connected to the network. Moreover, the modem’s Broadcom BCM3390 chipset also helps ensure a lag-free, stable operation.
This modem has 4 gigabit ports which have a future capacity of supportingspeeds of up to 3.8Gbps.Currently, its throughput is 1Gbps because that’s the maximum ISPs provide. Moreover, its multiple ports offer means through which multiple devices can be directly connected to the internet. Motorola MB5600 is compatible and supported by major ISPs. It is ideal for heavy duty gaming and streaming.
Pros
- 4 Gigabit ports
- Broadcom BCM3390 chipset
- Supports LAG
- Compatible with all major ISPs
Cons
- Wi-Fi router not built-in
Netgear CM1000
- Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 1Gbps. Currently certified...
- Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1000 replaces your cable modem saving you up to dollar 168/year in...
Netgear is renowned for the manufacture of reliable and high performance home cable modems and routers. The company is amongst the leading long-time home networking brands in the market.Although it has upgrades now,Netgear CM1000 is the company’s first gigabit cable modem.
This modem is well ventilated well, so doesn’t get hot, even with heavy use. Its simple plug and play makes setting it up quite easy. It has 1 Gigabit Ethernet port and is compatible with all major cable internet providers. Its high gigabit speeds ensures uninterrupted gaming and HD video streaming. However, in order to share internet with multiple devices, a Wi-Fi router would have to be sourced separately, as it doesn’t have an inbuilt Wi-Fi router.
Pros
- Easy plug and play set up
- Well ventilated
- Stable BCM3390 chipset
- Fully compatible with Cox, Comcast Xfinity and others
Cons
- Only one gigabit port
- Not inclusive of Wi-Fi router
- Only 256MB RAM
Conclusion
All 3 modems offerhigh gigabit speeds suitable for gaming and HD video streaming. The Arris SB8200 and Motorola MB8600 even have potential for super high gigabit+ speeds in future. If all you want is a budget-friendly fast modem, then Netgear CM1000 will do. If on the other hand you desire a small, homely futureproof modem then reach for theArrisSB8200. For a heavy duty modem that will serve you exceptionally well into the future, the Motorola MB8600 should be your choice.
Verdict: So, which is better – Arris SB8200, Motorola MB8600 orNetgear CM1000?
The Motorola MB8600is the winner in this comparison because its 4 gigabit ports give it extremely future-proof speeds. The ports also offer options to connect multiple devices directly onto the internet.These devices enjoy high speed, uninterrupted internet as a result.
FAQs
Is the Arris SB8200 compatible with Comcast?
Yes, the Arris SB8200 is fully approved for all Comcast Xfinity internet speeds tiers which range from 15 Mbps service all the way to the ultra-fast 1 Gbps service.
Does the Motorola 8600 have Wi-Fi?
No, it does not come with a Wi-Fi router, or an adapter for the VoIP phone