ARRIS SB8200 Vs. NETGEAR CM1200 – Which is the Better Purchase?

Sometimes low internet speeds are a result of an old cable modem provided by the ISP. Buying a good cable modem often gets us back to enjoyingfast internet again.Check out this Arris SB8200 VsNetgear CM1200 comparison for more.

Buffering and latency during streaming is one of the reasons many people are opting to buy their own cable modems. Most ISPs currently support the extremely fast gigabit speeds. However, their modems don’t have the capacity to tap into these high speeds. Both Arris SB8200 and Netgear CM1200 cable modems come built with the DOCSIS 3.1protocol which has potential for gigabit+ speeds that ISPs are yet to support. The best cable modem you settle for should therefore be determined by speeds supported by your ISP/internet plan in addition to the number of users you expect to connect to the network. Let us see what we can uncover from Arris SB8200 and Netgear CM1200.

What are the differences between Arris SB8200 and Netgear CM1200?

Arris SB8200VsNetgear CM1200 – How do they compare?

Both the Arris SB8200 and Netgear CM1200are powered by Broadcom BCM3390 chipset, known to be the best and most stable in the market for gigabit devices.Let’s see how the 2 modems compare in more detail.

Design

Arris SB8200 is white and has a stylish look compared to the black finish of the Netgear CM1200. It is smaller, standing at 5.13 X 1.70 X 5.25 inches in dimension and weighing 1.85 lbs. Though lighter, the Netgear CM1200 has a large footprint at8.8 X 5.4 X 5.9 Inches. It weighs 0.84 lbs, and is also known as the Nighthawk Ultra-speed cable modem. The CM1200 also has extensive ventilation holes all round its body. Both brands have well positioned indicators, buttons and ports making their design simple but classy. Netgear CM1200 is larger. This can be a disadvantage in environments where space is tight. Moreover, it is light in weight, making it prone to falling over. This makes Arris SB8200 the better product.

IP Addresses and Gigabit Ports

Netgear CM1200 has 4 gigabit ports, each of which can support a different IP address. In total therefore the modem supports up to 4 public WAN IP (IP addresses) with a Comcast business account. This enables the user to host multiple servers, such as website, email and gateway servers. Only 2 of the 4 ports connect to the Ethernet cable. This means only these 2 ports will help connect multiple devices such as printers, computer, gaming box, etc directly onto the internet. Arris SB8200 only has 2 gigabit port. These support 2 IP addresses and can allow 2 devices to be directly connected to the internet.With 4 Gigabit ports, Netgear CM1200 is able to get more IP addresses and connect more devices to the internet. This makes it the better performer.

Performance and Link Aggregation

Both modems deliver top speed performance when connected to a Gigabit Internet service. There theoretical maximum speed is 2Gbps.Speeds above 1Gbps will only be achieved in future, since ISPs currently only supports speeds up to 1Gbps. In practice therefore, both modems have been found to attain download speeds of about 950Mbps. It is highly unlikely to get actual speeds of up to 1Gbps on any internet gigabit service because of overhead on the network traffic.

Moreover, both the CM1200 and the SB8200 support link aggregation which allows the combination of the multiple Ethernet port links into a single logical link between two networked devices. Combining speeds from each port pushes internet speeds beyond the speeds of the individual port.The SB8200 has two Gigabit Ethernet ports. Both ports can be connected as a bundle to achieve speeds of 2Gbps maximum. Though the CM1200 have 4 Gigabit ports, only 2 can be used for link aggregation to a maximum of 2Gbps.The 2 modems have the same current speeds. Despite CM1200 having 4 gigabit ports, only 2 can be used for link aggregation, just like the SB8200. The 2 modems’ future speeds are also the same. This makes it a tie.

Arris SB8200VsNetgear CM1200 – A Comparative Review

Arris SB8200

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem | Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, & more | Two 1 Gbps Ports | 1 Gbps Max Internet Speeds | 4 OFDM Channels | 2 Year Warranty,White

• 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...

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Arris is one of the leading manufacturers of home networking equipment. Their cable modems are popular with mostISPs.All the same, it is important to confirm that your ISPsupports the exact model you want to purchase.

The SB8200 is the best DOCSIS 3.1 modem from Arris which offers amazing internet speeds especially when combined with a Gigabit Wi-Fi router. It is small and homey and comes with a spectrum analyzer to help check the quality of cable connection and is easy to set up and use. This modem has a 3GB RAM which gives it plenty of hardware performance.The modem however gets a little warm after it has been in use for a long. All the same, it is great for streaming Ultra HD videos and online high-performance Virtual Reality gaming.

Pros

• Easy to set up and use.
• The Broadcom BCM3390 chipset
• 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Compatible with most ISPs.
• 3GB RAM
• Availability of Spectrum Analyzer

 Cons

• Gets warm after long use.
• No built-in Wi-Fi router

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Netgear CM1200

NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 - Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 2 Gigabits | 4 x 1G Ethernet ports | DOCSIS 3.1, Black

• Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. Currently certified...
• Works with any WiFi router: Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your...

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The CM1200 is built for ultimate speed, with its Docsis 3.1 protocol which minimizes buffering and latency. It offers fast wired internet connection for multiple devices and is well equipped with 4 Gigabit LAN ports though it only supportslink aggregation on 2 of the ports.This means that you won’t have to upgrade your modem when internet providers upgrade because the port aggregation will increase bandwidth without requiring a new modem.               

The cable modem is built for both home and office use by those who want to enjoy extremely high speed internet. It works with any Wi-Fi router and supports multi-player gaming, heavy duty 4K HD streaming and other internet intense functions.

Pros

• High speeds
• Well ventilated.
• Fully compatible with Comcast XFINITY and Cox
• Broadcom BCM3390 chipset
• Reliable and high quality.
• Supports Link Aggregation

Cons

• Highly priced
• Spectrum Analyzer not accessible
• Only 256MB RAM
• No built-in Wi-Fi router

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Conclusion

The right modem can enable you make the most out of your internet plan. Both the Arris SB8200 and the Netgear CM1200 are high quality Gigabit speed modems suitable for extreme streaming and gaming. Moreover, they both have potential for even greater future speeds. So, which one suits you? If you want a small, homey fairly priced good modem, then Arris SB8200 will serve you well. If however, you seek a reliable, well ventilated modem from a reputable manufacturer, Netgear CM1200 should be your choice.

Verdict: Which is Better: Arris SB8200 or Netgear CM1200? 

The Arris SB8200is our pick in this comparison. It offers almost all you would get in the Netgear CM1200, at a comparatively lower price. Moreover, even though the CM1200 has 4 gigabit ports, only 2 support link aggregation – just like the Arris. If placed in a well ventilated place, it wouldn’t overheat.

FAQs

Is Arris SB8200 a modem or router?

Arris SB8200 is a cable modem. It doesn’t have a built in Wi-Fi router.

How do I know if my Arris modem is working?

When the modem is connected to the internet, the cable light will be solid or blinking. When the modem is connected to the computer by use of a USB cable in the back of the modem, the USB light will be solid. A blinking USB light indicates internet activity from the computer.