Arris Surfboard SB6190 Vs NetgearCM600 – Which Cable Modem Offers Better Speeds?

A cable modem isthe cable internet passport. Without it you can’t access the internet. Purchasing your own gives you the flexibility of choosing the best model in the market.Check out thisArris Surfboard SB6190 VsNetgear CM600 for more.

With a cable modem, you either plug one device directly into the cable network or use a router to enable wireless internet connectivity of many devices.Buying your own modem offers you an opportunity to pick one that would enable you make use of the highest speeds your ISP internet plan offers. In addition, you save on the monthly rental charges.Both Arris and Netgear are renowned innovators in the telecommunications sector. Their products Arris Surfboard SB6190 and NetgearCM600boast of fast gigabit speeds and compatibility with major cable internet providers.So, which is the better cable modem?

What are the differences between Arris Surfboard SB6190 and NetgearCM600? 

ArrisSurfboad SB6190 VsNetgear CM600 – How do they compare?

Both modems are effective in small and medium home or office settings as they are equipped with the DOCSIS 3.0 protocol which supports gigabit speeds of up to 1Gbps. Netgear CM600 is also back compatible with the lower speed DOCSIS 2.0 protocol. We will now compare the 2 modems in detail:

Range and Capacity

Arris SB6190 boasts ofmore bonded channels at 32 X 8 compared to the 24 X 8 of the NetgearCM600 modem. The number of bonded channels is an indication of to the number of devices that can be supported simultaneously on the network. It is also gives an indication of the amount of data the ISP can allow to pass through when downloading or uploading data.The first figure is the download channels while the other is the upload channels.Arris is therefore able to support more complex multimedia services compared to Netgear.

In regard to speeds, Arris Surfboard SB6190scores higher than NetgearCM600. At 1.4 Gbps download and131mbps upload speeds, it far outshines Netgear’s960 Mbps download and 336Mbps upload. This makes Arris suitable for, in addition tocomplex multimedia services, heavy internet work environments, shopping, video and voice conferencing,networking among others.960Mbps is still extremely high speed. In comparison, residential video streaming and gaming are effectively supported by speeds of 100 – 300Mbps. NetgearCM600 therefore offers areliable and affordable way to serve urban professionals as well as small and medium sized families. It offers uninterrupted internet connections even during peak usage times when everyone in the apartment is connected.  Arris is the better overall product in terms of speed since it supports higher theoretical maximum speeds of 1.4 Gbps, compared to Netgear CM1000’s 960 Mbps.

Structure and Design

The Arris and Netgear modems are quite identical in size and shape with their smooth rounded edges, portable sizes and sleeks in appearance. Arris SB6190 however provides options in color as it comes in both black and white shades. Both weigh just over I pound and have dimensions of 6.40X2.00X8.70 inches for the Arris and 8.7X5.3X2.4 inches for Netgear.

Netgears bears a power connection port as well as an Ethernet port (LAN) with a Gigabit capacity. Arris also has a gigabit connection that allows for connection to most routers also enhancing internet speeds. In this regard both designs are versatile and have taken into consideration the ability to take up higher speeds in the future. Though the 2 modems are almost identical in dimensions, because Arris offers the user 2 color options to choose from, it is the better product in design.

Technology

Both modems have provision for future technological advancement that allow for availability of faster speeds.The arris has an edge here as it projects to offer speeds of up to 1.4 Gbps against Netgear’s1Gbps. Both modem’s Gigabit Ethernet ports allows for connection with various computer brands as well different WIFI routers. Their compatibility with major ISPs is also a big advantage.

Arris SB6190 is equipped with an Intel chipset. This has been noted to be problematic with most users stating thatit causesjitters and has a latency flaw. Netgear on the other hand bears a Broadcom chipset which sets the product above other brands for its stability and reliability. In as far as the chipset is concerned,Netgear is the better modem because its Broadcom chipset is more stable and reliable.

Arris Surfboard SB6190 VsNetgear CM600 – A Comparative Review

ArrisSurfboard SB6190

ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, Approved for Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others (White)

• Compatible with major U.S. Cable Internet Providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others. Not...
• DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem best for cable internet speed plans up to 600 Mbps

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Arris Surfboard SB6190 is popular for its great number of bonded channels of 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. This points to great data throughput capabilities. It is perfect for ISP internet speed plans of up to 400mbps. Its 1 gigabit Ethernet port makes direct connection to heavy internet devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs possible. Alternatively, a Wi-Fi router can be plugged in to offer wireless internet to multiple devices. The modem also has LED lights that appraise on their connectivity status.  Setting it up is as easy as connecting the cables, contacting your ISP to activate and connecting your device or Wi-Fi router. Its intel puma chipset has however been associated with jitters and latency.

Pros

• Up to 12 devices can be connected at once
• Great speeds and remarkable throughput
• Wide reach within the home and office space.
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Connection with some ISPs is problematic
• Suffers latency and Jitters

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The Netgear CM600

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM600 - Compatible With All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 960 Mbps | DOCSIS 3.0

• COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: Including certification by Xfinity by Comcast, COX,...
• SAVE MONTHLY RENTAL FEES: Model CM600 replaces your cable modem saving you up to $168/yr in equipment...

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Though designed to run on a DOCSIS 3.0 protocolNetgear CM600 is also compatible with devices running on the DOCSIS 2.0 protocol. This widens the number of potential users for this modem. In addition, NetgearCM600 comes with a blinking light that alerts the user on the status of the internet connection. Besides, it also has troubleshooting lights to help even non-technical persons to operate it. The modemhas extensive cut outs over a large percentage of its body to avoid overheating.  The 1 gigabit port enables high speed connections to either a device or a Wi-Fi router. The modem is best for ISP internet plans of 400mbps.

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Affordable
• Meets the speed needs of most households
• Wide compatibility with most ISP

Cons

• May not meet the needs of those requiring very high speeds

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Conclusion

Both the Arris Surfboard SB6190 and the Netgear CM600can sufficiently meet the internet needs for regular internet use in average size families and small to medium  offices. When all you are looking is reliability and affordability, then theNetgearCM600 is the modem of choice. If however you need connections for complex multimedia services that require very fast speeds and security, then you would be better off with the Arris Surfboard SB6190. Some users have however complained of a latency flaw due to its intel chipset.

Verdict: Which is better Arris Surfboard SB6190 or Netgear CM600?

The Netgear CM600 is our pick in this comparison. This is because its Broadcom chipset eliminates jitters and latency thus providing affordable, reliable and high internet speeds.

FAQs

Does the Netgear CM600 require a router?

The CM600 is just a modem. You thus need a router if you desire to have more than one device internet connected.

Does Arris Surfboard SB6190 have Wi-Fi?

No, it does not come with a Wi-Fi router or VoIP telephone adapter.