Everything you need to know about the ARRIS T25 [A Review]

Have you already subscribed to Comcast XFinity’s cable internet plans and you are looking for a compatible cable modem for your home network? Let us take a look at the structure and features of the ARRIS T25 cable modem that was designed for XFinity cable internet and voice service users.

When trying to find the best cable modem for my home network, my greatest satisfaction was based on finding one that was reliable, efficient and one that was durable and user-friendly at the same time. Preferably, I needed one that would work with my already existing Internet Service Provider. For these reasons, I found myself purchasing the ARRIS T25 cable modem which is compatible with Comcast XFinity cable internet that I had already subscribed to. Aside from that, I am benefiting from the fact that I have stopped paying my internet service provider a separate modem rental fee.

ARRIS T25 Review and Breakdown

ARRIS SURFboard T25 DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem | Comcast Xfinity Internet & Voice | Two 1 Gbps Ports | 2 Telephony Ports | 800 Mbps Max with Xfinity Internet Plans | 2 Year Warranty Black

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The ARRIS SURFboard T25 is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem has been built to provide you with reliability, efficiency and speed in your home network. It has been built to collaborate and work with XFinity internet and voice services. The T25 is capable of Gigabit download speeds which makes it ideal for XFinity speed plans of up to 2 Gbps. However, it is not certified for use with other cable internet service providers.

Generally, it has the ability to bond up to2 by 2 OFDM DOCSIS 3.1 channels and up to 32 by8 DOCSIS 3.0 channels which provides higher bandwidth for gigabit speed capability. It features two1-GB Ethernet ports which enable you to connect it with a video game console, a computer system, a printer and your router. Also, it comes with 2 Telephony ports for XFinity digital voice service. Unfortunately, the ARRIS T25 cable modem does have a built-in router but it is compatible with any Wi-Fi router.

What we liked;

• Comes with two telephone ports
• Can reach up to 2 Gbps
• Easy to use and install
• Has two Ethernet ports for Link Aggregation
• Provides you with true Gigabit speeds
• Compatible with any router

What we didn’t like;

• Limited to Comcast XFinity internet and voice plans
• There are bugs and fixes associated with its chipset
• Does not have a built-in router

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ARRIS T25 Specifications

ARRIS T25 Features

Design and Structure

The ARRIS T25 has a simplistic rectangular-like shape with a hard plastic material and it comes with a black color. It is an average sized router that fits into almost all spaces in your home with its size dimensions at 11.1 x 7.5 x 2.8 inches and weighs 2.16 which makes it portable during deployment. On the front, there are LED indicators which help you identify the connection status of your cable modem and monitor your internet connection status.

When the LED indicator on the power part is solid white it shows that your cable modem is powered on and is ready for use. The US/DS LED indicator blinks when it is scanning for upstream and receiving data and it is solid white when the upstream and downstream channels are connected. Aside from that, the LED indicator on both telephone lines blink when the telephone line is off-hook or when you have a call in progress and it remains solid white when the telephone service on the lines are connected and activated. As for the cable modem status, the LED indicator remains solid white when it is connected to the internet and it blink when it is scanning for an internet connection.

Towards the back, there are two Gigabit Ethernet ports, Two Telephone ports, a cable port and a power connector. If you intend to set up a Wi-Fi network for your Wi-Fi devices around your house, you would need a router as it does not come with one. Advantageously, it works with any router model.

Speed and Performance

The ARRIS T25 has been built to use the DOCSIS 3.1 standard, the newest technology by cable providers, which is makes it capable of reaching potential maximum speeds of 10 Gbps. However, it only provides you with maximum speeds of up to 2 Gbps because of its design and structure. In as much so, with throughput of 2 Gbps, you are able to expand your network as time goes by which allows for its durability. At the same time, on the DOCSIS 3.0 channels and standard, it provides you with maximum theoretical data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps.

Additionally, it features the Intel Puma 7 chipset which is intended to strengthen its performance. However, it may cause a few internet speed problems like slow loading websites and buffering while gaming. Also, it may be vulnerable to Denial of Service attacks that may tamper with the security of your network. On the brighter side, this is fixable through a firmware upgrade and a few trouble shooting steps.

Setup and Configuration

The ARRIS T25 cable modem is easy to install and configure alongside of your Comcast XFinity Internet Service provider. All you need to do is connect the coaxial cable from your cable wall outlet or the RF splitter to the cable connecter towards the back of the T25 and then tighten the connector using your hand. Once you have done that, you would need to connect a telephone cable to the TELLINE port that is on your phone and to the Tel1 port that is at the rear of the ARRIS T25.

At this point you would need to Contact the XFinity consumer support so that they can activate the VolP service and then connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your router, gaming console or PC and to the Ethernet port on the cable modem to establish a wired connection. To complete the installation process, you would need to do is to connect the power cord to the power port that is at the back of the ARRIS T25 and then plug it into an electric wall outlet that is not being controlled by a wall switch.

To configure it, you would need to launch any web browser and access the XFinity activation page. Here, all you need to do is fill in the information as requested and you are good to go.

Who is it best suited for?

The ARRIS T25 cable modem is suitable for subscribers to Comcast XFinity internet speed plans of up to 2 Gbps. Additionally , it is a great alternative to paying for the monthly modem rental fee as it is a cheaper and more durable option. Also, if you live in hot environments, it can work well for you because it is able to run for long periods of time without heating due to its high temperature tolerance.

Are there any alternatives to the ARRIS T25?

Yes. Among the alternative cable modems to the ARRIS T25 are the SBV3202 and the SVG482AC by ARRIS and the NETEGAR CM1150V.

Features of the alternative cable modems

Final Verdict: Should you get the ARRIS T25?

Yes. In as much as the ARRIS T25 may have a few problems with its chipset, you are able to easily fix this through a few troubleshooting steps. On the brighter side, you are able to make the most of your internet speed plans with the ARRIS T25 and you are also able to acquire a more reliable and efficient network for all your high bandwidth activities including online gaming and 4K video streaming.

FAQs

Does the ARRIS T25 cable modem have a battery backup?

No, it does not. However, you have the option of using an external UPS power supply in the event that you experience a power outage.

Would my ARRIS T25 cable modem work with Mediacom cable and voice services?

No, it will not. The ARRIS T25 cable modem is only compatible with Comcast XFinity’s cable internet subscription.