Motorola MB8600 Vs Netgear CM1200-Which One Actualizes Ultra-fast Internet Speeds ?

Sometimes slow internet speeds result from low a performing cable modem rented from your ISP. Moving into the ultra-fast lane then is as easy as upgrading the modem, by purchasing your own. This Motorola MB8600 VsNetgear CM1200 review compares 2 of the world’s fastest modems.

The Motorola MB8600 and Netgear CM1200 are two of the leading modems in the marketin terms of features and their incredible gigabit+ speeds.Speeds that will revolutionize the turn-around time for internet tasks in your home and office. Such speeds take on hardcore gaming and heavy duty streaming as though they were happening in real-time. They also make YouTube, Netflix,email and web browsing pleasant experiences. The extremely highspeeds are made possible by the advancedfirmware 3.1 protocol upgrade, together with the multi-Gigabit Ethernet ports that each modem has. Moreover, both modems promise future speeds of 10+ Gbps. So, is it worth investing in any of these modems? This review is intended to identify which of the 2 modemsbetter suits your needs.

What are the differences between Motorola MB8600 and Netgear CM1200?

Motorola MB8600 VsNetgear CM1200- How do they compare?

ISP Compatibility

The MB8600 is fully approved/certified thus completely supported Cox, Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity 1 and CableOne. This means that when using the modem on these ISP’s gigabit internet, one connects automatically without having to call the ISP to map the MAC address. In addition, the modem is supported by other major ISPs like WOW, Charter Spectrum, Grand Communications etc. NetgearCM1200 is fully compatible with Cox and Comcast Xfinity. Modem activation with Comcast Xfinity is achieved automatically. It’s also supported by other ISPs like Mediacom Cable.

In addition to the modem model compatibility with an ISP, it is also important to confirm your ISP’s Docsis compatibility with your modem’s.Only a handful of ISP’s have rolled out the new standards under the DOCSIS 3.1 and this in few select areas. Both the MB8600 and the CM1200 are however less restricted as they support DOCSIS 3.1 but are backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0. Newer versions of theMotorola MB8600 also support the Docsis 3.2 protocol. Because Motorola is completely supported by many cable companies, it is a better product.

Gigabit Ports and LAG

Both MB8600 and CM1200 are designed with 4Gigabit Ethernet ports. These give users the option of directlyplugging in multiple devices which require heavy internet access into the ports such as gaming consoles. CM1200 additionally uses an auto sensing technology in its ports toenhance the fastest internet wired speeds.

The multiple Gigabit ports also supports link aggregation, meaning the multiple LAN Gigabit ports can be combined to create a combined link providing a bundle sum of each of the port’s speed. This is refered to as the Link Aggregation Group (LAG). MB8600’s 4 ports can be combined to give maximum download speeds of 3.8 Gbps. For the CM1200, only 2 of the 4 ports are LAG compliant, resulting in maximum download speeds of 2 Gbps.MB8600 with its 4 Gigabit’s ability to connect multiple devices directly to the internet and the future link aggregation is a winner.

Design

Motorola MB8600 comes in a robust cylindrical-elliptic plastic casewith soft round corners. Its elegance is brought out by the five LED lights that reside on a glossy section on the front of the modem.  The modemis also covered with numerous cut-outs in order to ensure proper airflow which is essential in ensuring the modem cools effectively.  Measuring7.25 X 2.25 X 7.88 inches, it is also reasonably heavy at 18.4ounces (522g)which gives it adequate stability.

Netgear CM1200 does not disappoint in its design features too. It’ssharp looking corners gives it a sort of high performance look that is visually appealing. CM1200 also has numerous vent holes integrated to ensure that the modem is cooled enough not to overheat. The modem measures 6.1 X 3.4 X 10.3 and weighs at 553g. Because the MB8600 isn’t as big as the CM1200, it helps economize on space and so is the winner.

Performance

Both modems high gigabit speeds eliminate buffering and latency making them providemore stable internet use and improved overall performance. CM1200’s 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports enable link aggregation to achieve speeds of upto 2Gbps. On the other hand, the maximum theoretical speed achieved through the Mb8600’s link aggregation is 3.8Gbps. At present however, the maximum speeds supported by ISPs is 1Gbps. But due to interference and network noise, expect to see average speeds of 950 Mbps with both modems. These speeds are still high enough to support intense streaming and gaming.MB8600 has higher theoretical speeds hence has better performance.

Motorola MB8600 Vs Netgear CM1200-A Comparative Review

Motorola MB8600

Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem - Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum, Supports Cable Plans up to 1000 Mbps | 1 Gbps Ethernet Port

• 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...

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Motorola MB8600 is manufactured by zoom technologies. It is equipped with the ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1 yet is still able to fall back to the fastest Docsis 3.0 32X8 speeds. In effect, it downloads 46 times faster than the Docsis 2.0. This modem features low latency in the high speeds needed for interactive games. It also supports the Active Queue Management Technology (TQM), a technology that helps reduce lagging caused by connecting many bandwidth draining devicesto a single network. It therefore accelerates gaming, page loading and video conferencing. The MB8600’s Broadcom BCM3390 chipset further helps ensure a bug-free, stable operation.

The 4 gigabit ports are intended to support speeds of upto 3.8 Gbps in future, while presently offering gigabit speeds and a means through which other devices can directly be connected to the internet. The Motorola MB8600 is a modem that is compatible, supported by some of the major ISP’s and is ideal for heavy duty gaming and streaming.  In addition, it offers advanced surge and lightening protection.

Pros

• Future proof
• Easy to set up
• Ultra-fast internet speeds
• Compatible with Major ISP’s
• Broadcom BCM 3390 Chipset
• Supports 4 IP addresses

Cons

• No in-built 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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Netgear stands out when it comes to leading home networking brands renowned for reliability and high performing home routers. Take the impressive Netgear CM1200, for example. It is equipped with the advanced DOCSIS 3.1 but is still backward compatible with the Docsis 3.0 protocol.Through the Docsis3.1, the CM1200 is able to provide devices with high speeds that enable smooth 4K/8K Ultra HD streaming, online gaming as well as maximizing internet speeds for IoT devices.

The modem is well ventilated to ensure that it is able to cool when in use. It has 4 Gigabit ports which support future speeds of 2Gbps and well as providing an avenue for connecting multiple devices directly onto the internet. Through this, CM1200 offers an assurance of uninterrupted gaming and HD video streaming. In addition, this modem is able to support 4 public IP addresses with a Comcast Business Account which enables hosting of multiple servers like websites, email and VPN gateway servers. It also enhances video conferencing.

Pros

• Future proof
• Fast Speeds
• Easy to set up
• Supported by major ISPs
• 4 Ethernet Gigabit ports
• Supports 4 IP addresses

Cons

• No inbuilt Wi-Fi router

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Conclusion

In summing up this review, we must emphasize that both the Motorola MB8600 and the Netgear CM1200 support sufficiently high speeds for heavy duty gaming and HD video streaming. Furthermore, both modems have the potential for super high gigabit+ speeds in future, although the Motorola offers higher speeds. However, it costs less. So, if you always prefer to bank your purchases on the reputation of a brand, then CM1200 will give you that. If however, you are more interested in better features irrespective of company history, MB 8600 should be your choice.

Verdict: So, which is better? Motorola MB8600 or Netgear CM1200?

Motorola MB8600 stands out as the winner in this comparison. It has more premium features like TQM, Docsis 3.2 and is certified by more ISPs. Moreover, it costs less.

FAQ’s

Does Motorola MB8600 have WI-FI?

No, the MB8600 neither comes with a WI-FI router nor an adapter for the VoIP phone.

How long do Netgear modems last?

Generally, modem upgrades are recommended every 5 years. Better performance technologies are probably easily available by this time.