Netgear CM1000 Vs Arris SB8200 – Which modem provides higher bandwidth?
If you want high speed internet connections, look no further than these two cable modems. Take a look as we compare the Netgear CM1000 and Arris SB8200 and determine the best one for you.
The speed of cable internet has grown over the past couple of years. To keep up with this, high speed modems such as the Netgear CM1000 and Arris SB8200 are needed to handle the high bandwidths. These two routers are among the first high speed cable modems to be released and feature the newest DOCSIS 3.1 technology – A technology that was developed to keep up with the high speed of fiber optic internet. But even with these similarities, there are a lot of differences between them as seen in the following table.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Netgear CM1000 and Arris Surfboard SB8200?
Model |
Netgear CM1000 |
Arris Surfboard SB8200 (Winner) |
DOCSIS supported |
3.1 and 3.0 |
3.1 and 3.0 |
Brand |
Netgear |
Arris |
Gigabit Ethernet Ports |
1 |
2 |
Spectrum Analyzer |
No
|
Yes |
Channels |
32 Down
8 Up |
32 Down
8 Up |
RAM |
256 MB |
3GB |
Cable internet service providers supported |
Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Mediacom Cable and others |
Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum |
Availability |
Netgear CM1000vsArris Surfboard SB8200- How do they compare?
Design
Netgear CM1000 and Arris SB8200 differ a lot when it comes to design. The Arris product has a much better design due to its size. It is a small device that comes in either white or black with dimensions of 5.2 x 5.2 x 2.1 inches. This small size ensures that it consumes little space in your house and does not collide with your home interior décor. On the other hand, Netgear’s product is the complete opposite. It is a large unit that comes in back. The unit is designed as a tower meaning it has to stand vertically. For some users, this may be limiting as more space is needed for the design. It also intrudes into your interior décor. However, the Netgear is more durable due to the solid build used all round. Its body is serrated for breathability and cooling. All in all, the Arris SB8200 is better as it is smaller, more stunning and less intrusive to the interior décor.
Performance and speed
This is the most important factor for anyone looking for a high speed cable modem. Here, Arris Surfboard takes the win again. While the Netgear has a theoretical throughput speed of 1 Gbps, the Arris unit goes up to 2 Gbps. This translates to about 200 Mbps and 350 Mbps respectively in a real world environment. Furthermore, the Arris product is more stable and consistent compared to the high latency that occurs in the Netgear product. An important factor to note however is that both modems are DOCSIS 3.1 for high speeds. They can be used for heavy internet usage such as the download of large files and high resolution streaming. But if you want raw speed and power, the Arris definitely does a better job.
Ports
A cable modem solely relies on wired communication to function. For this, gigabit Ethernet ports are placed at the back of modems. Again, the Arris SB8200 is better than Netgear CM1000. And this is because, the Arris features two gigabit Ethernet ports while CM1000 has just one. The two ports allow for a feature known as link aggregation which allows the ports to be used as a single unit to provide higher speeds. For this, you may have to request your internet service provider to set it up at a monthly additional fee. The ports also allow more devices to be connected. One port goes to the router while the other can connect to the device of your choice from a desktop to a game console. On the other hand, Netgear’s one port means no link aggregation, limiting the speed. It also means that the device can only be connected to a router.
Compatibility with internet service providers
Internet service providers connect their cable internet to your house through a cable modem. The modem therefore has to be compatible with your ISP. Both of these routers are compatible with all major internet providers in the United States. There is little to split the two sides here with both being compatible with Comcast, Cox, Spectrum and others.
Configuration and setup
The Netgear CM1000 is much easier to setup compared to the Arris modem. The reason for this is that, the CM1000 is a plug and play device, meaning all you have to do is plug the cable in and switch it on and you’re ready to go.Arris on the other hand comes with a guide manual on the installation process. The user may also have to call the internet provider to register the modem. This makes the Netgear the easier and simpler product to install.
Netgear CM1000 vs Arris SB8200 – A comparison review
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...
The CM1000 is a cable modem for anyone interested in high speed for a relatively affordable price. In fact, if you’re using the modem provided by your ISP, you will save a lot. In addition, it is compatible with all the major internet service providers such as Comcast, Cox and Spectrum among others. The unit is however not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, DSL and fiber companies. When it comes to speed, the modem supports up to 1 Gbps which translates to about 200 Mbps when in use. With this, you can stream in 4K resolution and download large files.
Another standout feature of the CM1000 is the design. It is a huge unit with a tower design that requires it to stand vertically. It is also black and has a plastic matte finish with a mesh-like body. This ensures the unit stays cool throughout its use. The following are its pros and cons
Pros
- The modem provides high speeds of about 200 Mbps ideal for gamers
- It features a serrated body design for breathability and cooling
- It comes with a one year warranty
- It is affordable and offers great value for money
- The unit is compatible with all major cable internet service providers in the US
Cons
- The CM1000 is large and may need a lot of space
- Users have complained of high latency
Arris Surfboard 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...
The Arris brand really outdid themselves with this product. Arris SB8200 is regarded to as one of the best high speed cable modems today. It is a small box shaped device that comes in either black or white colors. The unit features two gigabit Ethernet ports that allow speeds of 2 Gbps. This translates to about 350 Mbps when using in an actual real life setup. Furthermore, the presence of two ports means that link aggregation is supported – this also works to improve performance. But perhaps the best feature of the SB8200 is its stability and consistency in performance. There is very little latency and this sets it apart from the Netgear product.
Pros
- The small size ensures easy positioning and placement in the house
- DOCSIS 3.1 features enables the modem to maintain high speed consistently
- High speeds allow for fast streaming without buffering
- Link aggregation improves overall performance
Cons
- It is expensive
Conclusion
Depending on your needs, either of these modems will offer great performance. The Arris offers better speeds, much stable performance and more ports for connection. Netgear CM1000 offers high speeds as well but costs less and is less prone to overheating.
Final Verdict – So which is better, Netgear CM1000 or Netgear CM1100?
Arris SB8200 is the better modem for one main reason. It features two gigabit Ethernet ports making it faster than the CM1000. In addition, it is fairly priced and offers better value for money.
FAQs
-
Does the CM1000 overheat?
No. The modem has serrated sides for breathability and cooling
-
Do both modems feature link aggregation?
No, only the SB8200 supports this feature. This is because it has two gigabit Ethernet ports.
