SB6141 Vs SB6183 – Which Modem guarantees an enjoyable internet experience?
Using the internet is one thing, enjoying the experience is another.Your device’s performance is greatly influenced by the cable modem’s speed. SB6141 Vs SB6183, which one will make your experience unforgettable?
Internet is fast taking over the biggest part of our lives, be it at school, home or the workplace.Cable modems that don’t give you good speeds thus make your experience intolerable. The good news is, you don’t have to persevere through low internet speeds by your ISP’s ‘old’ cable modem. You can buy one that will give you the speeds you long for.However, selecting the best one to buy requires some research. This is why we bring youthis comparison. Both SB6141 and SB 6183 cable modem are manufactured by Arris, a reputable producer of high quality networking products. Does either of the modems have what it takes to make your internet experience enjoyable?
Table of Contents
What are the differences between SB6141 Vs SB6183?
Model |
SB6141 |
SB6183 (Winner) |
Speed (Mbps) |
Download speed-343.1 Mbps
Upload speed-131 Mbps |
Download speed- 686 Mbps
Upload speed- 131 Mbps |
Channel Bonding |
8-channels downstream
4 Upstream |
16-Channels downstream
4 Upsteam |
ISP Compatibility |
Universal |
Universal |
DOCSIS Certification |
3.0 |
3.0 |
Dimensions |
6.40 x 2.00 x 8.70 Inches: 0.62lbs |
5.25 x 2.17 x 5.00 Inches |
SB6141 Vs SB6183- How do they Compare?
Channel Bonding
The SB6183 has a channel bonding of 16 x 4 meaning 16 channels are available for downstream and 4 upstream channels available for its data. In the same manner the SB6141’s 8 X 4 channels means it has 8 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels. Channel bonding is a DOCSIS 3.0 protocol feature that allows modems to utilize multiple streams/channels through which data is transmitted at the same time. This can be likened to having multiple lanes on a highway. These figures therefore indicate the number of upstream and downstream channels data transmits through ina modem. Channel reduces data congestion which leads to increased performance by the modem.In other words, the more the channels the better the modem’s performance. As such the SB6141 is more likely to experience internet congestion during downloads compared to the SB6183. The 8 extra downstream channels therefore make SB6183 the better modem.
Structure and design
The back side of the SB6183 consists of different color nuances which when combined with the LED lights at the front, give this modem a very joyous appearance. SB6183 also has lots of vent holes around the case to help with airflow, thus reducing overheating. Furthermore, the modem can either be positioned on a surface or mounted on a wall. Mounting is handy where space is tight. It stands at 5.25 x 2.17 x 5.00 inches measurement and ways 1.41lbs. A heavy modem is more stable.
SB6141 also comes with 5 LED lights at the front indicating connection status and the upstream/ downstream speed ranges. The modem has vent holes on the sides. It is bulky at 6.40 x 2.00 x 8.70 inches and lighter than SB6183 at 1lbs. It thus requires more storage space. SB6183 takes the lead in design because of its beauty, smaller size and heavier weight. Moreover, it can be mounted on the wall where desk space is a challenge.
Speeds
Both modems are backed by the high gigabit speed potential of the DOCSIS 3.0 protocol. Due to the differences in the number of bonded channels, SB6141 supports download speeds of 343Mbps which are decently high for people who don’t have internet intense activities. The modem is therefore ideal for internet plans of 100Mbps and is perfect for sharing/downloading content and audio/video streaming.
With its 16 downstream channels, SB6183 has download speeds of 686Mbps and is perfect for internet plans of 300Mbps. These are extremely high speeds that are able to serve an average American family well. It supports browsing, audio and video streaming, and light gaming by multiple devices. This modem therefore takes the lead in speed performance.
SB6141 Vs SB6183- A Comparative Overview
ArrisSB6141 Overview
No products found.
The SB6141 is an affordable high speed Docsis 3.0 cable modem. It features 8 x 4 channel bonding meaning that it has eight downstream data channels intended for downloads and 4 upstream data channels for uploads. These support speed ranges of 342 Mbps for downloads and 131 Mbps for uploads which is a fair speed for any basic modem. Though it has LED lights at the front, it does not have any power on or reset button. This modem supports the IPv6 and is supported by major ISPs including Cox, Timewarner, Brighthouse and Xfinity by Comcast. It is fairly easy to install.
When it comes to home use the SB6141 is sufficient forHD video streaming and online gaming. It may not however be well able to support heavy duty devices this purpose. The modem has one Ethernet port thatcan provide direct access to a router.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Great value for money
- Easy to sync and lock onto ISP signal automatically
- Very reliable
Cons
- Basic download speed
- Will be deprecated by ISP’s very soon
- The coax cable comes loose quite easily
Arris SB6183
No products found.
The SB6183 is a faster version of its predecessor the SB6141 with download speeds of 686 Mbps and uploads speeds of up to 131 Mbps. With twice the SB6141’s speeds, this modem is perfect for the 300Mbps internet plans. Its LED lights are much brighter than those of its predecessor the SB6141 modem. This modem is also DOCSIS 3.0 certified, is easy to set up and compatible with major US cable providers like Cox, Xfinity and Spectrum. Moreover, it has one Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting to a Wi-Fi router.
Arris SB6183 is equipped with a dual thread processor, clocked at 600MHz, along with a 1GB DD3 SDRAM and a 64-Mbit 3.0 V SPI flash memory. These improve the overall performance of the modem.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- High speeds
- Easy access through a web browser
- Compatible with major ISPs
Cons
- LED Indicator lights are too bright
- Prone to overheating
- No in-built Wi-Fi
Conclusion
The SB6141 and SB6183have similar features such as 1 Gigabit port each. Their biggest difference lies in their download speeds, a result of the number of bonded channels they support. Though SB6141 offer lower speeds, it is affordable and would still serve you well if all you need internet for is browsing and sharing social content. At almost double its predecessor’s (SB6141) speeds, the SB6183 will well meet the internet speeds of a family of 4, though this will cost a little extra.
Verdict: Which is Better – SB6141 or SB6183?
Having established that speed determines how enjoyable your internet experience will bethe newerSB6183is the better modem of the two, because it doubles the SB6141 speeds. Moreover, as ISPs continue to upgrade their maximum speeds, they may increase the minimum speeds they support.
FAQ’s
Do I need a router with Arris SB6183?
The SB6183 does not have any WIFI capabilities whatsoever. As such you will need a separate wireless router to spread the internet across your home.
Is Arris SB6141 compatible with Xfinity?
Yes, the SB6141DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem,is approved for Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity and more.
