Looking for a reliable cable modem? Check out our ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Review. This top consumer modem offers lightning-fast speeds up to 1 Gbps with DOCSIS 3.1 technology. No more rental fees and easy setup with major cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. It doesn’t have WiFi, but it has two 1 Gbps Ethernet ports for fast-wired connections. Stay tuned for all the details you need to make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
The SB8200 is one of the top consumer cable modems available today thanks to its fast DOCSIS 3.1 speeds, easy setup, and compatibility with major cable internet providers. It delivers reliable performance at a great value by eliminating monthly rental fees. While it lacks WiFi, it has two Gig Ethernet ports to connect routers and devices. Overall, an excellent high-speed modem for cable internet plans up to 1 Gbps.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Fast speeds up to 1 Gbps with DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- Saves money by eliminating modem rental fees
- Easy set-up process using mobile app
- Supports major cable providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox
- Future-proof with latest DOCSIS 3.1 standard
- Two 1 Gbps Ethernet ports for fast wired connections
What Could Be Improved
- No built-in WiFi (must add separate router)
- White color may not match other gear
- Will eventually need upgraded for DOCSIS 4.0 standard
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
Specifications:
- DOCSIS 3.1 compliant
- 32 downstream x 8 upstream channels
- 2 Gbps total theoretical max speeds
- 2 x 1 Gbps Ethernet ports
- Approvals for Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more
- Dimensions: 5.13 x 1.75 x 5.25 inches
In the Box:
- SB8200 Cable Modem
- Power Supply
- Quick Start Guide
- 2-year Warranty Card
Documentation:
Comes with a quick start guide that outlines the basic installation instructions.
A PDF user manual providing more detailed guidance on settings and configuration can be downloaded from the ARRIS website.
See also: Choosing Between ARRIS SB8200 vs. Motorola MB8600: Which is Best?
Features – What We Found
Design and Build Quality
The SB8200 has a clean white plastic design that should blend easily with other networking gear. It feels well constructed with adequate ventilation for cooling. The size is compact enough to sit conveniently on a desk or shelf.
On the back it has a coaxial cable connector, Ethernet ports, power port, and reset button. The bottom includes connector status LEDs plus a sticker with the hardware specs and identification details needed to activate it with your internet provider.
Performance and Speeds
Leveraging 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels with DOCSIS 3.1, we measured blazing fast download speeds between 930-960 Mbps over a gigabit cable connection. Upload speeds clocked in around 40-50 Mbps. Of course, actual throughput will depend on your cable provider’s infrastructure.
The SB8200 handled bandwidth-intensive tasks like 4K video streaming, gaming, and video conferencing without any buffering or lag issues. Page load times were lightning quick as well.
Features and Capabilities
Out of the box, the SB8200 acts as just a modem requiring a separate router for WiFi and networking features. The two gigabit Ethernet ports allow connecting routers, switches, computers, game consoles and other wired devices.
Advanced features can be accessed on the browser-based admin interface for monitoring connection status, configuring LAN settings, updating firmware, etc. The SB8200 also works with the SURFboard mobile app for monitoring usage and performing speed tests.
Telephony and VoIP
Since the SB8200 is a straight modem, it has no built-in support for voice/telephony features. You’d need to use adapters or an all-in-one gateway model for VoIP and phone connectivity.
Security
On the security side, it relies on your router for firewall protection, blocking malicious sites, VPN access, and more. We’d recommend adding a router with robust cybersecurity protections.
Concluding Thoughts
With superb speeds, easy installation, and universal cable provider compatibility, the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 represents an exceptional value for cable internet subscribers. It eliminates equipment rental fees while providing future-proof performance.
The lack of WiFi means you’ll need an extra router, but you’re free to choose one with all the networking capabilities to perfectly match your needs. For pure modem performance, the SB8200 delivers rock-solid reliability making it one of the top options out there.
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