The SB8200 is one of the most popular gigabit DOCSIS 3.1 modems in the retail space, not many can match up to the processing power offered by the Arris SB8200. This product offered by Arris lets on quite a bit by letting you maximize the internet throughput offered by the ISP in the first place.
Not to mention the perfect balance between port arrangement and processing setup that eliminates the need for any other networking ally. Coming to the functionality on offer, this is one of the more suitable products for video conferencing and multi-tab browsing, considering its ability to cut through any level of congestion.
In the subsequent sections, I shall review the Arris SB8200 across multiple parameters, whilst talking about each aspect at length.
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1
- Downstream/Upstream: 32 x 8
- Max Data Speeds: Up to 2Gbps
- Ports: 2 Gig Ethernet slots
- Suitable Service Package: 1Gbps
- RAM: 3GB
- NAND Memory: 128MB
Contents
Arris Surfboard SB8200 Review
1. Design & Build
The SB8200 from Arris is an exceptionally good-looking cable modem, with dimensions tagged at 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches. Still, its 2-pound chassis concerns me but that is hardly an issue that you cannot steer clear of as a user. What’s promising though is the white form factor, conflated with an array of strategically placed, heat-dissipating vents.
However, there is a lot more to this Surfboard-tagged modem than just a minimal design. The matte finish makes the product look premium, a feature that the SB8200 shares with the likes of SB6141, SB6190, and even the SB6183, from the same company.
Delving deeper into the distinctive design also made me realize that the Arris SB8200 sports four LEDs in the front at two in the rear!
2. Ports & Connectivity
This modem throws in two GigE ports for faster-wired connections. And that even lets on the absence of built-in routing facilities. What is promising to note is that Arris even offers link aggregation support, thereby making it easier for you to experience multi-gig speeds.
The 2-port setup even allows you to handle two separate internet connections with ease, provided your ISP provides another usable IP address.
3. Compatibility with ISPs
The Arris SB8200 boasts multi-ISP support, with compatibility extending across the likes of Cox, Comcast Xfinity, Mediacom, WOW!, Suddenlink, Midco, and Sparklight. However, you must be aware of the fact that this cable modem isn’t accommodative towards CenturyLink, Verizon, and even ISPs that offer voice services, bundled with the internet plans.
4. Hardware & Technology
The best thing about the SB8200 is its ditches an Intel chipset for a high-speed Broadcom processor. The SoC works in tandem with 3GB RAM, making it easier to cut through any type of congestion and network latency. What’s important to note is that the Broadcom BCM3390 is fast and lets you work in adherence with the 32 x 8 channel bonding support. The DOCSIS 3.1 support even lets you manage multi-gig connections, provided the ISP is supportive of the same.
Arris even incorporates 16MB of flash memory to store network configurations and updates with ease. The existing processing setup makes way for IPv6 support to improve browsing performances, significantly. You also get 128MB of additional storage space to amplify networking experiences, further.
However, a special mention needs to be there for the quick installation and setup, with the web interface is quite easy to get around, thereby making activation simpler and seamless.
Arris SB8200: Speed & Throughput
Coming to the speed and throughput, the Arris SB8200 allows you to reach maximum speeds of up to 2000Mbps. However, when measured in real-time with an active Gig plan, I could reach speeds of up to 850Mbps.
Also, you need to understand that the SB8200 doesn’t come as a combo device i.e. it misses out on an integrated router. However, if you end up pairing a high-end router to it, the internet coverage can be extended up to 2500 sq ft, with ease.
Arris SB8200: Pros and Cons
- Two Ethernet ports
- Link aggregation support
- 32 x 8 channel bonding support
- Supports DOCSIS 3.0 fall-back
- Easy setup
- Needs a separate router to reach its full potential
- Compatibility with certain ISPs can be an issue
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the SB8200 from Arris is strictly future-proof owing to the DOCSIS 3.1 technology and 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA support. However, for this technology to have an impact, even the ISP will have to upgrade its hardware and beef up the internet plans.
While the maximum speed offered by each port depends on the internet plan you are on, for a gig internet plan, you can safely assume 950Mbps as the peak speed, owing to the exceptional processing hardware in play.
The hardware setup associated with this modem keeps latency to a minimum, qualifying it as one of the better bets for bandwidth-intensive tasks like gaming.
Verdict
If you are in the market for an all-inclusive modem that doesn’t only promise higher speeds but even a top-notch processing setup, the Arris SB8200 is the device to consider. After testing it extensively for 6 weeks at a stretch, as my primary modem, I feel that big business houses, telemarketing firms, and professional gamers can immensely benefit from this avant-garde modem.
I’ve compared this modem with the below:
- Arris SB8200 vs Motorola MB8600
- Arris SB8200 vs SB6190
- Arris S33 vs. Arris SB8200
- Netgear CM1000 vs Arris SB8200
Other Modem Comparisons:
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