ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 is one of the most popular DOCSIS 3.1-powered modems, known to offer an excellent price-to-performance ratio. But is it worth picking up in 2022? Can it handle Gigabit speeds in real time? Let’s find out!
Before coming up with the ARRIS SB8200 review, I used this cable modem with ASUS ZenWiFi XD6 (one of the most capable WiFi mesh systems) on Comcast Xfinity’s Gigabit plan. I performed various activities to experience maximized internet throughput and its performance on multiple devices. This article is a result of my six-week-long usage & observation.
Let’s get to know its capabilities and reliability!
Contents
Arris SB8200 Specs
If you’re interested in real-time performance than the specifications, skip to the review part.
| Modem Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 |
| Backward Compatibility | Yes |
| Channel Bonding | 32 x 8 |
| Ports | 2 x Gig Ethernet |
| Phone Jack | No |
| Modem Router Combo | No |
| Suitable Internet Plan | Up to 800 Mbps |
| Compatible ISPs | Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, Mediacom, WOW!, Midco, and Sparklight. |
| Processor | Broadcom BCM3390 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| NAND Storage | 128MB |
| Dimensions | 5.24 x 5.24 x 1.65 inches |
| Weight | 1.48 pounds |
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Review (2022)
In the subsequent sections, I shall review this Arris cable modem across multiple parameters, whilst talking about each aspect at length.
1. Associated Networking Technologies
As mentioned in beginning, the SB8200 sports DOCSIS 3.1 modem technology. Paired with 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA and 32 x 8 channels, it gets enough channels to support seamless connectivity. Also, SB8200 is strictly a cable modem-only device and not a modem-router combo. So you’d need a good dual-band or tri-band router to pair it with.
The existing processing setup makes way for IPv6 support to improve browsing performances, significantly.
The cable modem is also backward compatible, which means it can work with internet services with older DOCSIS infrastructures, or say, low-speed internet plans as well. So overall, in terms of networking technologies, Arris SB8200 gives tough competition to Motorola MB8600 and others in the $150 price segment.
2. ARRIS SB8200 Speeds & Throughput
With SB8200, ARRIS promises to support cable-based internet plans of up to 1000 Mbps. However, when measured in real-time tests with an active Xfinity Gigabit connection, I could reach anywhere between 750 and 800 Mbps of download speed.
So, unlike ARRIS SURFboard S33, this model can’t take the full potential of Gigabit internet plans. And if you need true Gigabit throughput, check out my recommended gigabit modems.
However, the speeds were consistent and I could use the internet on my laptop, work PC, a smartphone, and it also hosted some smart-home gadgets and security cameras. I was still satisfied with a download speed of up to 800 Mbps and an upload speed of up to 35 Mbps. I enjoyed binge-watching shows, gaming on PS 4, and performing some more bandwidth-hungry activities.
3. Ports & Wired 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.
4. Compatibility with Internet Providers
The SB8200 boasts multi-ISP support. Since it supports a maximum of 800 Mbps of throughput, I recommend pairing it with a relevant plan from the below-listed ISPs.
Note: This modem isn’t accommodative towards DSL or Fiber Optic ISPs such as CenturyLink, Verizon FiOS, and even the ones that offer bundled voice services.
5. 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. I like the white-colored compact form factor, conflated with an array of strategically placed, heat-dissipating vents.
However, there is a lot more to this Surfboard series modem than just a minimal design. The matte finish makes the product look premium, a feature that the SB8200 shares with the likes of SB6190, SB6141, 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. You may read about ARRIS modem lights to understand what they mean or indicate.
However, a special mention needs to be there for the quick installation and setup, with the web interface quite easy to get around, thereby making activation simpler and seamless.
6. Hardware Specs
The best thing about the SB8200 is its ditches an Intel Puma chipset for an efficient 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 channels. The DOCSIS 3.1 support even lets you manage gig connections, provided the ISP is supportive of the same. It also comprises 128MB of flash memory to store network configurations and updates.
Pros and Cons of Arris SB8200
- Two Ethernet ports
- Link Aggregation support
- 32 x 8 channel bonding
- Supports DOCSIS 3.0 fall-back
- Excellent price-to-performance
- Easy to setup and manage
- Doesn’t support Gigabit speed
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, 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 also compared this modem with its competitors:
ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 Review $150
Summary
Arris Surfboard SB8200 is one of the most popular cable modems out there. It is backed by DOCSIS 3.1 technology and 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. It works best with internet plans of up to 800 Mbps. It is suitable for video conferencing, streaming, and multi-tab browsing, considering its ability to cut through any level of congestion.
Find my overall ratings here:
- Speeds & Throughput: 4.2 / 5.0
- Ports & Connectivity: 4.0 / 5.0
- Ease of Setup & Control: 4.2 / 5.0
- Hardware & Security: 4.3 / 5.0
- Design & Aesthetics: 4.4 / 5.0
I’ve been using the SB8200 with Comcast, I bought it after going through your list here and I must say that it’s one of the best-rated DOCSIS 3.1 modems available!