Are you finding it difficult to choose between the Motorola MB8600 and MB8611? Both modems have almost the same specifications, but they differ slightly.
I used each device as my primary internet setup for up to 7 days and have compiled a thorough comparison between the two.
Contents
MB8600 vs MB8611: Specs Comparison
| Traits | Motorola MB8600 | Motorola MB8611 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  | ||
| DOCSIS Tech | DOCSIS 3.1 | DOCSIS 3.1 | DRAW |
| Channels | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 | DRAW |
| Speeds | Downstream: 3.8 Gbps Upstream: 1 Gbps | Downstream: 2.5 Gbps Upstream: 800 Mbps | MB8600 |
| RAM | 512MB | 512MB | DRAW |
| NAND Memory | 128MB | 128MB | DRAW |
| Ports | 1 x Open Gig-E Port 3 x Masked Gig-E Ports | 1 x 2.5 Gbps | BOTH |
| Link Aggregation | Yes | No | MB8600 |
| Compatible ISPs | Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Sparklight, Breezeline, Midco, and TDS Telecom. | Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom, WOW Internet, and Astound Broadband. | MB8600 |
| Dimensions | 7.88 x 7.25 x 2.25 inches | 7.88 x 7.25 x 2.25 inches | DRAW |
| Price (Value for Money) | $140 | $185 | MB8600 |
The Key Differences
The key differences between Motorola MB8600 and Motorola MB8611:
Ports & Throughput: The MB8600 features three masked and one open 1 Gbps port that can handle Gigabit internet. MB8611, on the other hand, features a single yet multi-gig ethernet port capable of handling plans up to 2.5 Gbps.
Link Aggregation: Unlike the MB8611, the MB8600 supports Link Aggregation.
Cost: The MB8600 is almost $50 cheaper than MB8611. The difference in pricing is good enough to make MB8600 a better value for money.
Down/Up Speeds: If raw data transmission speeds are concerned, the MB8600 is a better choice with a maximum downstream rate of 3.8 Gbps (with port aggregation) and a maximum upstream rate of 1 Gbps.
The MB8611, on the other hand, boasts a maximum downstream rate of 2.5 Gbps & upstream speeds of 800 Mbps.
Similarities Between MB8600 and MB8611
- Aesthetics and dimensions
- Both support DOCSIS 3.1 modem infrastructure with support for fall-back to DOCSIS 3.0
- A similar set of front-panel LEDs
- Full-band Digital Tuning for better speeds
- Vertical layout with proper venting
- Two years of warranty
- IPv6 support for better network addressing performance
- Seamless configuration
- Surge protection against lightning
- Comparable hardware setup with Broadcom processor and 512MB RAM
- AQM (Active Queue Management) support for minimal latency
Motorola MB8600 vs Motorola MB8611: Detailed Comparison
Key Takeaway: Motorola MB8600 is an overall better choice, courtesy of Link Aggregation support, affordable price, and similar performance. Go with MB8611 only if you’ve (or planning to upgrade to) a multi-gig internet plan.
Let’s compare MB8600 with MB8611 on several aspects to know how each performs:
Throughput & Internet Speeds
Regarding modem transmission rates and throughput, the MB8600 comes with a maximum downstream rate of 3.8 Gbps and an upstream rate of 1 Gbps.
Motorola MB8611, on the other hand, comes with a maximum throughput capacity of 2.5 Gbps and an upstream rate of 800 Mbps.
In my test, the MB8600, paired with Cox Gigablast connection and TP-Link AXE75 router, the 15-feet speed test produced great results. Specifically, the download speed touched 897 Mbps, while the upload speed reached almost 40 Mbps.
Upon testing MB8611 with the Gigabit Extra (1200 Mbps) Internet plan from Xfinity and the TP-Link Archer AX90 router, I could witness a solid download speed of up to 1038 Mbps. The upload speed clocked was 35 Mbps. Note that this speed test was done 20 feet from the internet equipped.
Note: The wireless speeds solely depend on the quality of the paired wireless router, internet provider, and location.
Compatibility with Internet Providers
While both modems are certified to work with major internet providers, they still have differences in compatibility with other ISPs in the US.
| ISP | MB8600 | MB8611 |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cox | ✅ | ✅ |
| Spectrum | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sparklight | ✅ | ❌ |
| Midco | ✅ | ❌ |
| WOW! | ❌ | ✅ |
| Breezeline | ✅ | ❌ |
| Astound | ❌ | ✅ |
| Optimum | ❌ | ❌ |
Design & Port Setup
Despite skimming through the basic set of similarities and differences, addressing the form factors and port setups associated with each is necessary.
At first, I have the MB8600 from Motorola, which weighs close to 1.15 pounds. Also, it measures 7.88 x 7.25 x 2.25 inches when dimensions are concerned.
Surprisingly, the Motorola MB8611 also boasts an exactly similar design and heft. Both these devices feature a well-ventilated structure, ensuring zero overheating.
Coming to the port setup, both the modems feature a single ‘open’ LAN port followed by a Coax cable slot and a standard power input port. However, MB8600 has three masked ethernet ports behind its yellow sticker, which can be used for Link Aggregation.
The MB8611, on the other hand, is more minimalist, with a single 2.5G port, followed by a similarly placed Coax connector.
Therefore, as per the port arrangement, both are unique in their own ways. Still, Motorola MB8611 is slightly better if you have a multi-gig connection or are planning to upgrade to one in the near future.
Finally, the vertical layout canopies both these modems, thereby transforming them into aesthetic home inclusions.
Verdict
Upon comparing two top-of-the-line cable modems from Motorola, I realized there isn’t much separating the two. Despite the numerous similarities, these modems differ in terms of data rates, throughput, link aggregation, and pricing.
I feel that the MB8600 is an overall better pick for home and office internet needs. On the other hand, the MB8611 makes sense if you have got fast, multi-gig internet.
Thank you!
Of all reads I’ve done you were able to help my decision appreciate you.
This article was very helpful. I am looking to use my Unify Router with load balancing. I have gigabit FIOS and wanted to use Xfinity gigabit. Are you aware of any issue using the Motorola MB8600 for this?
I had MB8611 with xfinity plan. Indeed it is fast, I saw up to 200Mbps and response time 4ms with my up to 1Gbps plan. But every few hours it dropped connection and hangs up for a few min presumably for rebooting. These events are seen in its log file. Tech person from xfinity adjusted level of input cable signal from ~12DB(mv) to ~6 and replaced cable 1:3 splitter for presumably higher frequency band one. After that performance is improved slightly, but still it hangs for a couple of times per day. And it always happens when you are at zoom mtg with colleagues… so it is extremely annoying. Problem has gone when modem was replaced with slower MB7621. Question: did you observe any ISP connection/signal drops with MB8600?
Why would a modem that allows a theoretical downstream of 3.8Gbps only have a 1Gbps port while a 2.5Gbps modem (from the same company) have a 2.5Gbps port?
Hey Rob,
Your attention to detail is appreciated.
The 3.8 Gbps capacity of MB8600 is with port aggregation. While the 2.5 Gbps capacity on the MB8611 is with its multi-gig port.
I hope this clears your confusion.