Motorola MB8600 Review: Is It The Perfect DOCSIS 3.1 Modem?

Despite being launched a long time back, the Motorola MB8600 is fast and future proof, making it the best-rated DOCSIS 3.1 modems to consider in 2023.

I used the Motorola’s MB8600 for more than 3 weeks (while testing different providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, etc.) for intensive tasks like gaming, streaming, and here’s my review about the same:

Coming with a 32×8 channel bonding, 1 Gbps internet support, and everything, The Motorola MB8600 is the perfect modem for anyone. However, it’s not a modem/router combo, it means, that you’ll have to get a separate wireless router or a mesh system to make your connection wireless. That being said, is it worth the price?

Modem functionality has been a hugely debatable area, even in 2023. Starting from businesses to independent homeowners, they are often undervalued as compared to routers, when they should deserve a lot more attention, owing to the fact that they help connect to the internet in the first place.

Motorola’s MB8600 puts all the doubts and apprehensions to rest by coming across as one of the most future-proof modems with DOCSIS 3.1 support. Therefore, if you are planning to invest in a one-time office setup or a home network for unhindered online gaming and streaming, you simply cannot go wrong with the MB8600.

Motorola MB8600 Specs

Technology	Docsis 3.1
Backward Compatibility	Yes
Channel Bonding	32 x 8
Ports	1 Gig Ethernet
Phone Jack	No
Modem Router Combo	No
Suitable Internet Plan	Gig Internet (1 Gbps)
Compatible ISPs	Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Sparklight, Optimum, Mediacom, and Midco.
IPv6 Support	Yes
Processor	Broadcom 3390
RAM	512MB
NAND Storage	128MB

Motorola MB8600 Review: Should You Get It In 2023?

Even though the Motorola MB8600 is more like a gratifying upgrade over the sub-gig variants in the market, purchasing it isn’t only about the speeds. Instead, the modem gets quite a few things right, especially if you are looking to get up a futuristic internet network at home.

1. Design & Build

The Motorola MB8600 is a durable cable modem. Well, to be entirely forthcoming in terms of aesthetics, the dimensions read 7.88 x 7.25 x 2.25 inches. The weight, on the other hand, is set at 1.15 pounds, making it one of the lighter devices.

Hardened plastic forms the chassis of this one, which is bolstered further by a vertical, meshed layout and an array of status-reporting LEDs. If you are fixated with numbers, there are 5 front-panel LEDs in play, followed by 2 each in the rear for each Ethernet port, which offers ample perspective into the serviceability and quality of connections. 

This modem from Motorola doesn’t take up a lot of shelf space and even comes equipped with power surge units integrated within to help sustain outages with efficiency. 

2. Ports & Connectivity

Motorola doesn’t get too enthusiastic to offer multiple ethernet ports and is pretty restrictive with a single ethernet port. However, the existing Gig Ethernet is good enough to handle bandwidth-intensive devices.

As far as cumulative throughput is concerned, the port supports Link Aggregation, thereby allowing you to reach speeds of up to 1Gbps, as per the theoretical considerations. Plus, Motorola even accommodates Auto MDI/MDIX support for the ports in play, which allows you to be steady and accurate with the wired connections.

However, if you can consider getting its successor i.e. Motorola MB8611 which comes with a 2.5Gbps ethernet port if you feel 1 Gbps is less for your plan or needs.

Suggested Read: Motorola MB8600 vs MB8611

3. Compatibility with ISPs [Tested]

The MB8600 is compatible with the below-listed service providers:

• Comcast Xfinity
• Cox
• Spectrum
• Sparklight (Formerly CableOne)
• Optimum
• Mediacom
• Midco and more.

4. Hardware & Technology

Powering this cable modem is a reliable Broadcom processor that lets you cut through any type of congestion. Complementing the SoC is 512MB of RAM and 128MB of flash storage space, especially for storing configuration details.

This modem also boasts AQM support for a better gaming experience, followed by IPv6 compatibility and full-band digital tuning support. To be exact, it handles latency like a pro and even lets you reach maximum upstream speeds of up to 1Gbps, provided the right ISP is in place.

Finally, the quick start, web-based setup is easy to wrap your head around and allows you to unearth a wide range of modem-related features.

Motorola MB8600: Speed and Range

Finally, I plan on addressing the elephant in the room i.e. speed and throughput of the concerned modem. Motorola’s MB8600 promises overall speeds of up to 1Gbps, which rides on the laurels of the DOCSIS 3.1 technology. The DOCSIS 3.0 support, courtesy of the 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels, ensures excellent throughput and the unmatched ability to pair with a top-shelf router.

I even tested the same with a standard Gig internet plan from Xfinity and Cox, separately, to get hold of speeds reaching up to 930Mbps, under ideal conditions.

Motorola MB8600: Pros & Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

As far as the performances are concerned, the Motorola MB8600 is one of the safest bets you can consider, especially if you prioritize futuristic setups and wired efficiency more than anything else. While dedicated QoS and more ethernet slots would have been nice, this modem has quite a lot going for it when gaming and streaming perfection is concerned.