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’ve used the 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.
Coming with a 32×8 channel bonding, 1Gbps 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.
Contents
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:
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
- Link Aggregation support
- Surge protection support
- Multi-ISP compatibility
- Useful LED indicators
- Active Queue Management
- Only one Ethernet port
- A tad pricey for budget-minded users
Frequently Asked Questions
While there are several good things about the MB8600, it is the low-ping gaming and Active Queue Management support that makes quite an impression.
The Motorola MB8600 is an excellent modem for gaming, courtesy of the AQM support that helps minimize overall latency and paves the way for excellent gaming performances.
Setting up the MB8600 is quite straightforward. You simply need to connect the modem with the service cable, wait up for the 2nd light from the bottom to turn green, and eventually connect the modem to the computer via the LAN port. This takes care of the hardware setup, and then you need to launch the web-based activation page to feed in the details.
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.
The Review
Motorola is known for manufacturing high-quality tech products, and MB8600 is no exception. As I test the MB8600 for over one month, I felt I have a lot to talk about about this cable modem. The Motorola MB8600 is powered by DOCSIS 3.1 technology and 32 x 8 channel bonding.
It comes with one Gig Ethernet slot to connect to a 1000 Mbps connection. I used it with the Gig Internet plan from Comcast Xfinity, and by far, I’ve been enjoying the speeds and throughput.
The MB8600 sports an aesthetically pleasing design with LED indicators in front and power-efficient hardware. The device has 512MB of RAM and 128MB of flash memory. And the built-in AQM support lets you experience gaming with minimal latency. As for the download speed, I could get over 700 Mbps and over 5 Mbps of actual upload speed. In addition to that, the modem also supports Link Aggregation.
Another good part of the MB8600 is its ability to work with multiple ISPs. Overall, I find this modem quite good, and I recommend it. However, if you ask about the downsides, Motorola could have added two ethernet slots.
Compatible ISPs: Comcast Xfinity Cox Spectrum Sparklight (Formerly CableOne), Optimum Mediacom Midco, etc.
Suitable Service Package: 1 Gig Internet
I purchased this modem, arrived, connect it it . But could not get any connection. Called optimum and I was told this modem is not compatible with their company.
Li Silvs,
It’s not officially supported by Optimum and at first, the tech support won’t even allow you to use it, but you can check out the below links, almost most of them were able to convince the tech team, just would take 3-4 calls, but this modem is totally worth it.
https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r31484812-OOL-Motorola-MB8600-Docsis-3-1-config
https://www.reddit.com/r/OPTIMUM/comments/jb3fhj/motorola_mb8600/g8tr6yh/
https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx2KA3PKXWOP0Y6/ref=ask_ql_ql_al_hza
You stated,”almost most of them”. I have Comcast/Xfinity. They stopped supporting this modem and I can not discover why. Do you have contacts within Xfinity I can call?
Hey Robert,
I’m sorry to hear that. There must be something wrong with your unit.
You may contact Xfinity support here.
Kurt, my ISP plan supports up to 600-800 mbps. Do you think MB8600 is an “overkill” for my plan ? If so, are there other Motorola modems you recommend ? Also which router would pair up with MB8600 ?
George
Hey George,
No, I don’t think that the MB8600 would be an overkill for your plan. It’s always good to get a device that can handle more than what your plan has to offer, the reason being, it’s future-proof. Say, your ISP provides a free plan upgrade in the next few months, to fully enjoy the benefits, you’ll not have to buy a new modem.
Also, unlike modems, choosing the router doesn’t only depends on the subscribed internet plan, but you’ll also have to tell me more about the coverage area, number of devices you’ll connect wirelessly, internet usage, etc. Would be better if you could mail me with more details on kurt@approvedmodems.org
I’ll try to help you find the right router based on your requirement.
You can also read: https://approvedmodems.org/how-to-choose-router/