It is evident that you find it challenging to choose between the Motorola MB8600 and the Motorola MB8611. Laden with exceptional networking traits, both these modems are worth considering in 2023, with the specs sheets varying ever so subtly. The subsequent comparison between these two modems would highlight the expertise of each while helping you choose better and with relevance.
Contents
Motorola MB8611 vs MB8600: Quick Comparison
| Traits | Motorola MB8611 | Motorola MB8600 | 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: 2.5 Gbps Upstream: 800 Mbps | Downstream: 3.8 Gbps Upstream: 1 Gbps | Motorola MB8600 |
| RAM | 512MB | 512MB | DRAW |
| NAND Memory | 128MB | 128MB | DRAW |
| Ports | 1 x 2.5Gbps Port | 1 x 1Gbps Ports | Motorola MB8611 |
| Link Aggregation | No | Yes | Motorola MB8600 |
| Compatible ISPs | Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, WOW!, Suddenlink | Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Spectrum, Midco, Optimum, Sparklight, WOW!. | Motorola 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) | $180 | $160 | Motorola MB8600 |
The Key Differences
The key differences between Motorola MB8611 and Motorola MB8600:
Ports & Throughput: The Motorola MB8611 ensures faster-wired speeds, with a single port capable of exhibiting 2.5Gbps. While the MB8600 also comes with a single port with support for a 1Gbps connection. Hence, the former guarantees better speeds if you are only assigned a single IP and have multi-Gig speeds to experience.
Link Aggregation: Unlike the MB8611, the MB8600 supports Link Aggregation. It also comes equipped with Auto MDI/MDIX technology to ensure the correct wired configuration.
Cost: The MB8600 is a tad cheaper compared to the MB8611. While the change in pricing isn’t all the significant, the former seems to be a better choice when cost-to-ownership is concerned.
Download/Upload Speeds: If raw data transmission speeds are concerned, the MB8600 is a better modem with a maximum downstream rate of 3.8Gbps and a maximum upstream rate of 1Gbps. The MB8611, on the other hand, boasts a maximum downstream rate of 2.5Gbps & upstream rates of 800Mbps.
Similarities between MB8611 and MB8600
- Aesthetics and dimensions are similar
- Both are DOCSIS 3.1 compatible modems 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
- 2-year warranty
- IPv6 support for better network addressing performance
- Seamless configuration
- Surge protection against lightning
- Comparable processing setup with Broadcom processor and 512MB RAM
- Active Queue Management for minimal latency and better gaming
Design & Port Setup
Despite skimming through the basic set of similarities and differences between these two modems, it is necessary to address the form factors and port setups associated with each.
At first, I have the MB8600, 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 products feature a well-ventilated structure, ensuring zero overheating.
Coming to the port arrangement, both the modems feature a single LAN port followed by a Coax cable slot and a standard power input port. The MB8611 is a minimalist that way, with a 2.5G port leading the way, followed by a similarly placed Coax connector.
Therefore, as per the port setup, Motorola MB8611 seems like a better buy if you have multiple high-bandwidth electronic devices at home. Finally, the vertical layout canopies both these modems, thereby transforming them into aesthetic home inclusions.
Speed & Compatibility
As far as modem transmission rates and throughput are concerned, the MB8600 readily features at the top. With a maximum downstream rate of 3.8Gbps and an upstream rate of 1Gbps, this is the perfect corporate modem to invest in. I even tested it with a Gig internet plan from Xfinity and was able to reach 980Mbps download speeds.
The MB8611, on the other hand, is one of the better modems featuring a downstream speed of up to 2.5Gbps and upstream speeds of up to 800Mbps. As per my testing with the same Gig Internet plan from Xfinity, I could witness download speeds of up to 930Mbps. Remember that the wireless speeds solely depend on the quality of the paired wireless router and the processing setup.
Coming to compatibility, though, the MB8600 can accommodate Gigablast plans from select cable-specific service providers in Cox, Xfinity Comcast, Xfinity X1, and more. MB8611, on the other hand, works fine with some of the mentioned plans and even the Comcast Business internet plan and ones from Charter Spectrum.
Who should buy the Motorola MB8611?
If you have the following inclinations, the Motorola MB8611 is the best option for you:
- High-speed corporate setups
- Maximum throughput from one service provider
- Minimal streaming latency
- Higher data rates for future-proof networks
Who should buy the Motorola MB8600?
Motorola’s MB8600 is a good fit if you want to:
- Connect multiple Smart TVs and gaming consoles to the modem, directly
- Procure the networking resources from multiple ISPs at once
- Set up a massive local area network
- Minimize gaming latency, considerably
- Get a sub $150 modem
Verdict
Upon comparing 2 top-of-the-line modems from Motorola, i.e., the MB8611 and MB8600, I realized that there isn’t a lot separating these two. Despite the numerous similarities, these modems differ in terms of data rates, throughput, link aggregation, and pricing.
Also, both these modems are standard DOCSIS 3.1 units with support for 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA channel bonding. While you wouldn’t need this technology as of now, the DOCSIS 3.0 with 32 x 8 support, pertaining to each of the mentioned modems, is good enough to handle most Gig Internet plans in 2023.
Still, as per inferences, I feel that the MB8611 is still better than the MB8600 for small and compact office setups where speeds are more important than overall throughput. On the other hand, the MB8600 is a better bet for large-scale setups and establishments that would coax you into getting more than one internet plan.
While both these modems are future-proof, I’d personally pick the Motorola MB8611 for its higher downstream capabilities.
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? Also you mentioned that the latency for gaming is considerably better with the MB8600. How do the two compare in actual latency numbers?
Hey Rob,
Your attention to detail is appreciated. My two cents:
1) 3.8 Gbps total power is a theoretical number which you can consider a gimmick.
2) Latency is a bit low on MB8600 compared to MB8611. It’s because MB8600 boasts Active Queue Management (AQM) which helps reduce latency.