It is obvious for you to find it difficult to choose between the Motorola MB8600 and the Motorola MB8611. Laden with exceptional networking traits, both these modems are worth considering, with the specs sheets varying ever so subtly. In the subsequent comparison between these would highlight the expertise of each, whilst helping you choose better and with relevance.
Contents
Motorola MB8611 vs. Motorola 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 | Up to 6Gbps | Up to 3.8Gbps | Motorola MB8611 |
| RAM | 512MB | 512MB | DRAW |
| NAND Memory | 128MB | 128MB | DRAW |
| Ports | 1 2.5Gbps Port | 4 1G Ports | Motorola MB8600 |
| 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) | $169 | $149 | Motorola MB8600 |
The Key Differences
The key differences between Motorola MB8611 and Motorola MB8600:
Wired Throughput: The Motorola MB8611 ensures faster-wired speeds, with a single port capable of exhibiting 2.5Gbps. While the MB8600, i.e., the reviewed version, comes with multiple Ethernet ports, the former guarantees better speeds if you are only assigned a single IP and have multi-Gig speeds to experience.
Ports: If you are only interested in the number of ports, the Motorola MB8600 seems like the better bet, courtesy of 4 Ethernet slots as opposed to the single multi-Gig port featured by the MB8611.
Link Aggregation: As the MB8600 comes with 4 Gig ports, the wired connections can be bonded to help you reach higher speeds if needed. Unlike the MB8611, the former comes equipped with the Auto MDI/MDIX technology to ensure correct wired configuration, in case you plan on using multiple ports together.
Cost: The MB8600 is a tad cheaper as 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.
Data Rates: If raw data transmission speeds are concerned, the MB8611 comes across as a better modem, capable of reaching maximum downstream data rates of up to 6,000Mbps. The MB8600, on the other hand, boasts 3800Mbps, as the maximum downstream data rate.
LEDs: While both these modems feature a wide array of LEDs, the MB8600 fares better as in addition to sharing a comparable LED consortium with the MB8611, it brings two LED ports each for one Gig Ethernet port.
Similarities between Motorola MB8611 and Motorola 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 Motorola MB8600 that 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, the MB8600 features four LAN ports 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, the MB8600 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 MB8611 readily features at the top. With a maximum data transfer rate of 6Gbps, this is the perfect corporate modem that you can invest in. I even tested it with a Gig internet plan from Xfinity and was able to reach maximum wired speeds of up to 980Mbps.
The MB8600, on the other hand, is also good enough for speeds of up to 6Gbps but works the best if you can limit your expectations to 3.8Gbps. As there are 4 GigE ports to work with, this is the perfect modem to purchase if you have multiple ISP plans feeding into the home and office network. I even tested it with two Gig Plans from Cox and Xfinity and could reach speeds of almost 1.9Gbps.
However, the wireless speeds readily depend on the quality of the included router and the processing setup it boasts of.
Coming to compatibility, though, the MB8600 is capable of accommodating Gigablast plans from select cable-specific service providers in Cox, Xfinity Comcast, Xfinity X1, and more. Motorola 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, port setup, assigned LEDs, 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 32×8 support, pertaining to each of the mentioned modems, is good enough to handle most Gig and multi-Gig plans in 2021.
Still, as per inferences, I feel that the MB8611 is a 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 personally prefer the Motorola MB8600 for its 4 GigE ports and link aggregation support.
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