If you’re deciding on a modem router combo to streamline your home or office internet, Motorola MG8702 is worth considering. This 2-in-1 device tries to offer a practical spec sheet to balance the price and value.
Although getting a separate modem and a router is more beneficial, setting up and handling two different networking devices could be a problem for some. And this DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combo makes sense, as it tends to offer similar performance as the standalone units.
So, how well does it perform in different aspects? Can one buy this device over top-tier modem router combos, such as ARRIS Surfboard G36? I used the setup for 3 weeks and shared my experiences in the review below.
Product Name: Motorola MG8702
Product Description: Motorola MG8702 is an affordable yet efficient combo device packing DOCSIS 3.1, smart QoS support, and networking technologies like OFDMA, AQM, and beamforming. Despite an inferior WiFi 5, It’s suitable for gigabit connections and is expandable up to 2,500 Sq Ft.
Brand: Motorola
Offer price: 238.00
Currency: USD
Availability: InStock
Short Review
Costing around $238, the combo device establishes a perfect balance between its features and the price. Surprisingly, in terms of wireless capability, despite lacking WiFi 6, its performance exceeded my expectations, especially with AQM and QoS with traffic prioritization, clearing through the congestion.
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Hardware
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Plans Support
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ISP Compatibility
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Performance
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WiFi Range
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Devices Capacity
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Port Setup
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Cost to Value
Pros
- DOCSIS 3.1 & Wi-Fi 5 standards
- Good WiFi coverage
- Stacked with ports
- Smart QoS support
- Easy to install and manage
- It has basic security features
- MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and Beamforming
Cons
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
Contents
Motorola MG8702 Specs
Before jumping into the detailed review of the Motorola MG8702, check out its raw specs.
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 |
| Backward Compatibility | Yes |
| Channel Bonding | 32 x 8 |
| Ports | 4 x Gig Ethernet & 1 x USB 3.0 |
| Phone Ports | No |
| Modem Router Combo | Yes |
| Built-in Router Speed | AC3200 (3200 Mbps) |
| WiFi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Coverage Range | Up to 2,500 Sq Ft |
| Suitable Internet Plan | Gig Internet (1 Gbps) |
| Compatible ISPs | Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Suddenlink, Mediacom, RCN, and WOW! Internet. |
| RAM | 512MB |
| NAND Storage | Unknown |
| Release Date | 24 July 2020 |
| Price | $225 (As on 30 Dec '22) |
Motorola MG8702 Review
How I tested this Motorola DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem router?
I paired the MG8702 with a gig internet plan from Xfinity for three weeks. I put it into several tests, including peak speed, coverage, connection handling capacity, wired connectivity, and much more.
It’s time to cut right to the MG8702 review and discuss every aspect in detail.
1. Speeds & Coverage
Motorola MG8702 cable modem boasts the latest DOCSIS 3.1, making it future-proof. Adding to the latest modem technology is the excellent built-in wireless router, led by the Wi-Fi 5 standard with a combined speed capacity of 3200 Mbps.
Here’s how it gets distributed in dual-band frequency:
| 2.4 GHz: 1000 Mbps | 5 GHz: 2167 Mbps |
To determine the Motorola MG8702 speed, I performed a speed test with the Xfinity Gigabit plan. It delivered a download and upload speed of 906 Mbps and 103 Mbps, respectively. Note that this was when I set up the device on its 5 GHz band. Switching to the 2.4 GHz band dropped the speeds by 17%.
But that’s not why you should run and grab the MG8702 from Motorola. The speeds are backed by an excellent WiFi range of over 2,000 Sq Ft. This DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with WiFi router also supports AQM (active queue management), allowing you to minimize latency and streaming lags, making it one of the best options for gaming.
And then, there is the smart QoS functionality for efficient traffic prioritization followed by MU-MIMO functionality to connect over 40 devices at once, including Alexa devices, smartphones, gaming consoles, ring cameras, and more.
2. ISP Compatibility and Plan Suitability
Now that I’ve discussed the speed and coverage, it’s time to continue the Motorola AC3200 review by looking at the supported ISPs. The Motorola MG8702 modem is officially approved and certified to use with Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum.
However, based on several user reviews, they could use MG8702 with the following service providers:
I recommend pairing it with Gig internet to make the most of the price you shelled out for the same.
Note:
This Motorola Docsis 3.1 cable modem can’t be paired with voice plans as it lacks a telephone port. But then, if your work setup requires voice-calling support, check out my list of recommended modems with a phone jack.
3. Design and Connectivity
The Motorola MG8702 is one of the better-looking DOCSIS 3.1 modem router combos, boasting a glossy form factor and a slew of useful LED indicators. When it comes to the build quality, it is durable enough, characterized by rounded edges and a vertical structure.
The heat-dissipating vents are spacious, keeping the device cool even when it is shouldering the heaviest workloads. From a structural point of view, the product weighs close to 1.8 pounds and measures a manageable 9.5 x 8.8 x 2.8 inches.
Yet, that’s not all from the design-specific angle. The product also features four internal high-gain antennas that add to the Motorola MG8702 range, courtesy of dual-band high-power amplifiers, power boost technology, and beamforming support.
In the rear, the Motorola MG8702 is replete with four high-speed Gig ethernet ports and one USB 3.0 slot for sharing data over the network. Also, the LAN ports allow you to plug this modem into smart gaming consoles, helping you cater to their bandwidth-intensive needs.
4. Hardware and Performance
The DOCSIS 3.1 technology requires further detailing, courtesy of the 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA support, making room for thicker 160 MHz channels. This attribute promises better speeds, even during peak hours.
On top of that, the Motorola MG8702 modem also supports 32 x 8 channel bonding technology as a part of its DOCSIS 3.0 backhaul.
Powering this piece of hardware is a standard multi-core processor from Broadcom. Also, you have 512MB of RAM to help the processor quickly cut through the interference.
Adding to the Motorola MG8702 specs are the processor-powered media sharing capabilities, active network management support, and the ability to handle 4K streaming like a pro.
5. Installation, Management, and Security
Now that you are aware of the Motorola MG8702 specs and performance for different activities, here is a quick refresher to get you up to speed:
Installing this combo cannot be any easier, with Motorola making room for the MotoManage application. Modem router combos are generally easier to install compared to separate devices.
The featured application has an interactive UI, allowing you to optimize the home network for guests and kids. The app also lets you handle the Quality of Service settings to suit your requirements.
As far as security is concerned, Motorola makes way for a diagnostic log for you to keep track of, followed by SPI functionality, attack protection support, port filtering enhancement, VPN passthrough, and more.
Also, if you plan on using the app frequently, the Motorola MG8702 allows you to access the NAT and bridge mode for additional accessibility. And if you ever plan on using the same as an access point, the DHCP server support and the seamless web interface come in handy.
What I Like & Dislike
- DOCSIS 3.1 & Wi-Fi 5 standards
- Good WiFi coverage
- Stacked with ports
- Smart QoS support
- Easy to install and manage
- It has basic security features
- MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and Beamforming
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
Frequently Asked Questions
Per the test and hands-on experiences, the MG8702 can cover a 2,000 Sq Ft area. However, the same can be extended based on the structure of your house.
Motorola MG8702 works well with almost every Xfinity internet plan and bundle. However, I recommend using it with a Gigabit plan. Apart from Xfinity, this device also works well with Cox and Spectrum.
Yes, MG8702 from Motorola can be a good choice for gaming. Plus, the Smart QoS feature prioritizes traffic, and the powerful antennas ensure that even the wireless throughput is reliable.
Investing in this device makes sense as it lets you get the best of both worlds — a reliable, future-proof modem and a fast router. Plus, it can be operated using an interactive mobile application.
Verdict
There are quite a few modem-router combos in the market, but only a few can match up to the efficacy, range, speed, and functionality exhibited by the MG8702. And while this modem-router combo has almost every relevant feature aboard, it wins primarily due to the inventive design and the gray-colored structure that lends it a pretty visual allure.
Hello I’m a idiot can you help . Trying to hook up my 5G router to my ring door bell , but it’s not finding it ! Please any help
Hey Graeme,
I assume that by 5G, you meant 5GHz band frequency. If your ring bell is unable to find your WiFi network, it could be because your ring bell device might not support the 5GHz band. This means you would need to set your router to 2.4GHz and try again.
I hope this helps.
Regards.
Is the USB port a fully powered USB port? Can I plug in my MagicJack usb device into the MG8702?
Hey Sharon E,
I’m sorry, I can’t give you a yes/no answer to this as I don’t have MagicJack and hence can’t test it.
However, as far as I know, the MagicJack device needs to be connected using an ethernet cable (and not a USB). Maybe your device could be different. Anyway, the USB port on the MG8702 is functional. I think it should work.
What app can you use with it?
Hey,
You can use the Motorola MotoSync app to control the MG8702 modem-router combo.
With it, you can set up parental controls, monitor screen times, limit users, pause access, and much more.
I hope this helps.
Do you know if it’s VOIP compatible?
Hey Mel,
Motorola MG8702 doesn’t support VOIP.
Hello Kurt
I really liked your work. Your in depth review helps me a lot.
But I am confused in between Arris g34 vs MG8702. Which one to buy?
I didn’t find much difference in between the twos after reading your blog on both the products except the wifi6.
Could you please help me in finding the right one?
Hey Akash,
I appreciate your words. Between the two, I’d suggest going with Arris Surfboard G34, mainly because of Wi-Fi 6 support.
However, unlike MG8702, it misses out on a USB port. So, if your setup doesn’t need a USB port, ARRIS G34 is the way to go.