MOTOROLA MB8600 Multi-Gigabit Speed Tiers Cable Modem
Last updated date: August 31, 2022
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Update as August 31, 2022:
Checkout The Best Modem for a detailed review of all the top modems.
Overall Take
The Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is the device that takes the internet from your provider and distributes it into your household for you and any other internet users to access.
With a speed that allows up to 6Gbps, this modem is excellent for people who have gigabit internet from their internet service providers. Many lower-end modems will not allow speeds this fast and will actually lessen your effective speed even if you are paying for gigabit internet.
If you don’t have gigabit internet, this will still work wonderfully as your internet modem. The benefit is that it will be ready if you ever do upgrade your speeds and you won’t have to purchase another modem at that time.
Modems are usually offered by your internet provider for a monthly fee. Generally, by the time your contract has ended, you’ve paid more for their rental modem than what a brand new modem would have cost you. If you end up using the same internet provider for more than a year, it is almost definitely cheaper and smarter to purchase your own modem.
A key factor of this modem is that it is approved for use by some of the major internet providers in the US. Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox and CableOne have all approved this modem for all the speed packages they offer.
The Motorola MB8600 will work with any brand of WiFi router. This includes standard routers as well as Whole Home Routers or Mech routers like eero, Google WiFi and Orbi. Though it is important to note that this is not a WiFi router by itself and it also will not work with landline phone plans, rather it is strictly for internet-only plans.
With an ethernet port present, this modem allows you to plug in one device to achieve a direct, cabled connection to the internet. This eliminates WiFi as a source of lag or internet latency for that one device, which is often useful for online gaming.
This modem features top-of-the-line technology, offering fast speeds and reliable support for all your devices. With this modem, you get built-in protection against denial of service attacks and surges. Thanks to its airflow-promoting design, you'll also have less of a risk of overheating.The Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is the device that takes the internet from your provider and distributes it into your household for you and any other internet users to access.
With a speed that allows up to 6Gbps, this modem is excellent for people who have gigabit internet from their internet service providers. Many lower-end modems will not allow speeds this fast and will actually lessen your effective speed even if you are paying for gigabit internet.
If you don’t have gigabit internet, this will still work wonderfully as your internet modem. The benefit is that it will be ready if you ever do upgrade your speeds and you won’t have to purchase another modem at that time.
Modems are usually offered by your internet provider for a monthly fee. Generally, by the time your contract has ended, you’ve paid more for their rental modem than what a brand new modem would have cost you. If you end up using the same internet provider for more than a year, it is almost definitely cheaper and smarter to purchase your own modem.
A key factor of this modem is that it is approved for use by some of the major internet providers in the US. Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox and CableOne have all approved this modem for all the speed packages they offer.
The Motorola MB8600 will work with any brand of WiFi router. This includes standard routers as well as Whole Home Routers or Mech routers like eero, Google WiFi and Orbi. Though it is important to note that this is not a WiFi router by itself and it also will not work with landline phone plans, rather it is strictly for internet-only plans.
With an ethernet port present, this modem allows you to plug in one device to achieve a direct, cabled connection to the internet. This eliminates WiFi as a source of lag or internet latency for that one device, which is often useful for online gaming.
The Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is the device that takes the internet from your provider and distributes it into your household for you and any other internet users to access.
With a speed that allows up to 6Gbps, this modem is excellent for people who have gigabit internet from their internet service providers. Many lower-end modems will not allow speeds this fast and will actually lessen your effective speed even if you are paying for gigabit internet.
If you don’t have gigabit internet, this will still work wonderfully as your internet modem. The benefit is that it will be ready if you ever do upgrade your speeds and you won’t have to purchase another modem at that time.
Modems are usually offered by your internet provider for a monthly fee. Generally, by the time your contract has ended, you’ve paid more for their rental modem than what a brand new modem would have cost you. If you end up using the same internet provider for more than a year, it is almost definitely cheaper and smarter to purchase your own modem.
A key factor of this modem is that it is approved for use by some of the major internet providers in the US. Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox and CableOne have all approved this modem for all the speed packages they offer.
The Motorola MB8600 will work with any brand of WiFi router. This includes standard routers as well as Whole Home Routers or Mech routers like eero, Google WiFi and Orbi. Though it is important to note that this is not a WiFi router by itself and it also will not work with landline phone plans, rather it is strictly for internet-only plans.
With an ethernet port present, this modem allows you to plug in one device to achieve a direct, cabled connection to the internet. This eliminates WiFi as a source of lag or internet latency for that one device, which is often useful for online gaming.
The Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is the device that takes the internet from your provider and distributes it into your household for you and any other internet users to access.
With a speed that allows up to 6Gbps, this modem is excellent for people who have gigabit internet from their internet service providers. Many lower-end modems will not allow speeds this fast and will actually lessen your effective speed even if you are paying for gigabit internet.
If you don’t have gigabit internet, this will still work wonderfully as your internet modem. The benefit is that it will be ready if you ever do upgrade your speeds and you won’t have to purchase another modem at that time.
Modems are usually offered by your internet provider for a monthly fee. Generally, by the time your contract has ended, you’ve paid more for their rental modem than what a brand new modem would have cost you. If you end up using the same internet provider for more than a year, it is almost definitely cheaper and smarter to purchase your own modem.
A key factor of this modem is that it is approved for use by some of the major internet providers in the US. Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox and CableOne have all approved this modem for all the speed packages they offer.
The Motorola MB8600 will work with any brand of WiFi router. This includes standard routers as well as Whole Home Routers or Mech routers like eero, Google WiFi and Orbi. Though it is important to note that this is not a WiFi router by itself and it also will not work with landline phone plans, rather it is strictly for internet-only plans.
With an ethernet port present, this modem allows you to plug in one device to achieve a direct, cabled connection to the internet. This eliminates WiFi as a source of lag or internet latency for that one device, which is often useful for online gaming.
The Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is the device that takes the internet from your provider and distributes it into your household for you and any other internet users to access.
With a speed that allows up to 6Gbps, this modem is excellent for people who have gigabit internet from their internet service providers. Many lower-end modems will not allow speeds this fast and will actually lessen your effective speed even if you are paying for gigabit internet.
If you don’t have gigabit internet, this will still work wonderfully as your internet modem. The benefit is that it will be ready if you ever do upgrade your speeds and you won’t have to purchase another modem at that time.
Modems are usually offered by your internet provider for a monthly fee. Generally, by the time your contract has ended, you’ve paid more for their rental modem than what a brand new modem would have cost you. If you end up using the same internet provider for more than a year, it is almost definitely cheaper and smarter to purchase your own modem.
A key factor of this modem is that it is approved for use by some of the major internet providers in the US. Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox and CableOne have all approved this modem for all the speed packages they offer.
The Motorola MB8600 will work with any brand of WiFi router. This includes standard routers as well as Whole Home Routers or Mech routers like eero, Google WiFi and Orbi. Though it is important to note that this is not a WiFi router by itself and it also will not work with landline phone plans, rather it is strictly for internet-only plans.
With an ethernet port present, this modem allows you to plug in one device to achieve a direct, cabled connection to the internet. This eliminates WiFi as a source of lag or internet latency for that one device, which is often useful for online gaming.
The Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is the device that takes the internet from your provider and distributes it into your household for you and any other internet users to access.
With a speed that allows up to 6Gbps, this modem is excellent for people who have gigabit internet from their internet service providers. Many lower-end modems will not allow speeds this fast and will actually lessen your effective speed even if you are paying for gigabit internet.
If you don’t have gigabit internet, this will still work wonderfully as your internet modem. The benefit is that it will be ready if you ever do upgrade your speeds and you won’t have to purchase another modem at that time.
Modems are usually offered by your internet provider for a monthly fee. Generally, by the time your contract has ended, you’ve paid more for their rental modem than what a brand new modem would have cost you. If you end up using the same internet provider for more than a year, it is almost definitely cheaper and smarter to purchase your own modem.
A key factor of this modem is that it is approved for use by some of the major internet providers in the US. Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox and CableOne have all approved this modem for all the speed packages they offer.
The Motorola MB8600 will work with any brand of WiFi router. This includes standard routers as well as Whole Home Routers or Mech routers like eero, Google WiFi and Orbi. Though it is important to note that this is not a WiFi router by itself and it also will not work with landline phone plans, rather it is strictly for internet-only plans.
With an ethernet port present, this modem allows you to plug in one device to achieve a direct, cabled connection to the internet. This eliminates WiFi as a source of lag or internet latency for that one device, which is often useful for online gaming.
The Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is the device that takes the internet from your provider and distributes it into your household for you and any other internet users to access.
With a speed that allows up to 6Gbps, this modem is excellent for people who have gigabit internet from their internet service providers. Many lower-end modems will not allow speeds this fast and will actually lessen your effective speed even if you are paying for gigabit internet.
If you don’t have gigabit internet, this will still work wonderfully as your internet modem. The benefit is that it will be ready if you ever do upgrade your speeds and you won’t have to purchase another modem at that time.
Modems are usually offered by your internet provider for a monthly fee. Generally, by the time your contract has ended, you’ve paid more for their rental modem than what a brand new modem would have cost you. If you end up using the same internet provider for more than a year, it is almost definitely cheaper and smarter to purchase your own modem.
A key factor of this modem is that it is approved for use by some of the major internet providers in the US. Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox and CableOne have all approved this modem for all the speed packages they offer.
The Motorola MB8600 will work with any brand of WiFi router. This includes standard routers as well as Whole Home Routers or Mech routers like eero, Google WiFi and Orbi. Though it is important to note that this is not a WiFi router by itself and it also will not work with landline phone plans, rather it is strictly for internet-only plans.
With an ethernet port present, this modem allows you to plug in one device to achieve a direct, cabled connection to the internet. This eliminates WiFi as a source of lag or internet latency for that one device, which is often useful for online gaming.
The Motorola MB8600 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is the device that takes the internet from your provider and distributes it into your household for you and any other internet users to access.
With a speed that allows up to 6Gbps, this modem is excellent for people who have gigabit internet from their internet service providers. Many lower-end modems will not allow speeds this fast and will actually lessen your effective speed even if you are paying for gigabit internet.
If you don’t have gigabit internet, this will still work wonderfully as your internet modem. The benefit is that it will be ready if you ever do upgrade your speeds and you won’t have to purchase another modem at that time.
Modems are usually offered by your internet provider for a monthly fee. Generally, by the time your contract has ended, you’ve paid more for their rental modem than what a brand new modem would have cost you. If you end up using the same internet provider for more than a year, it is almost definitely cheaper and smarter to purchase your own modem.
A key factor of this modem is that it is approved for use by some of the major internet providers in the US. Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity X1, Cox and CableOne have all approved this modem for all the speed packages they offer.
The Motorola MB8600 will work with any brand of WiFi router. This includes standard routers as well as Whole Home Routers or Mech routers like eero, Google WiFi and Orbi. Though it is important to note that this is not a WiFi router by itself and it also will not work with landline phone plans, rather it is strictly for internet-only plans.
With an ethernet port present, this modem allows you to plug in one device to achieve a direct, cabled connection to the internet. This eliminates WiFi as a source of lag or internet latency for that one device, which is often useful for online gaming.
Features
- 10/100/1000 gigabit ethernet port on back
- Works with all WiFi routers
- Broadcom Chipset provides security from denial of service attacks
- Approved for use with fiber optic, DSL or satellite internet services
- Works with gigabit internet speeds but also slower speeds for those who have not been able to make the upgrade yet
- Active Queue Management (AQM) reduces internet latency for faster page loads and improved interactive applications like gaming or videoconferencing
- Full-band capture digital tuner to enhance speed and save energy
In our analysis of 33 expert reviews, the MOTOROLA Multi-Gigabit Speed Tiers Cable Modem placed 6th when we looked at the top 14 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.
From The Manufacturer
MB8600 is a DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem certified by Comcast XFINITY, Comcast Business,and Cox Communications. Owning your own modem typically saves $132 per year in cable modem rental charges. MB8600 supports ultra fast DOCSIS 3.1, the only cable modem standard that can deliver Internet speeds of 1Gbps or higher, up to many gigabits per second. Actual speeds depend on your cable modem service and the speed of your Ethernet LAN ports. MB8600 also has 32×8 support for the fastest possible speeds using the DOCSIS 3.0 standard. Even if you don’t have DOCSIS 3.1 service now, you can benefit from the 32×8 DOCSIS 3.0 capability that’s also built into this cable modem. MB8600 provides high-speed Internet for a computer, router, HDTV, game station, or streaming media device. To give simultaneous Internet access to many devices, plug in any router you like. MB8600 features low latency, for the fast response needed for many interactive games. It includes 1 open Ethernet GigE LAN port. There are 3 additional Ethernet GigE LAN ports masked behind a label. Current firmware supports bonding on 2 Ethernet ports, which is essential for delivering speeds over 1Gbps. Top actual speed is just under 1Gbps without bonding, just under 2Gbps with 2 bonded ports. In order to have port bonding increase your modem’s speed to just under 2Gbps or more, your router needs to support port bonding. It includes DOCSIS 3.1 Active Queue Management (AQM) which speeds page loads, gaming, and video conferencing. DOCSIS 3.1, 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 support and Cable Labs certification ensure compatibility with services nationwide. Setup is fast and easy with our Quick Start guide. Our experienced USA-based support specialists are ready to help. With Motorola extras including advanced surge and lightning protection, and a 2-year warranty, MB8600 is a superb choice for customers who want the ultimate in cable modem performance. MB8600 does not include a WiFi Router or VoIP telephone adapter.
Expert Reviews
Expert Summarized Score
User Summarized Score
What experts liked
What experts didn't like
Overall Product Rankings
1. Hitron Cable Compatible High Speed Modem
2. ASUS Wi-Fi High Efficiency Modem
3. Motorola MB7621 Home WiFi Cable Modem
4. Netgear CM500 High Speed Modem
5. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 Certified Cable Modem
6. MOTOROLA MB8600 Multi-Gigabit Speed Tiers Cable Modem
7. MOTOROLA MG7550 AC1900 Dual Band WiFi Modem
8. Linksys CM3024 Easy Plug Gaming Cable Modem
9. Netgear CM600 WiFi Router Modem
10. Netgear ORBI Single-Band Modem
11. Linksys CM3008 Intel Inside Modem
12. Cisco DPC3010 Upstream Data Modem
13. ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 Fast Downloads Modem
14. Netgear C3000 Double Firewall Protection Modem
An Overview On Modems
In-home Wi-Fi has become the standard for almost every household in America. In fact, 82 percent of U.S. homes have broadband internet, up 10 percent from a decade ago. Generally, when you sign up for internet, your provider will give you the option to rent a modem that’s proven to work on its service. However, chances are, you can save on that rent by purchasing a modem that may even work much better than what they’re issuing.
But buying a modem can be overwhelming if you’ve never shopped for one before. Weighing one modem’s performance against another means deciphering terms like Mbps and downstream channels. Although these terms may seem technical in nature, they’re crucial to weighing one modem against another.
Mbps refers to megabits per second, which calculates the amount of data that can pass through your network within one second. Data is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB), depending on the volume. There are eight megabits in one megabyte and 1,000 megabytes in one gigabyte. All you need to know as you’re shopping is that the more Mbps, the faster download and upload speeds you’ll need.
When you’re shopping for a modem, you’ll typically see terminology like “16×4.” These numbers represent how many downstream and upstream channels are supported by that modem. You’ll likely either want a 16×4 or 8×4 modem, which means you have either 16 or eight downstream channels and four upstream channels. With a 16×4 modem, you’ll get up to 680Mbps for downloads and only half of that with an 8×4 modem.
One problem with buying a modem versus renting one, however, is that technology is always changing. If your area hasn’t yet switched over to fiber, you may be in for a major upgrade in the future. When something like that happens, the modem you bought may no longer be compatible. By renting, you’re always ready for these upgrades without having to worry about wasting money. However, you may find that the money you spent renting your equipment could have easily been made up by purchasing a modem and then switching it out for a newer model when the network upgraded.
But do you need to splurge for a higher-priced modem with bigger numbers all around? That depends. If you stream video from multiple devices at once, or someone in your household engages in activities like gaming or video editing, you may want to go for the latest and greatest. For many households, an 8×4 modem with 343Mbps or 686Mbps will likely suffice. However, if you have the extra money, it can’t hurt to go with the better model to account for your future needs.
Speaking of compatibility, make sure the modem you choose works with your cable provider before you purchase it. This is usually mentioned in the item description, but if you don’t know for sure, contact your cable company to ask. Even if it says your modem is compatible, it may be worth calling since you may have an internet tier that wasn’t available when the modem was put on the market.
The Modem Buying Guide
- The first thing to search for when reading a modem’s description is its compatibility. The Motorola MB7621 24 x 8 Cable Modem Modem is compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Cox and Charter, which are three of the biggest providers. Other modems, on the other hand, may work if you have Cox Communications but they may not compatible with Comcast Xfinity.
- Signal strength is also worth considering. The Motorola modems use Wireless Power Boost and AnyBeam beamforming, which focuses your signal in a specific direction to provide better reception at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This takes your signal to the legal limit the FCC allows.
- Downstream and upstream channels play a significant role in the speed of your downloads and uploads. The Motorola MB7621 24 x 8 Cable Modem Modem offers 24×8 support, while other models offer 16×4 speeds.
- Another thing to look for in a modem is DOCSIS technology. This technology is the preferred standard of cable providers. DOCSIS 3.1 technology offers enhanced security features, reduced latency and faster downloads than fiber cable. It also has a sleep mode that helps conserve energy. The Motorola MB8600 Modem features DOCSIS 3.1 technology, while other models have 3.0. DOCSIS 3.0, which is still more than acceptable, supports more than 100 Mbps.
- When you look at the price to rent a modem through your cable provider, you may first want to check out the purchase price for one.
- A model that is both a modem and a router will not only link you to the internet, but it can also link the computers and devices within your home to each other. However, when buying a modem/router combo, it’s important to note that you’ll have to purchase a completely new unit if part of it malfunctions or you want to upgrade one or the other. However, having both units in one means less equipment and cabling, which can help reduce the clutter in your home office.
- Overheating can be an issue with any electronic equipment. Without proper venting, you may find your modem locks up on a regular basis, forcing you to restart it. The Motorola MB8600 Modem is designed with airflow in mind, so you’ll have less of a risk of inconvenient downtime.
- With some modems, you’ll notice annoying slowdowns occasionally. Look for a modem that doesn’t have the lags seen with comparable modems from other brands.
- Occasionally, you’ll need to reboot your modem, whether it’s due to your provider’s updates or overheating. A power button can make this process more convenient. Otherwise, you’ll need to unplug and replug your modem in to restart it.
- Another usability factor to consider is where the screen is located. Some modems have a screen that is off to the side a little, making it more difficult to see, especially from a distance. The Motorola MB8600 Modem has a forward-facing screen.
- Before you buy, take a look at where you plan to keep your modem. While many modems stand vertically, others are built to set horizontally.
- Although we don’t often think about it, as soon as you put your home’s devices online, you’re at risk of an attack. Security is an important consideration. Yes, you’ll set passwords on your home network and each device. But you should also consider the Motorola MB8600 Modem, which has a chipset that keeps you safe against denial of service attacks.
- In addition to securing your home network against an attack, make sure your modem provides protection against lightning strikes and power surges. The Motorola MB8600 Modem has a built-in circuit to keep your equipment safe from Mother Nature.
- If you rent from your cable company, they’ll likely set up your modem. If you’re buying on your own or replacing an existing modem, you’ll probably have to set it up yourself. Look for a modem that has a Quick Start installation guide to get you up and running. It also features fast activation for the most popular internet service providers.
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