The Motorola MB8611 is the latest, new-generation cable modem to launch with support for DOCSIS 3.1, along with the Arris SB8200 and Netgear CM1000. This modem, in addition to offering up to 32 SCQAM (DOCSIS 3.0) or two OFDM (DOCSIS 3.1) channels that should deliver the best and fasted internet speeds to your existing setup, also brings some unique elements to cable networks.
For instance, you now have four Gigabit Ethernet ports on both the MB8611 and SB8200 – the latter supports link aggregation and Active Queue Management (AQM) which will keep latency low.
Remember, while a modem will connect your home network to your internet service provider, a router like the Asus AC1900 will let all your wired and wireless devices use that internet connection at once and allows them to interact to one another directly.
What is DOCSIS 3.1 and DOCSIS 3.0?
So, what makes the Motorola MB8611, or rather, DOCSIS 3.1 such a big deal? Well, DOCSIS 3.1 is a new industry standard that replaces DOCSIS 3.0 and promises to offer better connectivity overall. If you have cable Internet, which is broadband from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) that uses coaxial cable to deliver bandwidth, you must use a DOCSIS cable modem.
DOCSIS which stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is a cable technology standard from CableLabs research and development consortium that provides standards for certification and interoperability standards within the cable television Industry. As such, all modems have a DOCSIS standard which determines how fast your connection will be.
On the other hand, channel bonding numbers determine how many download and upload channels your cable mode has got. Channel bonding refers to how many channels a modem can aggregate to send packets to your ISP and back. For example, a cable modem with 32*8 channels means it has 32 download channels and 8 upload channels, and a maximum Internet speed of 1GB. Whereas a cable modem with 8*4 channels only gets up to 100 Mbps. In this specification, the more channels the faster your Internet speed.
Some of the best modems on the market use DOCSIS 3.0, including the Motorola MB7621, but with the newer DOCSIS 3.1 standard in place, you can’t afford to miss on the fast multi-gigabit internet speeds, excellent compatibility, and lots of advanced features. And that’s why you need the Motorola MB8611 cable modem.
About the Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 modem
The Motorola MB8611 is so far, the best-selling DOCSIS 3.1 modem that has quickly become popular as more ISP support the new industry specification. Its popularity is mainly to its wide DOCSIS 3.1 support, which is the only major internet standard offering more than 1Gbps connectivity speeds. With that, it means online gaming and HD video streaming is delivered more seamlessly than ever before.
While users without DOCSIS .1 can enjoy the fastest internet speeds, but this modem is backward compatible with 32*8 DOCSIS 3.0, so everyone can still enjoy fast speeds. Along with backward compatibility, it also supports eight upstream and 32 downstream model channels, making it a favorite among 2-gigabit users looking to enjoy above-average internet speeds.
The Motorola MB8611 is compatible with various ISPs including Xfinity by Comcast, it also works with other providers as well. Below are some of the supported cable ISP, along with their ideal service package:
- Cox Internet — Gigablast Plan
- Spectrum Internet — Internet Gig Plan
- Astound Broadband — Gig Internet Plan
- Mediacom Xtream — Internet 1 GIG Plan
- WOW Internet — Internet 1 Gig Plan
- Midco — Gig Internet Plan
- Breezeline — 1000 Mbps Plan
Motorola MB8611 Specs
| Type | Cable Modem |
| Brand | Motorola |
| Model | MB8611 |
| Standards | DOCSIS 3.1 & DOCSIS 3.0 32×8 |
| Top WAN speed | 6000 Mbps |
| Ports | 1 × 2.5 Gbps LAN & 1 × Coax |
| Top internet plan supported. | 2500 Mbps |
| Supported ISP’s | Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Grande, Suddenlink, WOW |
| Not supported ISP’s | RCN, Optimum |
| Weight | 1.1 ounces |
| Dimensions | 7.25 × 2.25 × 7.88 inches |
Motorola MD8611 Setup
Setting up the Motorola MD8611 modem is very ear, and you can do it without any tech skills. In the package, you get an installation manual and high-quality documentation for every step. In fact, you don’t need the manuals; there are just three simple connections – power cord, coax cable, and Ethernet port. Just connect those and you’re good to go.
If you need some more help, you can always get in touch with the company for tech support, in English or Spanish, available 24*7.
Design and Build
The Motorola MD8611 shares the same design as the Motorola MB8600 it replaces – a rectangular, plastic-covered form factor. It weighs only 1.15 pounds. and measures 2.25 x 7.25 x 7.88 inches, which is on the thicker side of cable modems, but still very portable and stylish when placed in a corner of your living room.
Perhaps the only other notable features on the design are the usual LED lights, with Motorola making way for five front-facing status reporting lights for identifying the network status. There are two more LEDs on the back to report the status of the standalone ethernet port.
Performance
Motorola uses a standard power-efficient Broadcom processor in the MD8611, along with 512MB of RAM and 128MB of storage to hold the firmware. This hardware configuration brings a wide range of connectivity options to this cable modem, including an ARM-powered performance boost and support for the DOCSIS 3.1 standard. Well, DOCSIS 4.0 has been announced, but it will be a while before it’s implemented.
The main selling points of the Motorola MD8611 are speed and quality of connection, and it doesn’t disappoint. With a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, it doesn’t struggle in delivering more than 1GB internet speeds. This is just as much as you’d need for gaming, streaming, video conferencing, and remote working among other uses. And since this 3.1 multi-gigabit modem features very low latency, you’re at least guaranteed stable connections with excellent upload and download speeds.
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The 2.5 gigabit Ethernet port delivers outstanding downstream speeds of around 2,500, which coupled with upstream speeds of around 800 Mbps deliver the best speeds across your home or office. To that, it adds Active Queue Management (AQM) which further reduces latency making page loads, gaming, and video calls even faster. Based on the speed offered by your ISP, the 2.5 ethernet port can max to speeds of 6 Gbps, even with multiple users connected.
Available modems such as the Motorola MB8600 also support both DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1, but there are a few differences from the MD8611. First, the Motorola MD8611 offers a maximum download speed of 1 Gbps, whereas the MB8600 maxes out at only 600 Mbps. Secondly, the MB8611 offers a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, against the MB8600’s 1.0 Gbps port. Thus, internet speeds and consistency are better handled on the Motorola MD8611, despite costing a few dollars more than its predecessor.
Bottom Line
The Motorola MB8611 is a great device for anyone looking to boost cable connection speeds and will benefit from its advanced features. This modem is built for high-speed responsive gaming, video creation, streaming, and virtual conferences involving multiple users. While DOCSIS 4.0 has been announced, DOCSIS 3.1 remains the gold standard and a compatible modem makes the experience even better.
If you’re on a tight budget or need to save a few bucks, the Motorola MD8600 is a good, affordable alternative that supports DOCSIS 3.1 too, but at lower speeds. If budget isn’t an issue and you need to go full blazing, the Motorola MB8611 is an excellent choice.
That said, the ARRIS Surfboard S33 remains our Editors’ Choice for DOCSIS 3.1 modems thanks to its lower price and support for link aggregation from multiple ethernet connections.
The Review
Motorola MB8611
The Motorola MB8611 is a great DOCSIS 3.1 modem that’s backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 and packs lots of extras including AQM for a stable, low-latency connection.
Recommended Configuration
Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig Cable Modem | Pairs with Any WiFi Router | Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox Gigablast, Spectrum | 2.5 Gbps Port | 2500 Mbps Max Internet Speeds
$179.99 in stock
14 used from $105.15
PROS
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet Port
- Fast DOCSIS 3.1 Speeds
- Low Latency
CONS
- Pricey
- No voice capabilities
Last update on 2024-12-21 at 09:16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
