A SB6121 vs. SB6183 comparison can be quite daunting as they come from the same brand. These two devices also sport the innovative DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem that improves connectivity and performance.
Does the similarity end there?
Our review team has put together this review and comparison to help you figure out which offers the best specifications and capabilities. Read on!
Contents
A Glance at the Key Specifications
| Products | Key Specifications |
| SB6121 |
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| SB6183 |
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Arris SB6121 and Arris SB6183: The Best Arris Model
When faced with the Internet world and all the fancy techs and gadgets, many competent brands stand out. An excellent example is Arris, which has several modems and two on display here.
Arris has continued to evolve to meet the ever-changing world of technology and the demands that come with it. To that end, it favors some routers and modems, which begs the question – which one is worth buying?
The modem or router you use has a role to play in internet speeds and connectivity. We’ll be comparing these modems across different lines, such as their download and upload speeds, number of channels, and other parameters. Faster speeds are always encouraged and form the basis for various uses, including watching HD videos or gaming.
Whether you want to binge on shows on TV or play that game for long, uninterrupted hours, our review team will help you choose between these two devices. That way, you make a credible choice that can only improve your performance.
But first, our informative review of the individual cable modems.
1. Motorola SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
Pros
- Easy installation and DOCSIS 3.0
- It has 4×4 channels and good overall speed
- The cable modem is compatible with all the major ISPs
- It is budget-friendly
Cons
- It currently runs an outdated software
- It is difficult to find
As this Surfboard SB6121 review will show, the Motorola Surfboard is a great model. This model was released in 2010 and was a worthy buy since it was considered a new-age technology.
It’s an easy option for the specs and features it packs, coupled with compatibility with the major ISPs. As a result, it’s normal that users have come to expect fast-speed Internet from it. However, we must warn it’s harder to find with many users citing the outdated software it runs.
– Speed: Functional at Best
Depending on what you use this cable modem for, it can offer you varying degrees of maximum speed. Get ready to reach up to 172 Mbps for downloads and up to 131 Mbps of upload speed.
According to Arris, that’s a big jump from the previous model. It’s an excellent specification for users that do not have access to high internet speeds of 100 Mbps and above.
In addition, several tests show that the speed can get lower than 172 Mbps when there’s heavy network usage and other factors.
– Performance: Efficient for Most Parts
Performance is just as important if you must rely on this cable modem. With four download and four upload channels, you get faster speeds and less congestion or lagging when using the internet.
Another thing worth noting about the SB6121 is the low temperature it operates at during some activities. Whatever device you run, you’d want it operating at low temperatures because it means long-term usage.
What’s more, this cable modem is back-compatible for people who have gadgets that can work only with DOCSIS 2.0 or lower. It’s old, but that makes it a good choice.
– Overview
If watching HD videos is your favorite thing, you can forget about the days of buffering and lagging. Also, if you’re a gamer, you can have fun playing your games without interruptions. The best part is that if you can get it, it’s well worth the price.
2. ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem
Pros
- It is a dual-band cable modem
- It is compatible with major ISPs
- High maximum download and upload speeds
- It supports Supports IPv4 and IPv6
Cons
- DOCSIS 3.1 won’t work here
- You still need a wireless router
If you’re thinking of super-fast dual-band cable modems, this SB6183 review will interest you. It has double the download speeds of its predecessors but with similar specs. Also, it runs on the DOCSIS 3.0, much like the SB6121, and is a bit more expensive than the SB6141.
In addition, you’ll get more downstream channels, which is excellent if you have many devices or connections in your home or space. It also helps if the population of your area is dense.
– Speed: Get More From the Channels
One thing that makes this device stand out from its counterpart is the Internet speeds it records. We already know that it has a great enabler in DOCSIS 3.0.
However, the game-changers are the sixteen download channels, and four upload channels, which combine to reach 686 Mbps download speeds. It is a big difference even from its immediate predecessor and other previous versions.
With the extra channels, you have a smoother streaming and general Internet experience. You don’t have to sit back for videos to stream because the connection will be seamless and fast, even in a dense location. That means stable connections if there are more connections from several devices.
– Performance: Smooth for Heavy Internet Users
The Arris SB6183 specs combine with its features to deliver faster speeds, and that’s no surprise for our review team. Getting issues like lags, interruptions, and unstable connections are few and far between.
The dual 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands make a world of difference to your internet experience coupled with the easy installation process. Users don’t have to be geeks to set it in motion because the standard specification follows all Arris modems.
– Overview
Due to its optimized level of performance, it’s better suited to those who love playing online games and don’t want their efforts compromised. You can play your favorite games, connect to other devices, and stream HD videos without blips and interruptions.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Which Cable Modem Wins?
The main difference between SB6121 and SB6183 is, SB6183 has a super-fast design and performance and it packs more channels compared to SB6121.
DOCSIS 3.0
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Winner: Both
DOCSIS is the short meaning for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification and is a standard used by all telecommunication companies who provide internet service using a cable modem. When you compare SB6121 and SB6183, they run the same 3.0 DOCSIS, which helps connect to all the major ISPs.
In addition, the DOCSIS 3.0 is the most commonly used standard, but it supersedes DOCSIS 2.0. That’s because all modems that use the DOCSIS 3.0 standard can support higher internet speeds.
Speed and Performance
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Winner: SB6183
Speed from such a device as cable modems is a significant factor to consider for many users out there. It is for us, too, and the super-fast design and performance of the SB6183 make it our top choice here.
It offers better download speeds while other specs are somewhat the same. When you want a strong connection for multiple connected devices and internet-intensive tasks, it’s the go-to cable modem.
That’s why it sets the SB6183 apart from the SB6121 and other predecessors.
Channel Bonding
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Winner: SB6183
If download speeds weren’t enough, the SB6183 packs more channels than its counterpart here.
It comes with sixteen downstream x four upstream DOCSIS 3.0 bonded channels and backs that up with 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting to a Wi-Fi router or other devices.
With the sixteen bonded download channels in the Arris Motorola SB6183, you can get more than 600 Mbps for your downloads. Upload speeds, however, stay the same for the two models, at up to 131 Mbps.
Final Thoughts: Which Model Performs Best?
We have reviewed two capable cable modems that will work well in different scenarios. They’re both from Arris, but we understand that there can be only one winner.
With doubled speeds and functionality, we have selected the SB6183 as the best of these two options. For starters, the SB6183 is an upgrade on the SB6121, which makes use of outdated software.
If you’re looking to purchase the best device for your internet needs and these two devices pop up, you’d best choose the SB6183. While it’s not the latest upgrade in the modem world, it is far better in performance across download/upload speeds.
It offers more channel bindings than the SB6121, which is such on 4×5 channel bonding. Between the two, also note that the SB6183 is more expensive.
Overall, a lot depends on how much data you’re going to use for different internet-related tasks. If it’s gaming and HD streaming, the SB6183 is your best bet!
