ARRIS SURFboard SBG6580 WiFi Cable Modem

8 thoughts on “ARRIS SURFboard SBG6580 WiFi Cable Modem”

1. Hello,

   Is there a known pattern or an advanced list of which modems a particular provider (in my case, Comcast/Xfinity) will remove from their list of approved modems?

   I bought a used SBG6580 in February 2021.

   Now I see it’s on the list of “Comcast XFINITY Approved Modems Removed in March 2021” through Comcast XFINITY Approved Modems – Approved Modem List https://approvedmodemlist.com/comcast-xfinity-approved-modems/.

   I am unclear when SBG6580 was added to Comcast’s list in the first place to see understand long users have been using SBG6580 on Comcast.

   If there’s a pattern of how many years a modem gets removed after it has been added to Comcast’s list, that would be very helpful info.

   Thanks!

   Reply

   • Hello Jake,

     The ARRIS SBG6580 has been approved for Comcast for over a decade. It is an older modem. A few internet providers have begun the process of eliminating DOCSIS 3.0 modems from service. It is why near the top of the Comcast XFINITY Approved Modems page a statement is given that DOCSIS 3.1 modems are highly recommended since DOCSIS 3.0 modems will eventually be phased out. Comcast has started this process of phasing out some of the 8-channel download modems (cheaper modems). Eventually more of the DOCSIS 3.0 modems will be removed from activating on the Comcast network.

     Unfortunately, there is usually not an advance warning from ISPs when devices will be removed form their approved modem lists.

     Jake, your device should continue to work for a few more months since you have likely already activated the modem. However, eventually it will stop working. Your next modem purchase should definitely be a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Buying the latest technology will give the most years of use out of a modem. Typically a newer modem (latest technology) should give you about a decade of use before it becomes end-of-life. An older modem may only give you a few months of use.

     Reply

     • Hello @Modem Gurus,

       I really appreciate the quick response, additional info, and advice.

       Will look for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem now.

       Thanks!

       Reply

       • Jake, since your service is from Comcast, the Motorola MB8611 would be an excellent option for you. It offers 2.5 Gbps speed, so when your speed is eventually upgraded in the future, you won’t need to buy another device. Amazon states the MB8611 started selling on July 21, 2020; it is a newer device.

         Reply

         • Hello @Modem Gurus,

           Thank you for the additional recommendation.

           This site is awesome and the various responses you’ve posted are quite helpful.

           I’ve read more about MB8600, MB8611, and MG8702.

           Prior to reading, I thought the “modem” part of MG8702 is either MB8600 or MB8611.

           After reading around, if I understand correctly, that doesn’t seem to be the case as:
           – MB8600 allows port bonding (assuming WiFi router can handle it) or for scenarios with multiple assigned IP addresses,
           – MB8611 has a single 2.5Gbps ethernet port, and
           – MG8702 seems to just have 4 x “GigE” (1Gbps?) ethernet ports that cannot (?) be bonded together.

           The questions I’m now wondering about are below.

           a. Are those the correct understanding?

           b. Or is MG8702 just MB8600 + WiFi router?

           c. Is each of the “GigE” ethernet ports on MG8702 limited to 1Gbps maximum throughput?

           d. Is MB8611 basically a variant of MB8600 with bonding handled internally within the modem (and limited to 2.5Gbps) instead of exposed through (covered) ports?

           e. Is there an article (whether on this site or on external sites) which outlines example scenarios of those 3 different possibilities to help me consider which may be most “future-proof” for my needs?

           I haven’t needed to use ethernet through “LAN” ports of modems and routers much, i.e., have been mostly using WiFi.

           I like that MG8702 has the built-in router (and understand the caveat that if either component fails, the whole unit may become a paperweight) and also the USB3 port. But, I see that MG8702 is currently only supported by Xfinity which may not be good if I move out of the area not serviced by Xfinity.

           Thanks much in advance!

           Reply

           • Hello Jake,

             a. Yes.

             b. The Motorola MB8600 was released on May 17, 2017 on Amazon. The Motorola MG8702 was first available for sale on Amazon on July 24, 2020. So the modem portion of the MG8702 is probably based on its own and not off of the MB8600. Since the MB8611 was released on July 21, 2020, it would have made more sense to combine the MB8611 modem with the WiFi 5 router used in the MG8702, but that didn’t happen since the MG8702 does not contain a 2.5 Gbps LAN port.

             c. Yes, for reference, the Motorola MG8702 data sheet and MG8702 quick start guide (page 13) explains the speeds and color of the rear LAN ports.

             d. Yes. RCN (an internet provider) has trouble with both of these modems running properly on their network due to their similarities.

             e. If you are wanting future-proofing, Jake, purchase the Motorola MB8611. The fastest current modems are those that can reach speeds of 2.5 Gbps, which is what the MB8611 is and you don’t need to hassle with port bonding or purchasing additional IP addresses from your ISP.

             Purchase a WiFi 6 router (for future-proofing). WiFi 6 is the latest WiFi standard. Yes these would be separate devices, but as you already pointed out, if you have an issue with the modem or the WiFi, you have a paperweight with combo units. WiFi capabilities are typically better on stand-alone router devices anyway.

             Hopefully all this info will help with your decision, Jake.

             Reply

2. Hello @Modem Gurus,

   Thank you very much for the helpful clarifications and advices.

   Reply

   • Your welcome, Jake.

     Reply