Both of them carry a lot of similarities with each other in design, size, channel bonding, and DOCSIS. They utilize a multi-processor technology and provide a faster internet browsing experience as they employ DOCSIS 3.1, the latest scheme for cable transmission services.
Let check out the main Similarities and Differences between them:
- Design and size of both modems is nearly identical to each other.
- Both devices are activated through the same procedure.
- They comply with the latest specs and protocols i.e., DOCSIS 3.1 and IPv6.
Here the Motorola MB8600:
- offers multiple ports for LAN connectivity.
- and is priced relatively lower than its competitor.
And the Motorola MB8611:
- provides enhanced 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, offering a superior speed.
- and shows a faster download rate in comparison.
Lets check out these devices in detail.
The Motorola MB8611 supports DOCSIS 3.1, 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 and provides quick downloads with high channel rates. Not only its modulating capability is very efficient but it also transfers the internet signals to the local network with high speed due to its 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. SoC enabled chipset allows faster data processing and also reduces energy consumption.
On the other hand, the Motorola MB8600, on the other side, allows fast data transmission as it employs DOCSIS 3.0 with the highest possible channel bonding 32 x 8 and also supports 2 x 2 OFDM channels of DOCSIS 3.1 networks.
It provides a higher capacity to build a small network because it has four 1 GbE ports to plug in computers or streaming devices.
In comparison, Motorola MB6811 provides faster download speed and higher Gigabit Ethernet but MB6800 has the advantage of multiple LAN ports at a lower price.
Table of Contents
Side By Side Comparison
| Specifications | MB8600 | MB8611 |
| Manufacturer | MTRLC | MTRLC |
| DOCSIS | 3.1, 3.0, 2.0, 1.1 | 3.1, 3.0, 2.0, 1.1 |
| Ethernet ports | 4 × 1 Gigabit (10/100/1000) | 1 × 2.5 Gigabit (10/100/1000/2500) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Application Protocol | SNMP v1/v2/v3 | SNMP v1/v2/v3 |
Setup and Operation
Both devices utilize the following setup procedure;
- Connect the modem to the power outlet and cable ISP.
- Attach a computer via LAN Ethernet port.
- Power up the cable modem by pushing the switch button.
- Wait for the online connection LED to stop flashing and remain lit before online activation.
- Go to the service provider activation page via a web browser and follow the instruction tutorial to activate your cable modem.
Differences in Hardware and Design
Both devices characterize a similar vertical design, specifying the same size and weight.
These are modestly designed, well ventilated, Gray colored modems with LED indicator panels on the front side and power/reset buttons, Ethernet, and coaxial ports on the back panel.
Motorola MB8600 provides 4 1Gb Ethernet port for multiple connections while MB8611 has a single 2.5Gb Ethernet offering a faster LAN speed.
Both devices integrate the reputed Broadcom chipsets but none of these contains a built-in Wi-Fi router or phone jack.
| Physical Characteristics | MB8600 | MB8611 |
| Weight (oz.) | 18.4 | 18.4 |
| Height (mm) | 200 | 200 |
| Width (mm) | 57 | 57 |
| Depth (mm) | 184 | 184 |
Performance Comparison
DOCSIS
These smart modulators comply with advanced interface specifications for Cable Service. They enable DOCSIS 3.1 networks and show compatibility support for DOCSIS 3.0, 2.0, 1.1 services as well.
Operating credentials are mostly the same for both devices but Motorola MB8611 shows a better downstream and upstream channel rate.
Channel Bonding of both
Both devices specify the same channel bonding scheme.
They permit 32 downstream and 8 upstream SCQAM channels when working with a DOCSIS 3.0 network, offering a wide lane for data transmission.
Their DOCSIS 3.1 channel bonding scheme supports 2 channels for down streaming and 2 for upstreaming which leads to the fast pace web browsing, efficient video streaming, and gaming experience.
Speed Differences
Downstream speeds characterize the main difference among these two Motorola modems, MB8611 being the winner.
It offers downstream speed even up to 6 Gb per second and supports service plans up to the speed of 1 Gigabyte per second.
MB8600 stands behind the competitor for its lower download rate as it can go only about 3.8 Gb per second. 1 Gbps cable internet plan are compatible with this system.
| Possible Speeds | MB8600 | MB8611 |
| Upload Speeds (Gbps) | 1 | 0.8 |
| Download Speeds (Gbps) | 3.8 | 6 |
Latency of these modems
Both of them utilize the advanced AQM (Active Queue Management) technology to prevent latency and delayed web responses.
It manages the web traffic proficiently to ensure a lag-free video conferencing and gaming ability.
ARM based application processor quickly processes the data and enhances the response speed.
Compatibility of these devices
- Internet Standards
These modems can operate with the latest protocols for the internet standard IPv6.
Moreover, they also show dual-stack compatibility with the former IPv4 standard.
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
These gadgets can be used to modulate cable internet from various ISPs like Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Bright House (Spectrum), Sparklight (Cable One), Charter Spectrum, MediaCom, RCN, Altice Suddenlink, Time Warner, WOW. Both support service plans up to 1000 Mbps.
- PC
Both modems operate well through any of the major operating systems like Windows or macOS. They also support SmartTV, Media Player, game station, or other devices which have an Ethernet port for connectivity.
- Home Networking
As there is no in-built router or phone jack available, these devices need to be connected with an external Wi-Fi router for home networking.
MB8611 provides better speed when connected with a router having a 2.5 GbE networking port.
Security
Both devices employ DOCSIS security mechanisms including BPI+, EAE, and SSD security systems.
BPI/SEC is an advanced security structure of DOCSIS 3.0/higher that protects the modem from hackers and unauthorized users by data encryption and screening out malware components from downloaded files.
Differences in Warranty
MTRLC provides a limited warranty up to two years for these modulating products, ensuring the replacement in case of defects in material and workmanship despite fair usage.
Hence, both rank the same for longevity.