Both the Motorola MB8600 and the Netgear CM1200 are manufactured with reliability in mind. Out of them the MB8600 has been fully certified and supports some prominent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) including Cox, Comcast Xfinity, Xfinity 1, and CableOne. It is also compatible with other major ISPs such as WOW, Charter Spectrum, Grand Communications, and many more.
Heres what’s going on with these 2:
- The installation process for both modems is almost similar and easy.
- MB8600 provides a higher downloading speed compared to its counterpart.
- The smaller size and less weight make MB8600 occupy lower space.
- MB8600 overall performance is superior to its peer.
- CM1200 provides a comparatively lower warranty.
- The cost of MB8600 is lower making the modem more budget-friendly.
On the other hand, CM1200 is certified by Cox and Comcast Xfinity as well as Mediacom Cable. However, both modems lack the facility of built-in Wi-Fi.
Table of Contents
Side By Side Comparison:
In comparison, CM1200 provides similar security against hacking, identical chipset as well as same NAND memory as that of MB8600. But it is more costly, occupies higher space, and provides lower downloading speed.
| Specifications | Motorola MB8600 | Netgear CM1200 |
| DOCSIS | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| Downstream x Upstream | 32 × 8 | 32 × 8 |
| Ethernet ports | 4 × Gigabit | 4 × Gigabit |
| RAM | 512 MB | 256 MB |
| NAND Memory | 128 | 128 MB |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
Overview of both devices:
Motorola MB8600 has DOCSIS 3.1 meanwhile modern versions of the modem are being equipped with the latest DOCSIS 3.2 protocol. This modem supplies 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels.
There are four Gigabit Ethernet ports available which enable users to directly plug multiple devices simultaneously. The combination of these four ports referred to as Link Aggregation Group (LAG) can provide a maximum downloading speed of 3.8 Gbps. It also provides upstream speed of up to 1 Gbps.
The advanced chipset helps to eliminate the danger of any hacking. For increasing the speed and saving energy, this modem includes a full-band digital tuner.
Likewise, the Netgear CM1200 also has a DOCSIS 3.1 version. The modem possesses similar channel bonding just like its peer that is 32 for downstream and 8 for upstream and also contains four Gigabit Ethernet ports to connect with any other device like HDTV or Wi-Fi router.
However, only two out of these four ports are LAG compliant, therefore restricting the downloading speed to only 2 Gbps. This modem utilizes Auto-Sensing Technology in its ports to intensify internet wired speeds.
Hardware and Design
Motorola MB8600 has a vigorous cylindrical-elliptic plastic body with soft round corners.
It contains five status LED lights in the glossy front panel providing it an elegant view with two LEDs in the back panel for each Ethernet port.
The back panel contains a reset and a power button. Four ports are available for Ethernet LAN connectivity and one for power adapter.
It also contains one connecter for coax cable.
Numerous cut marks are present to ensure proper airflow through the modem which is necessary for its cooling.
The sharp corners provide Netgear CM1200 with a high-performance look.
The modem contains five front panel LEDs just like its peer for power, downstream, upstream, internet, and ethernet ports in the same top to bottom order.
The back panel contains four Gigabit Ethernet ports, a reset button, a power button, a coaxial cable connector, and a power jack.
Small vent holes are integrated on the outer case to ensure cooling against overheating.
Motorola MB8600, overall size is smaller enabling it to cover lower space and is less heavy compared to its rival, making it easier to handle.
| Physical Characteristics | MB8600 | CM1200 |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Weight (grams) | 523 | 553 |
| Height (inches) | 7.88 | 10.3 |
| Width (inches) | 2.25 | 3.4 |
| Length (inches) | 7.25 | 6.1 |
Compatibility
Both these modems are equipped with IPv6 next-generation standards to provide more efficient and reliable web browsing.
These modems also support some well-known service providers including Cox and Comcast Xfinity.
Performance
Both the modems contain the latest ultra-fast DOCSIS 3.1. However, all four ports of MB8600 can be combined to provide a bundle sum of each port.
Due to this feature, it provides a higher downloading speed. So low buffering and latency is seen in this modem.
Meanwhile, in Netgear CM1200 only two ports can be combined that’s why its downloading speed is lower in comparison to its competitor, thereby causing faintly more buffering.
Both modems provide very compatible performance.
However, Motorola MB8600 is superior due to its higher downloading speed.
| Performance | MB8600 | CM1200 |
| Download Speeds (Gbps) | 3.8 | 2 |
| Downstream Channels | 32 | 32 |
| Upstream Channels | 8 | 8 |
Security
The protection against external factors like data theft and hacking is characterized by the presence of a chipset in the modem. More powerful chipsets allow better protection against these cyber-crimes.
Since these modems contain similar chipset Broadcom BCM3390, therefore, both provide equal protection against these security issues.
Warranty
In terms of warranty, MB8600 is ahead of its rival. Motorola provides a warranty of two years for this device. However, the warranty provided by the parent company of CM1200, Netgear, is only one year.
However, both these modems fulfill all the environmental regulations, thereby are safe to operate.