Both devices enable high-speed streaming with cable ISP as their 16 x 4 channel bonding system delivers a faster downloading and browsing facility. Their standardized chipsets provide lag-free video streaming and gateway SoC technology ensures a perpetual internet speed.
Heres what’s going on with these 2:
The Netgear CM500:
- has a smaller size and shows a cleaner, modern look as compared to the contestant.
- and is a relatively inexpensive internet modulator.
The Arris Surfboard:
- supports a higher number of operating system in comparison.
- carries longer manufacturer’s warranty and stands more durable.
- and provides high speed streaming and allows comparatively, faster downloads.
Common things between these 2:
- Both devices utilize Gigabit Ethernet but CM500 has an auto sensing port.
- Both devices can be easily setup and configured in few simple steps.
The Arris SB6183 offers a higher speed owing to its enhanced DOCSIS 3.0 capability and allows its users to download huge files within seconds.
Moreover, its dual stack compatibility with IPv4 as well as IPv6 makes it an efficient service provider irrespective of the internet protocol.
On the other side, the Netgear CM500 characterizes a smart modem device with a contemporary, cleaner look.
It features DOCSIS 3.0 with an optimized download speed and channel bonding, moreover, it shows DOCSIS 2.0 compatibility.
Its auto sensing Gigabit Ethernet port makes Local area networking (LAN) more efficient.
As compared to Netgear CM500, SB6183 provides faster downstream speed, allows dual stack internet compatibility, and offers a longer warranty, however it characterizes a heavier device and costs relatively higher.
Side By Side Comparison:
| Specifications | SB6183 | CM500 |
| DOCSIS | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Downstream channels × Upstream channels | 16×4 | 16×4 |
| Ethernet ports | 1× Gigabit | 1× Gigabit |
| Flash memory | 8 | 8 |
| RAM volume | 128 | 128 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
Setup and Operation
As both devices employ similar hardware patterns, thus, they also operate through a similar setup procedure.
To connect the modem to the computer or router for Wi-Fi, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port is present on the rear side of these products.
In this respect, CM500 has the advantage of the auto-sensing feature of its GbE port.
However, Arris SB6183 ranks higher for online configuration as SURFboard central app allows easy modem set up online.
For setting up hardware;
- Attach power connection and the service providing coaxial cable to the modem.
- Connect your PC or Wi-Fi router to the device through the autosensing LAN port using a GbE cable.
- Now, log in online to the modem via IP address 192.168.100.1 to access and update its configuration.
Hardware and Design
Arris Sb6183 gives a comparatively aggressive look due to its lattice-style sidewalls and requires more space owing to its bigger size. It is a tower-form modem with a single GbE port along with power and ISP inlets, employing the efficient chipset from Broadcom. However, Wi-Fi router has to be connected externally as there is no built-in router available. It employs well-established Broadcam chipset and utilizes Samsung K4B1G1646G-BCH9 standardized RAM chip which makes it score higher for processing efficiency.
Conversely, the Netgear CM500 modem scores higher design-wise for its sleek outlook. It characterizes a plain, black, box-shaped design with round corners. An extended curved base not only adds an elegant design element but also provides support to the lightweight device. Hardware elements are similarly arranged as the competitor i.e. LED on front and external connections on the rear side. There is no in-built router but it is compatible with any Wi-Fi router. Its chipset is also from same Broadcam series but the efficiency of its RAM chip does not matches that of its contender, leading to slower speeds.
| Physical Characteristics | SB6183 | CM500 |
| Color | White | Black |
| Weight (lbs.) | 0.9 | 0.62 |
| Height (inches) | 5 | 7.3 |
| Width (inches) | 2.1 | 2.4 |
| Depth (inches) | 5 | 4.9 |
| Features | SB6183 | CM500 |
| Chipsets | Broadcom | Broadcom |
| Wi-Fi Router Included | No | No |
| Number of Lan ports | 1 | 1 |
| Other ports | Coaxial | Coaxial |
| Diagnostics LEDs | Power, US, DS, Online, LAN | Power, US, DS, Online, LAN |
Performance
- DOCSIS
For the international telecommunication standard of cable services, both devices meet the specifications of DOCSIS 3.0 networks. While Netgear CM500 also shows compatibility with DOCSIS 2.0 systems.
| DOCSIS | SB6183 | CM500 |
| DOCSIS 3.0 version | BCM33843D | BCM33843 |
| Downstream Modulations | 64 QAM or 256 QAM | 64 QAM or 256 QAM |
| Operating level range | -15 to +15 | -7 to +7 |
| Upstream Modulations | QPSK, 8 QAM, 16 QAM, 32 QAM, 64 QAM, 128 QAM, (256 QAM optional) | QPSK, 8 QAM, 16 QAM, 32 QAM, 64 QAM, 128 QAM |
- Channel Bonding
Both devices enable the same number of DS/US channels, providing an equal rate of processing and transfer because the channel bonding scheme optimizes the modulator’s performance by providing several pathways for data transmission, resulting in a faster speed. These devices have 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels.
- Speed
Arris SB6183 takes the lead over its contender in terms of speed which is the primary factor in user experience while web surfing. Its upstream speed is a few bytes lesser than the competitor but the download rate is faster by megabytes. It can efficiently handle high-speed internet plans even up to 400 Mb/s.
CM500 provides a slightly higher upstream rate, however, its download speed is lesser in comparison. It also has a speed compatibility with internet plans up to 400 Mb/s yet its streaming speed is lesser than the competitor.
| Possible Speeds | SB6183 | CM500 |
| Upload Speeds (Mbps) | 131.07 | 132 |
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | 686 | 680 |
- Latency
As these devices integrate the same Broadcam chipset which is built with high latency resistance and cable gateway SoC technology, hence, there’s a tie for their ability to provide continuous streaming experience and resist delays in download.
Compatibility
- Internet Standards
Surfboard and Netgear modem, both provide a dual-stack support for the internet standards IPV4 and IPV6, which allows it to access web services without the concern of internet protocol.
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
These modem show compatibility with all ISPs including Spectrum, Cox, Xfinity and many others.
- PC
The SURFboard modem is compatible with a relatively wider range of operating systems and supports Windows XP, 7, 8, or higher versions (older versions also work with this modem though not specifically supported), macOS 10 or higher, UNIX, Linux. It supports all major web browsers as well.
CM500 shows compatibility with less number of operating systems and only supports Windows XP, Vista, 2000, 7, 8, 10, and macOS. It can operate with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome for web browsing.
- Home Networking
Both devices have Ethernet ports for connecting Wi-Fi router, delivering web services to the home or office networks.
Security
Both utilize DOCSIS 3.0 standard security mechanism BPI/SEC, which ensures safety from hackers, block access for unauthorized systems and provide secure downloads. Moreover, the established chipset resist against malware attacks and hacking.
Warranty
Arris SB6183 is a more durable modem as compared with the contestant. Its strong casing and sustainable hardware interface allow it to function accurately for a longer duration. It comes with a repair or replacement warranty for 2 years.
Netgear device gets fewer points for longevity and provides optimized performance for a smaller period of time. Its efficiency is backed by the manufacturer through 1 year limited warranty, however, an extended warranty of 2 years can also be bought for extra money.
