Netgear CM700 vs Arris SB6190 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Netgear CM700 & ARRIS SB6190 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Netgear CM700 rather than the ARRIS SB6190.

Why Do I Recommend The Netgear CM700?

  • The Netgear CM700 has two 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports for supporting IEEE 802.3ad link aggregation and enabling up to 2 Gbps combined throughput to a compatible router, whereas the ARRIS SB6190 has one 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port.
  • Netgear CM700 supports IEEE 802.3ad LACP for distributing WAN traffic across two Gigabit links to reduce single-port bottlenecks during high-bandwidth downloads, while the ARRIS SB6190 does not support link aggregation.
  • It comes with a Broadcom BCM3384 chipset for consistent packet processing and reduced latency variance under heavy streaming or gaming loads, whereas the ARRIS SB6190 uses the Intel Puma 6 chipset.
  • The Netgear CM700 features dual Ethernet PHY controllers for managing two simultaneous wired connections to advanced routers or network switches, while the ARRIS SB6190 uses a single Ethernet PHY controller.
  • Netgear CM700 includes separate LAN 1 and LAN 2 LED indicators for monitoring individual port activity and troubleshooting link status independently, while the ARRIS SB6190 includes a single Ethernet LED indicator.
  • It has a 2-port LAN configuration for enabling aggregated connections on internet plans provisioned above 1 Gbps, whereas the ARRIS SB6190 has a single-port LAN configuration that limits wired throughput to 1 Gbps.
  • The Netgear CM700 features a 7.3 × 4.5 × 1.9 inch chassis for a slim vertical footprint that fits narrow desk or shelf spaces, compared to the ARRIS SB6190’s 5.0 × 5.0 × 2.1 inch chassis with a wider base profile.
  • Netgear CM700 comes with a black enclosure for integration with dark-colored networking equipment and rack environments, whereas the ARRIS SB6190 uses a white enclosure.

Maybe the ARRIS SB6190 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Netgear CM700. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureNetgear CM700ARRIS SB6190
Ethernet ports2 × 1GbE1 × 1GbE
Link aggregationYesNo
Aggregation standardIEEE 802.3adNot supported
Max Ethernet link rate (aggregated)2 GbpsNot supported
DOCSIS chipset familyBroadcomIntel Puma 6
DOCSIS chipset modelBCM3384Intel CE2600-series
Ethernet PHY count21
Ethernet LED indicators21
Front LED count (typical)65
Chassis colorBlackWhite
Approx. dimensions (H × W × D)7.3 × 4.5 × 1.9 in5.0 × 5.0 × 2.1 in
Approx. weight0.8 lb1.1 lb
PriceCheck Netgear CM700 PriceCheck ARRIS SB6190 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • DOCSIS 3.0: Both modems use the DOCSIS 3.0 standard, which enables high-speed cable internet through channel bonding technology. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of cable ISPs that still deploy DOCSIS 3.0 infrastructure.
  • Channel Bonding (32×8): Each device supports 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. This allows stable data distribution across multiple channels for smoother streaming, gaming, and large downloads during peak hours.
  • Maximum Downstream Speed (Up to 1.4 Gbps): Both models are rated for theoretical download speeds up to 1.4 Gbps. This makes them suitable for gigabit-class cable internet plans under DOCSIS 3.0 networks.
  • Maximum Upstream Speed (Up to 262 Mbps): Each modem supports upstream speeds up to 262 Mbps. This helps maintain reliable upload performance for video calls, cloud backups, and content uploads.
  • Backward Compatibility: Both units are backward compatible with DOCSIS 2.0 and earlier versions. This ensures operation even on older cable systems without requiring infrastructure upgrades.
  • Gigabit Ethernet Port: Each modem includes a 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet interface. This allows connection to modern routers that can fully utilize gigabit-tier internet services.
  • No Built-in WiFi: Both devices are pure cable modems without integrated WiFi radios. This gives users flexibility to pair them with a separate router of their choice for customized network setups.
  • No Integrated Router: Neither model includes routing or NAT functionality. This simplifies configuration and reduces firmware complexity for users who prefer dedicated networking hardware.
  • IPv6 Support: Both support IPv6 networking standards. This ensures long-term compatibility as ISPs gradually transition from IPv4 to IPv6 addressing systems.
  • Modem-Only Design: Each product is designed specifically as a standalone modem. This focused design often results in straightforward installation and fewer configuration layers.
  • Vertical Orientation: Both units are designed to stand upright. This reduces desk footprint and can help with passive airflow around the chassis.
  • LED Status Indicators: Each modem includes front-facing LED indicators for power, downstream, upstream, and online status. These lights help users quickly diagnose connectivity issues.
  • Web-Based Management UI: Both devices provide a local web interface for checking signal levels and connection status. This allows users to monitor performance metrics without additional software.
  • Cable Provider Compatibility: Both modems are commonly approved for use with major cable internet providers. This broad compatibility makes activation and provisioning straightforward.
  • F-Type Coaxial Connector: Each modem uses a standard F-type coaxial cable input. This ensures compatibility with typical residential cable installations.
  • External Power Adapter: Both models use an external AC power adapter. This design allows easier replacement of the power supply if needed without servicing the modem itself.

Common Features

FeatureNetgear CM700ARRIS SB6190
DOCSIS standardDOCSIS 3.0DOCSIS 3.0
Channel bonding (downstream)32 channels32 channels
Channel bonding (upstream)8 channels8 channels
Maximum downstream speed (theoretical)Up to 1.4 GbpsUp to 1.4 Gbps
Maximum upstream speed (theoretical)Up to 262 MbpsUp to 262 Mbps
Backward compatibilityDOCSIS 2.0/1.1/1.0DOCSIS 2.0/1.1/1.0
Ethernet port speed10/100/1000 Mbps10/100/1000 Mbps
WiFi built-inNoNo
Integrated routerNoNo
IPv6 supportYesYes
Modem-only designYesYes
Vertical orientationYesYes
LED status indicatorsYesYes
Web-based management UIYesYes
Cable provider compatibilityMajor US cable ISPsMajor US cable ISPs
Coaxial input typeF-type connectorF-type connector
External power adapterYesYes
Price Check Netgear CM700 Price
Check ARRIS SB6190 Price

FAQ

Is Netgear CM700 compatible with the same internet providers as ARRIS SB6190?
Yes, both Netgear CM700 and ARRIS SB6190 are DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems that are commonly approved for use with major cable internet providers in the United States. Activation typically requires registering the modem’s MAC address with the ISP.

Do both modems support gigabit internet plans?
Both devices support DOCSIS 3.0 with 32×8 channel bonding and are rated for theoretical downstream speeds up to 1.4 Gbps. However, real-world speeds are generally limited by the single 1GbE port on ARRIS SB6190 and per-port limits on Netgear CM700.

What is the main hardware difference between Netgear CM700 and ARRIS SB6190?
Netgear CM700 uses a Broadcom DOCSIS 3.0 chipset, while ARRIS SB6190 uses the Intel Puma 6 platform. The chipset difference affects internal processing architecture and Ethernet controller configuration.

How many Ethernet ports do both modems have?
Netgear CM700 has two 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, while ARRIS SB6190 has one 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port. Both ports support standard RJ-45 connections.

Does either modem include built-in WiFi?
No, neither Netgear CM700 nor ARRIS SB6190 includes integrated WiFi capability. Both are modem-only devices and require a separate wireless router for WiFi connectivity.

Can Netgear CM700 exceed 1 Gbps speeds?
Netgear CM700 supports IEEE 802.3ad link aggregation across its two Gigabit Ethernet ports. When paired with a compatible router, aggregated bandwidth can theoretically reach 2 Gbps, although each individual port remains capped at 1 Gbps.

Does ARRIS SB6190 support link aggregation?
No, ARRIS SB6190 includes a single Gigabit Ethernet port and does not support link aggregation. Its maximum wired throughput is limited to the 1 Gbps Ethernet interface.

Are both modems backward compatible with older DOCSIS standards?
Yes, both support backward compatibility with DOCSIS 2.0 and earlier versions. This ensures functionality on legacy cable networks that have not fully upgraded infrastructure.

What are the upstream and downstream channel bonding specifications?
Both modems support 32 downstream channels and 8 upstream channels. This configuration helps distribute traffic efficiently across multiple frequency channels.

Do both modems support IPv6 networking?
Yes, both Netgear CM700 and ARRIS SB6190 support IPv6. This allows compatibility with modern ISP network addressing standards.

Is there a difference in warranty coverage?
Netgear CM700 typically comes with a 1-year limited warranty, while ARRIS SB6190 typically includes a 2-year limited warranty. Warranty terms may vary by retailer or region.

How do their physical sizes compare?
Netgear CM700 measures approximately 7.3 × 4.5 × 1.9 inches and weighs around 0.8 lb. ARRIS SB6190 measures approximately 5.0 × 5.0 × 2.1 inches and weighs about 1.1 lb.

Do both devices include a web-based management interface?
Yes, both modems provide a local web interface accessible through a browser. Users can check signal strength, channel bonding status, and connection information.

What type of cable connection do they use?
Both models use a standard F-type coaxial connector for cable input. This is the typical connector used in residential cable internet installations.

Are these modems suitable for gaming and streaming?
Both modems support high-speed DOCSIS 3.0 connections with 32×8 channel bonding, which provides sufficient bandwidth for 4K streaming, online gaming, and large downloads. Actual performance depends on ISP provisioning and the connected router.