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The Best WiFi 6 Modem/Router Combo?
The Arris G36 is one of those rare-yet-newly launched modem/router combos that come with WiFi 6 + DOCSIS 3.1 combo. Since you’re here, you must be confused about whether to get this combo device as your internet equipment. Well, I tested the G36 for over three weeks, and I’m writing my thoughts as a full review.
Before I begin the review, this modem/router combo is easy to set up and supports most of the service providers in the US. Also, but since it’s a combo, you don’t have to purchase a separate wireless router. Besides, the in-built WiFi 6-powered router makes the device stand out, secure, and seamless.
But that’s not why I recommend you look into the Arris G36. After testing it for at least three weeks on Cox’s Gigablast plan, I feel that this combo is good enough for 2022 and even the future if you want to experience multi-gig speeds.
Also, compared to the G34, the ARRIS Surfboard G36 comes across as a better device, courtesy of an exclusive multi-gig port, as mentioned, and the ability to support internet plans with throughput reaching up to 1.2Gbps.
Finally, I could also get my hands on the model with a multi-gig port, which furthers the wired capabilities of the same. But don’t simply take my word for it. Instead, keep reading on to see this modem-router combo’s best and not-so-good traits and decide accordingly.
Arris G36 Review: Should You Pick it in 2022?
The ARRIS G36 isn’t your regular Modem-Router combo. Instead, it is a multi-gig setup that can match up to any premium modem and router purchased separately. In the subsequent sections, I shall discuss some of the most impactful aspects of this device at length to help you make an informed call as per requirements and budget-specific comfort.
1. Design & Build
The Surfboard G36 is a good-looking device, boasting rounded edges and a well-ventilated top layout. In addition, it feels compact despite weighing close to 3 pounds, which is quite heavy for a networking device.
The dimensions at 11 x 10 x 1.1 inches are aesthetic enough and add to the vertical structure of this resource combo, made out of hardened, matte plastic.
2. Ports & Connectivity
If I were to elaborate on the design and form factor, it is the rear panel that comes with quite a few nifty little enhancements. The 4 LAN or GigE ports are at the fore, capable of letting your wired devices experience multi-gig speeds. The ports support link aggregation as well.
Not just that, you also get a 2.5G port for ensuring the best possible internet speeds without having to rely on link aggregation and multiple IPs. In addition, each Ethernet port has an LED attached to it, indicating the operational status.
3. Compatibility with ISPs
The Surfboard G36, unlike some of the other products from Arris, is compatible with almost every cable ISP. Spectrum, Comcast, and Cox, whose Giga blast plan was used to test the device.
Plus, regardless of the internet plan or ISP, you tag along, the inventive UI and app-based support offered by the Surfboard G36 lets you have access to the remote device manager, parental controls, network manager, and even speed analyzer, making device usage a wholesome experience.
4. Hardware & Technology
At the core, the G36 has a multi-core processor capable of handling congestion like a pro. The existing chipset ensures that you can make the best use of the DOCSIS 3.1 technology and the fallback to the DOCSIS 3.0 with 32 x 8 channels to work with. However, this device can be a handy asset once ISPs start rolling out internet plans well above the 2Gbps mark.
5. WiFi Speeds & Range
This modem-router combo allows you to reach theoretical wireless speeds of up to 3000 Mbps. However, when tested with the Gigablast plan, I could churn out 2.4GHz rates of up to 220Mbps and 5GHz speeds of almost 950Mbps. The range, however, is quite expansive as this device can cover nearly 3000 sq ft of area, with varying degrees of network consistency.
Back View
On the back of the modem are the following buttons and ports.
- Reset Button: Use this button to reset or reset the WiFi Cable Modem’s configuration settings.
- Ethernet: Four individual Gigabit Ethernet ports and one 2.5-gigabit port for RJ-45 network cable connections. Only one port is active at a time. The following information describes the LEDs on the Ethernet port.
o Steady Green LED – Indicates online status is in DOCSIS 3.0 mode.
o Solid Blue LED – Indicates online status is in DOCSIS 3.1 mode.
o Flashing green LED: Indicates up and down channel search.
o Steady yellow LED: Indicates that the unit is on.
o Flashing yellow LED: Indicates that the firmware download is in progress.
o Flashing blue and green LED: Indicates failure mode alternately.
o Steady light blue LED: Indicates that WAN over Ethernet mode has been selected.
- Cable: Coaxial cable connector.
- Power Port – Connect the power cable that comes with the WiFi Cable Modem.
ARRIS G36 Review Summary
- Arris Surfboard G36 is a premium modem router combo that offers the best of both worlds, i.e., modem and router. Despite being a powerful networking device, it’s sleek and elegant compared to other modem offerings from Arris. What makes Arris G36 a highly compelling choice is a multi-Gig WAN port and 4 Gig-E ports. Plus, support for Docsis 3.1 and WiFi 6 ensures seamless connectivity to multiple devices.
- The cable modem is aimed at Gigabit and even multi-gigabit plans. In addition to that, it also comes with App support to make things even more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Arris Surfboard G36 The Best Modem-Router Combo Around?
Suppose you are looking to make the greatest of the highest bandwidth cable ISP plans. In that case, there isn’t a better modem-router combo in play, courtesy of the WiFi 6 wireless standard and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
Can I Add A Standalone Router To The Surfboard G36?
While the existing combo is more than adequate for most users, you can consider pairing it with a router if you already have it. Or, you can add a gaming router with an additional 5GHz band to prioritize the network better.
What Kind Of Users Should Invest In The Surfboard G36?
This modem-router combo is potent and should only be purchased if you have top-of-the-line speed and throughput-specific requirements. Therefore, if you are developing to set up a game room in the house or ensure better connectivity in the office, this device is a good enough choice. Plus, you can use extenders, switches, and bridges along with this product.
Can I Get Multi-Gig Speeds With This Modem?
Yes, you can use the 2.5Gbps port to connect directly with bandwidth-intensive devices like Smart TV, PlayStation, and more to get multi-gig speeds without port aggregation.
Is there a USB port?
This product does not have a USB port
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