If you’re looking for a modem that delivers exceptional performance and reliability, the Arris Surfboard SB6141 should definitely be on your list.
This modem has been a popular choice among internet users for years, and for good reason. It offers high-speed internet connectivity, compatibility with most internet service providers, and easy setup, making it an ideal option for both home and office use.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Arris Surfboard SB6141, examining its features, performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right modem for your internet needs.
Arris Surfboard SB6141 Review
Technical Specs
- Brand: Arris
- Model: Surfboard sb6141
- Port: 1 GB Ethernet Port
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches
- Connection: Wired Modem
- Channels: 4 upstream, 8 downstream
- Speed: 343 Mbps
- Support Protocol: IPv4 and IPv6
- Weight: 1.19 lbs.
- Standard: DOCSIS 3.0
Performance & Top Features
Performance
The performance of Arris Surfboard SB6141 is matchless and wastes no time. Its 8 x 4 channel bonding offers impressive download speeds of 343 Mbps and the fastest possible upload rate of up to 131 Mbps.
The high-speed internet boost offered by SB6141 allows you to stream online games and download 4k UHD videos within a few minutes.
DOCSIS Standard
You may not have known that the DOCSIS acronym stands for Data Over Cable Interface Specification.
This is the specification that designates the transmission protocol used by your Internet Service Provider to communicate with your cable modem and provide you with internet access.
The Arris Surfboard SB6141 is designed with the current industry standard of DOCSIS 3.0 which draws multiple different data streams into a single unit. This combining feature also referred to as data binding, enables your modem to achieve unlimited download speeds much faster than previous DOCSIS protocols.
This also improves the compatibility of the Arris SB6141 modem with all major cable service providers and improves its flexibility to support the latest firmware and internet updates as well as IPv4 and IPv6.
Connectivity
Spending your money on a weak cable modem will turn some rooms in your house into dead zones. The Arris Surfboard SB6141 modem has long-range strong connectivity that allows you to access the internet from all rooms in your house without buffering or losing your Wifi signal strength.
It is practically impossible to operate wireless networking without a router. Therefore, the Arris Surfboard SB6141 modem is designed with a Gigabit Ethernet port for amplifying the connectivity of your router.
However, this modem doesn’t have a power or a reset switch, that’s means if you want to reset or turn off your cable modem without using the device firmware, you will have to unplug it manually.
Design
The last thing that you need in your house is a large electronic machine that will gobble up all the space. However, the compact design of the Arris SB6141 modem makes it the perfect fit for small spaces and therefore won’t eat up too much of your space.
The strong rigid scratch-resistant exterior is built to go for the distance. If you unexpectedly drop your modem, the sturdy plastic construction will protect its sensitive circuit board housing the SB6141 modem’s processor against physical damage.
Temperature
The medium-sized vents on each side facilitate cooling for maximum performance. This allows the Arris Surfboard SB6141 cable modem to average a maximum temperature of about 87.5°F. The low operating temperature saves you a significant amount of money since the device draws minimum electric power. This feature also increases this router’s lifespan.
Warranty and Support
Modems are not excessively complex gadgets. Therefore, a good warranty will offer you an ample amount of time to ascertain any possible defect.
With that in mind, Arris provides you with up to a two-year warranty for the Surfboard SB6141 cable as well as standby technical support that can be contacted via phone or email.
However, if your modem operates steadily for the first few months, there is no need to worry as you can rest easy for the next few years.
Boot-Time
Surprisingly, you can get up and running with the Surfboard SB6141 modem from boot to browsing the internet in less than 36 seconds. Generally, boot time is not a significant concern, although several models are relatively faster such as the Zoom 5341J and the Netgear CM400.
Configuration And Power Support
The Arris Surfboard SB6141 has a 9 Wattage power consumption efficiency. It features an auto-negotiation, auto MDI/MDI-X (auto-uplink), IPv4 support, IPv6 support, and line coding in the formats of 256 QAM, 64 QAM, 128 QAM, 8 QAM, 32 QAM, 16 QAM, and QPSK.
Its RJ-45 cable supports and connects all the known Operating Systems including Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Pros
- High-speed download rates of 343 Mbps
- Two years limited warranty
- 35.9-second boot time
- Compatible with all major Internet Service Providers in North America
Cons
- Relatively costly
- Does not include a power reset button
- Not compatible with little-known service providers
FAQs About Arris Surfboard SB6141 Review
How Do I troubleshoot Internet Connection With My Arris SB6141
When internet connection issues arise with the SB6141, troubleshooting may help to resolve the issue or at least provide insight into what may be causing the issue.
You can use these troubleshooting steps in the following sequence.
- Shut down the computer
- Unplug the modem from the power outlet and wait for about one minute
- Plug the cable modem into the power outlet
- Observe until the online LEDs are solid green.
- Try to restart the computer and see if there is any improvement.
What Do the Lights On My Arris SB6141 Mean?
The flashing light is an indication that your Surfboard SB6141 modem is scanning for network channel configuration and server connections. After an online connection channel is acquired the modem will indicate a solid green light and an amber or blue light for a Link connection.
How Do I Tell If My Arris Surfboard Modem Is Bad?
Check out the following signs to know whether your modem is bad and needs urgent replacement.
- Your Surfboard modem fails to turn on.
- Your modem fails to connect to the internet completely.
- The internet connection for your modem randomly drops in and out.
- You experience inconsistent and slower internet speed than before.
- Your modem suddenly needs frequent resets to function properly.