In this article, you will find out which modem is best for Armstrong. As well as a list of all Armstrong-approved modems and what to consider before purchasing one for yourself.
As a Network Engineer, I have discussed with Armstrong and researched to conclude which modem is best for Armstrong.
And I have settled that the Motorola MB8600 is the best modem for Armstrong internet.
Motorola MB8600 – Editors Choice’s
Best Overall
- Type: Cable Modem
- Recommended for: 1000 Mbps or less
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 2 years
- Chosen as: Best Overall
But not everyone has equal internet needs and wants. Thus, what modem is best for you depends.
Therefore, I have chosen the three best from the approved modems list and went over what to consider before buying a modem for Armstrong.
Keep reading to learn more.
Top 3 Armstrong Approved Modems
Best Performer
Netgear CM2000
- Type: Cable Modem
- Work up to: 2500 Mbps
- Channels: 32×8
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 1-year
- Chosen as: Best Performer
Best Overall
Motorola MB8600
- Type: Cable Modem
- Work up to: 1000 Mbps
- Channels: 32×8
- DOCSIS: 3.1
- Warranty: 2-year
- Chosen as: Best Overall
Best Budget-Friendly
Arris
SB6183
- Type: Cable Modem
- Work up to: 300 Mbps
- Channels: 16×4
- DOCSIS: 3.0
- Warranty: 2-year
- Chosen as: Budget-Friendly
List Of All Armstrong Compatible Modems
Here is a list of all Armstrong-approved modems. All of which is Armstrong tested and certified, which guarantees them to work with your internet. [1]
Brand | Model # | With Router | Channels | DOCSIS | Puma Chipset |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arris | CM820 | No | 8×4 | 3.0 | No |
Arris | SB6183 | No | 16×4 | 3.0 | No |
Arris | SB6190 | No | 32×8 | 3.0 | Yes |
Arris | CM3200A | No | 32×8 | 3.0 | Yes |
Arris | SB8200 | No | 32×8 | 3.1 | No |
Motorola | MB7621 | No | 24×8 | 3.0 | No |
Motorola | MB8600 | No | 32×8 | 3.1 | No |
Netgear | CM700 | No | 32×8 | 3.0 | Yes |
Netgear | CM1000 | No | 32×8 | 3.1 | No |
Netgear | CM2000 | No | 32×8 | 3.1 | No |
Puma Chipset is a problematic chip. Avoid modems having it. Yes means it has it, while no means it doesn’t.
With router means that the modem is a modem/router combo. No modem in this list as for now have a router.
What to Consider Before Buying an Armstrong Approved Modem
Here is what to specifically consider when buying Armstrong approved modem. For a more general guide, click here.
DOCSIS & Channels – Modem Speed
When buying a modem, its real-world speed, not max speed, must be at least as fast as your internet plan.
Because otherwise, your modem will bottleneck and slow down your internet connection.
Two components decide a cable modem’s speed. These are the DOCSIS version and channel bonding it has.
DOCSIS
When it comes to DOCSIS, you have two options with Armstrong, either DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1.
The difference is that DOCSIS 3.1 is newer and faster, while 3.0 is older and is slowly phased out.
DOCSIS 3.1 modems are also a bit costlier but will work longer, so you will likely save in the long run.
Therefore, I recommend getting a DOCSIS 3.1 modem.
For more information, check out DOCSIS 3.1 vs. 3.0.
Channels
This is only something to consider if you buy a DOCSIS 3.0 modem because 3.1 modems always have 32×8 channels.
A cable modem has between 4×4 and 32×8 channels, with more channels equal to a faster speed.
Armstrong recommends getting a modem with at least 32×8 channels, and the reason for this is that such a modem can handle all their plans.
But most Armstrong customs won’t need it. Below I have put together a table on how many channels each internet plan is compatible with. [2]
Armstrong Internet Plan | DOCSIS Version | Channel Bonding |
Zoom Express (25 Mbps) | 3.0 or 3.1 | 8×4, 16×4, 24×8, or 32×8 |
Zoom (150 Mbps) | 3.0 or 3.1 | 8×4, 16×4, 24×8, or 32×8 |
Zoom II (300 Mbps) | 3.0 or 3.1 | 16×4, 24×8, or 32×8 |
Zoom Extreme (1000 Mbps) | 3.0 or 3.1 | 32×8 |
Note, 4×4 channel bonding is not compatible with Armstrong internet even though it is technically enough for Zoom Express.
Compatible With Armstrong
When buying a modem for Armstrong, it needs to be a cable modem and preferably an approved modem.
Most cable modems will work with Armstrong internet, but not all. Therefore, I recommend getting a modem from the compatible modem list.
These modems are Armstrong tested and certified. Thus, they will always work with your internet.
Modem Router Combo Vs. Separate
Usually, when you buy a cable modem, you need to decide if you want a modem router combo or separate devices.
The difference being that a modem/router combo (gateway) has the modem and router as one device while separate has them as two.
But Armstrong has no approved gateway, so separate is the only option (if you don’t buy a modem that isn’t certified)
I recommend separate devices, but if you want a gateway, you need to contact Armstrong and ask which one works with your plan and region.
If you want to learn more about the pros and cons of gateways and separate, click here.
Armstrong Internte Plans
Here are Armstrong’s four internet plans and what cable modem and gateway I recommend for each one. These modems are all from the Armstrong-approved modems list. [3, 4]
Armstrong Internet Plan | Cable Modem |
Zoom Express (25 Mbps) | ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 |
Zoom (150 Mbps) | Motorola MB8600 |
Zoom II (300 Mbps) | Motorola MB8600 |
Zoom Extreme (1000 Mbps) | Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 |
Why You Should Buy A Third-Party Modem For Armstrong
Armstrong doesn’t do what most ISP’s does and rent their network equipment. Instead, you get one for free.
So, understandably, most Armstrong customers use their modem.
And for many, that’s enough, and they are happy with it. But for those of you that want that bit extra performance, getting a third-party modem makes sense.
Because the modem you get from Armstrong is going to be just enough for your plan, and thus, in many cases, it can slow down your internet.
Therefore, I recommend buying a modem for Armstrong.
Even though you should take my opinion with a grain of salt. I do make a small commission if you use any of my links.
My Verdict
From talking to Armstrong and researching, I have concluded that the Motorola MB8600 is the best cable modem for most.
Because it’s a reliable, high-performing DOCSIS 3.1 modem for a fair price.