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On the market for a gateway that can do both DOCSIS 3.1 cable broadband and Wi-Fi 6? CommScope might have something for you.
Today, the company announced not one but two such gateways, the ARRIS SURFboard G34 and G36, which it calls "Wi-Fi Cable modems" or "Cable Modems and Wi-Fi 6 routers".
Mid-range cable gateways
The confusing naming aside, each of the two is a box that includes a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem, similar to the S33, and a Wi-Fi 6 router on the inside.
Per the DOCSIS 3.1 standard, the cable portion of the new devices can handle up to 4Gbps of download connection. However, CommScope says the G34 and G36 can work supposedly for Internet speeds of up to only 1Gbps and 1.2Gbps, respectively.
(Like the case of all cable modems, the actual speed depends on your plan and the provider.)
That's because, on the router side, both the G34 and G36 are mid-tier routers using the dual-band AX3000 standards that cap at 2400Mbps on the 5GHz band and 570Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.
That said, getting either of these two boxes is like combining the S33 modem and an AX3000 router, such as the Asus RT-AX58U or the TP-Link AX50.
Indeed, both the G34 and G36 come with four LAN ports on the back. But neither has a WAN port. Like most gateways, they have a service port—the cable connector in this case—instead. As a result, you won't be able to use them with a non-cable Internet plan.
What makes the G36 different (better) than the G34 is that it comes with a 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig port to host a fast wired device, like a server or a Multi-Gig switch.
Easy to use
CommScope says both the SURFboard G34 and G36 are "easy to set up" and use. Both use the SURFboard Central mobile app, which has been available in the company's SURFboard mesh systems.
The app is generally thin Wi-Fi settings and features, but you can do the following:
- Network monitoring—users can view connected devices in real-time.
- Parental controls.
- Basic Wi-Fi settings.
- Guest networks management.
On top of that, the new gateways work with major cable providers. In the US, that includes Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, and more.
Pricing and availability
The ARRIS SURFboard G36 and G34 are available today and cost $300 and $280, respectively.
My house is at three levels and the modem is in the basement. I am wondering if I get Arries G36 then how will I be able to extend wifi to other levels? And would that extender extend the wifi signal as wifi 6?
You should get a separate modem and a mesh system, Saleem. Here’s the best list.
The linked posts will answer all questions you might have.
Sorry, I forgot to mention that I have Comcast 1.2 Gbps service and normally get speeds up to 1.4 Gbps.
In that case, get the S33 modem, or the Netgear CM2000. Then a mesh system.