Why should I chose this product over the ARRIS SURboard model SBG6900-Ac They both seem like great products at basically the same price. What should be my deciding factor overall? In the home, I want to cover about 3500 sq. ft., about 7 Smart devices including tv's but, what about outside the home range? In some cases, 4 devices may be working at the same time, all Samsung.

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Scorpion · Accepted Answer

If your provider can push the speed an AC router can provide, you'll get better, stronger, faster connections than with a non AC router -- very useful, especially if you're planning on streaming music, videos, or playing graphically intensive games.

Answered by Scorpion 9 years ago

FuryuZ · Answer

The surfboard is a piece of junk.. it's antennas are awful range wise..the company does not do quality assurance checks on its products and I knew more about it then their Tech support did.. go with the nighthawk 1900

Answered by FuryuZ 9 years ago

brentahcheii · Answer

I would choose the Nighthawk over Arris simply for the networking control. With the Nighthawk I was able to create sub networks with proper security easily and efficiently without any trouble. With the Arris, I didn't find the networking as efficient. The WiFi signal distance is great. I can be across the street and still have excellent signal on my tablets and phone.

Answered by brentahcheii 9 years ago

TechGuyJ · Answer

Either would work for you. I really like the Nighthawk line of products. I use them for both home and business. They cover a huge area, and easily handle many devices all connected and running at the same time while providing seamless connectivity.

Answered by TechGuyJ 9 years ago

azhermit · Answer

Choose neither anymore. This modem/router no longer has an app for desktop/laptop to access the modem. The Genie app was discontinued by Netgear last year (2019) and if you already had it then they no longer support it (no firmware updates). The app they have replaced it with works ONLY on phones: android or iOS, and they are built bare-bones and provide no ability to control much of anything but the absolute basics. Perhaps the worst part is that if you plan to attach a network drive (NAS) to the USB port be aware that there is no way to "safely disconnect the drive" so you can pull out the USB: The Genie app that has such a button doesn't work, and the new Nighthawk app doesn't even have one. So you risk data corruption on disconnect.
I have had two of these. The first one failed and the second one (C7000v2) has the problems detailed in the above paragraph.
Others have given info on the Arris. So. maybe time to look elsewhere - and NOT built in China -- because of their proven spyware built into motherboards as Apple found out the hard way.

Speed · Answer

If you need range you should think about using a separate router like the Nighthawk R70000 instead of an all in one. I am using a Arris surfboard 6183 which is exceptionally fast modem along with a Linksys WRT1900ACS router. Arris is not know for making great routers, how ever they make great modems. I do not know of any all in one combo that is known for its long range.

Answered by Speed 9 years ago

GinnyD · Answer

I had the exact Arris model you mentioned. In a little over 2 years the electrical connection on the back, became wobbly an therefore, the power was cutting on and off. I couldn’t tighten it up without taking the unit apart. So I recycled it and bought the NeatGear brand. I am pleased with my purchase.

Answered by GinnyD 6 years ago

AlNonymous · Answer

AS OF 2022, the SBG6900 is incapable of WPA2-PSK (AES) and thus triggers a 'weak security' warning on iPhones. It is also now marked as "Not Supported" on the Xfinity "Compatible devices" list. Its USB support is also glitchy. The AC1900 handles WPA2-PSK (AES) and also has good USB support features.

Answered by AlNonymous 3 years ago

The AC1900 handles WPA2-PSK (AES) and also has good  USB support features.

KittyKat · Answer

I replaced an older model Arris wireless router and separate Comcast modem with this NetGear Nighthawk wireless router/modem. They had worked great except for recent glitches in performance due to the fact that I recently added several additional devices to run on them. No issues with the Arris router up to that point. After installing this NetGear wireless router/modem combo I noticed a significant increase in speed, performance, and range. I have 8 devices connected including 2 computers, 2 TV’s with Roku units, a printer and XBox. that are often used simultaneously with absolutely no problems. It’s fast and very reliable. I would definitely recommend this NetGear Nighthawk.

Answered by KittyKat 5 years ago

jflow96 · Answer

The next generation for WiFi is here due to greater demand to have multiple users on the same network without creating latency or lag in your uploading of data when dealing online video, gaming, and streaming through video chat. Look at it this way. Have you ever driven down the road during rush hour and the road bottle necks at a four way intersection? Like everyone else who wants to go home as quickly as possible a bottle neck at am intersection creates traffic and slows the flow of vehicles crossing to get to the other side of the intersection. The more lanes in a roadway the better the flow of traffic. Better flow of traffic.... less buffering and lag time.

Answered by jflow96 9 years ago

flybp2016 · Answer

I would buy the Arris over this product. 
As for coverage, neither will be able to cover 3500 sq. ft. You'll need 3-4 access points or network extenders.

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