The Arris SBG6900-AC comes from a company that produces high-quality modems and routers for more than 60 years. Join the roster of over 200 million proud Arris modem owners with a presence in 84 countries worldwide.
With more than 2 billion people connected to the internet, looking for information and entertainment, a reliable internet connection is a must in every home. The right device affords you the connectivity you desire.
Download the user guide to get to know your modem-router combo before you use it.
PROS
CONS
HARDWARE & SPECS
Main Features & Benefits
The Arris SBG6900 AC is a three-in-one device designed to cut the number of devices to manage when connected to the internet. While this is not the best option for a modem and router combo, it delivers decent service. Here are some of the strong points about this device.
Four Gigabit Ethernet LAN Ports
Besides connecting wireless through this device’s access point mode, desktop computers, gaming consoles, additional Ethernet switches, and other devices need a wired connection. This device has 4 Gigabit-certified Ethernet LAN ports for this purpose. The ports work on 10/100/1000Mbps, so you can still use it even if your internet works slower than Gigabit speed.
Maximum Throughput of 1,900Mbps
Connecting your wireless devices comes in a flash with the Arris SBG6900 AC. It is excellent for streaming HD videos and online gaming with its 686Mbps download speeds and 1900Mbps total maximum throughput.
Beamforming and Range
The beamforming feature eliminates dead spots around your house. While it cannot cover every nook in a large place, it gives small to medium houses enough coverage. And because it also functions as an Access Point, you can add wired devices or an additional router to it to widen your range.
Backward Compatibility for Older Wi-Fi Protocols
Not all ISPs work on newer Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6. If you are on 802.11a/b/g/n services, Arris SBG6900 AC got you covered with its backward compatibility. Granted that the modem or the router does not increase your ISP’s internet speed, it gives you better connection and performance with fewer connection drops.
Advanced Security Features
The Arris SBG6900 AC comes with WPA2-PSK security and is the highest wireless network security protocol. You can also go for the WPA-PSK2 + WPA-PSK for Wi-Fi-protected access with a pre-shared key. This second option, though, is less secure than the WPA-PSK2.
To enable the firewall, set it up in the SBG6900-AC web manager and enter the submenu’s required details. You can find everything on the downloadable Quick Start Guide for this model. You can also store remote firewall logs using the same web manager. Remote logging lets you index your firewall log and access them on a different device rather than locally. This also allows you to manage your firewall and secure your network better.
You can also set up parental controls to block access to specific internet sites and MAC addresses and set limits to computer use or internet access. To do this, select the time zone you are in and set up parental controls to set time limits. You also need to enter the individual IP and MAC addresses of sites you want to restrict.
LED Indicator Lights
LEd light indicators on the front panel of the Arris SBG6900-AC helps in easy diagnostics and troubleshooting. These indicators show if the power, upload and download, internet connection, Wi-Fi connection, router, and USB ports are working correctly, making it easier to identify and address the issue.
Responsive Customer Care Service
Arris boasts of 7500-strong technical personnel in 84 countries to address the needs of the customers. By having country-based customer service representatives, you don’t have to worry about language barriers, especially in countries that do not speak English. These experts have decades of experience dealing with customers and product issues, so they know how to deal with each one accordingly.
You can always ask ANA (Arris Networking Assistant) for FAQs about your specific modem or router. Follow this link to reach ANA for Arris SBG6900-AC FAQs.
Two-year Warranty and Tech Support
The Arris SBG6900-AC comes with a two-year warranty for its parts. However, the Warranty is valid only when you purchase the device directly from Arris or an Arris authorized retail reseller. Otherwise, the warranty is void. Read the warranty card thoroughly before contacting the company for issues.
It also comes with responsive tech support in 84 countries selling Arris products. These technicians have decades of expertise to ensure you get the best service for your problems and issues. Arris also provides the toll-free number, 1-877-466-8646, that you can call for warranty service or technical support. Charges may apply for technical support services.
Cons
Although the Arris SBG6900-AC modem-router combo is a good one, there are still disadvantages to this device. One of the most glaring is the price, but given that this is a three-in-one device, the current price point gives more value and should not be considered an expense but an investment.
Troublesome User Interface
Some users claim that the Arris SBG600-AC has a buggy user interface and poor DNS support. Most of the issues stem from user error because not the device does not work with all ISPs, so it is imperative to check the compatibility before buying a modem. It seems, though, that it works best with older Windows versions.
No Mobile App Management
Not all Arris Surfboard modems and routers have the Arris mobile app for remote management. Generally, this app has a setup wizard that lets you manage your Wi-Fi and devices connected to it. It also conducts Wi-Fi speed tests and lets you set up parental controls without accessing the web user interface.
Needs Constant Restarting and Reconfiguring
To make it work properly, it needs periodic restarting and reconfiguring. The reconfigurations need 5-10 minutes to restart every time, and it is annoying, especially if you need to do it every week or so.
What is the Arris SBG6900-AC Best For?
The Arris SBG6900-AC is a decent modem-router combo for small to medium houses. It is compatible with most major US ISPs and works in various capacities.
Best for Home-Based Work Set Up
With its 131Mbps upload and 686 download speeds, the Arris SBG6900-AC is ideal for home-based work, including running design and editing programs, attending video-conferences, or conducting virtual meetings. Most work-from-home jobs require at least 25Mbps download speeds, and this device can give you more than that.
Supports Online Education Seamlessly
With the increasing popularity of homeschooling and online education, internet access is a must-have in every home. Since the Arris SBG6900-AC works well with 300Mbps internet plans, you can get enough throughput in your wireless and wired devices to learn what you need for your education.
Whether you are researching your academic papers or assignments, you’ll get enough bandwidth to download your materials and upload your academic requirements.
Best for High-Quality Entertainment
This device has enough speed and bandwidth support for online gaming, whether on your gaming consoles or your desktop computers. Enjoy unlimited Netflix, Hulu, and other movie apps and sites in HD and Ultra HD settings every time without buffering and lags.
Best for Older Wi-Fi Systems
The device has backward compatibility for 802.11a/b/g/n systems but works mainly for 802.11ac. That doesn’t stop it from working correctly in older versions, though.
What Buyers Have To Say
After a thorough internet search, we found verified and credible reviews from customers and users of Arris SBG6900-AC. We believe that these reviews will give you a feel of how this device works in the real setting.
This is a good value buy. The speed is great! The cable company made me wait for 1 hr and confirm 4x to disconnect their box and use this one. The modem itself was very easy to set up. I love the white color. One of our older laptops does not connect reliably because the signal is weaker for distance. The speed, however, is faster when connected. I could care less if a game in a farther room needs a Wi-Fi booster. That is an easy fix. I bought this for work and have not had any problems at all. It is more reliable than the cable one was for staying online. The box does run warm. Mine is well ventilated and no problems.
Same Modem/Wireless router I’ve been paying 14.00 a month with Comcast!!!
I’m saving money now. It’s reliable and fast.
I have many electronics, Alexa gadgets, and Wi-Fi on my 2 smart TVs through WiFi.
I’m very pleased and see no difference except the 14 bucks I’ll have in my pocket now every month.
Simple to install & configure.
It’s as easy as reading the enclosed instructions!!!
Very pleased!!!
Using with new Xfinity setup. No problems and the signal is excellent. I'm using all of the Cat 6 ports to connect various devices, including an old Apple Airport on the other side of the house. The interface is easy, allowing just enough control for most household geeks. It's a good value, in my opinion.
Conclusion
The Arris SBG6900-AC is a reliable router for mid-speed internet of 300Mbps. We love that this device is a three-in-one combo, working as a modem, access point, and Gigabit router. Although some users say that this is an expensive unit, the convenience and ease of maintaining and configuring one device remain the most significant value for this modem-router combo.
Another thing we love about this device is easy installation and configuration. Make a list of the websites and IP addresses you want to restrict from your network, so you don’t need to second-guess your choices.
Lastly, it gives you the best service for your 300Mbps internet plan to enjoy your browsing, streaming, gaming, and work-related tasks. Don’t forget to check the compatibility of your modem with your ISP before making a purchase. If your ISP lists Arris SBG6900-AC in its compatible modems, go for it.
