Xfinity provides the xFi gateway if you opt for equipment rental. They charge around $14/month as a rental. I surveyed 190 Comcast gigabit users and found that around 63.8% of them use the xFi XB6, aka Arris TG3482G.
If you've upgraded to the Gigabit speed or are a new customer and want to know if the xFi XB6 would work for your requirements, this review will be helpful.
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Xfinity xFi XB6 Specs
| Modem Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 |
| Backward Compatibility | Yes |
| Channel Bonding | 32 x 8 |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 |
| Phone Ports | 2 |
| Suitable Internet Plan | Xfinity Gigabit + Voice Bundle |
| Modem-Router Combo | Yes |
| Built-in Router Speed | 1 Gbps |
| Wireless Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Wi-Fi Range | Approx. 1,200 Sq. Ft. |
| Connections Capacity | Up to 30 Devices |
| App Support | Yes |
| QoS Functionality | Yes |
| MU-MIMO | Yes |
| Processor | Intel Puma 7 (Has Latency Issue) |
| RAM | 673 MB |
| NAND Storage | Unknown |
| Dimensions | 6.69 x 9.06 x 6.69 inches |
| Weight | 3.25 pounds |
Xfinity xFi XB6 is an easy-to-setup wireless voice gateway. It's highly suitable for people who care less about the technical setups and don't want more control.
However, in my experience, it has a coverage area of 1,200 Sq Ft and the capacity to handle over 30 devices. However, if you live in a large house, get the xFi Pods, which cost around $199 for 2 pods.
👉 Related reading: How To Fix Xfinity Can’t Find Gateway? [Reasons & Fixes]
Overall, I believe that the rental costs $144/year, and these last for 4-5 years, so you'll end up paying around $600-720 over a period.
However, you could get an Xfinity compatible modem (even the high-end devices like the Arris S33 or the Arris SB8200) would cost around $150-180, and a router could cost anywhere between $100-$200.
So eventually, it'd cost around $300 for 5 years.
In the case of large homes, the cost shall go around $920 ($720 for rental + $199 for xFi Pods) on the other hand, if you don't rent, you can get the Arris SB8200 for around $150, and a reliable mesh system for Xfinity which could cost between $150-$350 depending on the features.
If I calculate the maximum costs involved, it'd still be $500 ($150 for the modem, $350 for the mesh system) with much more power and control!
👉 Related reading: Xfinity xFi Pods vs WiFi Extender: 7 Aspects Compared
Speeds & Performance
Arris TG3482G Xfinity wireless gateway features DOCSIS 3.1 and Wi-Fi 6 standards. DOCSIS 3.1 is the latest technology used in cable modems that supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps.
Integrated with dual-band WiFi, you can expect good download and upload speeds by connecting wirelessly. The built-in WiFi 6 router has seven additional 160MHz channels, which is supposed to improve bandwidth distribution.
However, it performs quite average, especially in terms of latency due to the inferior Intel Puma 7 chipset. Hence, I can't recommend XB6 gateway for data-intensive tasks such as gaming and live streaming.
So, Kurt, does the Xfinity XB6 xFi advanced gateway modem work fine for browsing? Well, yes. I tested it thoroughly by browsing multiple devices to understand if it was worth it.
And if you ask me about the Arris TG3482G speed, I tested it with Xfinity’s gigabit plan and received download and upload speeds up to 750 Mbps and 300 Mbps, respectively. But again, it's a speed test result and may vary based on your internet plan, location, placement, and more.
ISP Compatibility
Arris TG3482G is an Xfinity-exclusive device, so it won't work with any other ISP. However, the Xfinity XB6 modem is backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 technology, so it will work with most internet plans from Comcast Xfinity.
However, I won’t suggest investing in this device if you plan to use it with internet packages of less than 500 Mbps.
Design & Ports
XB6 modem by Xfinity boasts a straightforward design with an exterior matt black finish and a sturdy case. The device comes with dimension tags of 6.69 x 9.06 x 6.69 inches and weighs 3.25 pounds, making it a tad heavy. Nevertheless, its vertical orientation and flat bottom let you keep it anywhere without wobbling.
Further, it comes with a single blue light, which promises a plain view of the surroundings without any distractions and hindrances.
👉 Related reading: Is Xfinity WiFi Keeps Disconnecting? [Reasons & Fixes]
Being an xFi advanced gateway, it demands a coaxial cable connection, and there’s a port for that at the rear. You’ll also find two Ethernet Ports and two phone jacks to use Comcast's voice services.
And if you're wondering if any alternative voice-capable modems work with Xfinity, check out my list of recommended modems with phone jacks.
What I didn't like about its design is that it comes with a single vent at the top, which might not be enough to dissipate its heat. Using it for longer overheats the device and crashes the speeds across several devices, which was a potential issue. I tried using it with an exhaust fan on the top, but it didn’t work much.
Hardware & Internals
That said, you gain advantages in networking and computing performance, packet processor flexibility, RF noise rejection, and engineered for various LAN and WAN use cases.
The processor works with 673 MB of RAM. And a decent amount of NAND memory. It stores necessary network-related information passes it to the processor when running, and speeds up the data transmission process. The existing network congestion is eliminated, and you can now enjoy a lag-free internet user experience.
Installation & Setup
Setting up networking devices can be difficult, especially if you have no idea how these devices work or are unfamiliar with modern technology like my grandpa. Well, it’s about to change with this Xfinity xFi gateway setup.
I’m saying this because once you’ve installed the free Xfinity xFi app on your device, you have to tap through, following the displayed instructions, and you are ready to go. This app offers more control over setup and maintenance, where you can create various profiles, block WiFi, set parental controls, and many others.
Besides, you can also limit devices and internet consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
xFi gateways of Xfinity gateways are all-in-one devices with features like voice and internet connectivity, network security, WiFi coverage, speed, and control for an ultimate experience.
I tested the xFi XB6, aka Arris TG3482G, at my workspace, and it delivered internet throughout the 900 Sq Ft area. However, you might need to reboot the device monthly to ensure uninterrupted delivery.
To install the XB6 modem, start by connecting one end of the coaxial cable to a socket, and another to the input of the gateway. Then, take the power club to connect it to plug one end into the device and the other into the outlet. Your gateway should automatically turn on; if not, press the power button and watch for the connection light to turn on.
xFi complete is basically an upgrade of xFi and comes with some advanced features. So, the difference between xFi and xFi complete is the latter comes with features like whole home WiFi that evaluates your network performance to deliver the most network coverage throughout your home.
xFi gateway is secured to keep unknown networks and devices from connecting to it. However, Norton is an antivirus with advanced security to prevent attacks from third-party sources, ransomware, and other potential network threats. So, you need to run antivirus on your device despite having xFi security.
Conclusion
If you're an existing Xfinity user or planning to be one, the Arris TG3482G Xfinity wireless gateway is a good choice unless you indulge in latency-related activities.
With 32 x 8 bonding channels, DOCSIS 3.1, and Wi-Fi 6 support, it’s one of the most promising wireless gateways I have tested. I had no problem recommending this device if it didn't feature the Intel Puma chip.
Intel Puma chip makes it a bad choice, so I suggest getting a reliable router for Xfinity.
