If you’re an existing customer and want to use your own router then you need to purchase a Spectrum compatible router.
Generally, Spectrum does not recommend or support any other brands or models of routers outside their own internet connection hardware.
However, Spectrum internet can be had in your home using approved third-party routers.
Spectrum will therefore require the use of any of their approved Modem Routers that meet specifications and have passed Spectrum’s certification program testing to be able to be provisioned and activated on the network.
As a general guide, Spectrum uses a DOCSIS 3.0 modem which is one of the approved routers. Purchasing a Spectrum-approved modem is highly recommended if you want to access all of Spectrum’s premium channels and need the fastest speeds possible.
I spent some time putting together a list of Spectrum-approved routers and modems that are currently available on Amazon. Please be certain that your approved Spectrum Internet Routers and Modems are up to date and in good working order with no router amber or red blinking lights on them.
There are now more Charter-approved routers and modems on the site, as well. You won’t have to break the bank to buy one or even two of these modems, thanks to their low prices.
Please note: This is a list of modems that Spectrum currently provision and activates under certain plans listed below; it is subject to change at any time without notice.
Existing customers must purchase their own Spectrum compatible router if they choose to use one in place of the Customer Provided Equipment (CPE) provided by Spectrum. Customers do not need to return the CPE to disconnect or suspend service.
Spectrum-supplied modem that supports Bridge mode to allow for use of customer-owned router:
- Model SB6121 (No longer offered by Spectrum as of 12/31/2017. Only option is to rent)
Spectrum Approved Modems
All DOCSIS 3.0 / 4×4 / 32×8 modems listed below are certified to work on the Spectrum network.
ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem & AC1600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router.
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 delivers high-bandwidth data and multimedia services. Known for its reliable performance and affordability, the SURFboard SBG10 offers an easy, plug-and-play installation for getting high-speed cable Internet access.
Spectrum approves the ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 modem as it can handle 16×4 channels with bonded 32 downstream and 4 upstream channels. It is DOCSIS 3.0 Certified, ensuring compatibility with Time Warner Cable’s 100% plant coverage.
ARRIS SB6183
The ARRIS SB6183 SURFboard eXtreme Broadband Cable Modem provides a connection to high-speed cable Internet. It is compatible with major U.S. cable providers, including Cablevision, Charter, Time Warner Cable, and more.
DOCSIS 3.0-certified with 32×8 channel bonding, the SB6183 supports download speeds up to 686 Mbps (expandable for future use). The SB6183 also provides two telephone lines, so you can easily connect your VoIP phone service.
ARRIS / Surfboard SB6190
The ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 is a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem works with any Wi-Fi router and supports maximum download speeds of up to 1.4Gbps. It provides high-bandwidth data and multimedia services. Both Spectrum, Cox , Comcast, Charter and many more are compatible!
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem w/ Gigabit Ethernet Port.
The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem w/ Gigabit Ethernet Port is not your average DOCSIS 3.1 modem. It’s the world’s first DOCSIS 3.1 modem to be certified by CableLabs for Residential and General Service Providers, like Spectrum.
It uses the newly developed Viavi Solutions Pre-Certified Evolve GS solution that allows cable service providers worldwide to deploy new subscriber lines with gigabit speeds using their existing copper plant without having to perform expensive technician-labor operations.
Network Support Engineers say this modem is revered for its automated configuration, ease of use and full support for all the most advanced features of DOCSIS 3.1.
ARRIS SBG7580AC
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG7580 is a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi N600 Router provides high-bandwidth data and multimedia services.
Known for its reliable performance and affordability, the SURFboard SBG7580 offers an easy, plug-and-play installation for getting high-speed cable Internet access.
Spectrum approves the ARRIS SURFboard SBG7580AC DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi N600 Router. It is DOCSIS 3.0 Certified, ensuring compatibility with Time Warner Cable’s 100% plant coverage.
ARRIS SBG6580
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG6782 AC (16×4) DOCSIS 3.0 Wireless Router Cable Modem provides high-bandwidth data and multimedia services. Known for its reliable performance and affordability, the SURFboard SBG6782 offers an easy, plug-and-play installation for getting high-speed cable Internet access.
Spectrum approves this modem which is capable of up to 343 Mbps download speeds* on a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem connection, with 16×4 channel bonding.
ARRIS SB6190 (SBG6950AC2) DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and AC1900
ARRIS SB6190 (SBG6950AC2) DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and AC1900 Dual Band Wi-Fi Router with Power Boost provides high-bandwidth data and multimedia services to support multiple devices simultaneously.
It delivers an enhanced broadband experience for gaming, streaming HD video, and connecting smart appliances.
Spectrum approves this modem which is capable of up to 1.4Gbps download speeds* on a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem connection, with 32×8 channel bonding. It also features a built-in AC1900 Wi-Fi router for wireless Internet service for your devices.
ARRIS SBG6900AC
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC is a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem + AC1600 Wi-Fi Router provides high-bandwidth data and multimedia services.
Known for its reliable performance and affordability, the SURFboard SBG6900AC offers an easy, plug-and-play installation for getting high-speed cable Internet access.
The SURFboard SBG6900AC uses 16×4 channel bonding for speeds up to 343 Mbps*. It also features a built-in AC1600 Wi-Fi router that offers the ultimate wireless experience with dual band technology and four gigabit Ethernet ports.
Spectrum approves this modem which is capable of up to 343 Mbps download speeds* on a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem connection, with 16×4 channel bonding. It also features a built-in AC1600 Wi-Fi router for wireless Internet service for your devices.
ARRIS SBG7580AC2 SURFboard Wireless DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Router
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG7580AC2 DOCSIS 3.1 Wireless Router (16×4) Cable Modem provides high-bandwidth data and multimedia services.
Known for its reliable performance and affordability, the SURFboard SBG7580AC2 offers an easy, plug-and-play installation for getting high-speed cable Internet access.
Spectrum approves this DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem, which offers speeds up to 10 Gbps* upstream and 1 Gbps* downstream over 16 service bonded channels. It also features a built-in AC1900 Wi-Fi router for wireless Internet service for your devices.
ARRIS SBG7580-AC2
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG7580AC2 DOCSIS 3.1 Wireless Router (16×4) Cable Modem provides high-bandwidth data and multimedia services.
If you are a current Spectrum cable and highspeed internet customer, you need a modem with proven reliability, high performance and affordability.
The SURFboard SBG7580AC2 certainly offers all of that and provides an easy, plug-and-play installation for getting high-speed cable internet access.
Spectrum approves this DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem, which offers speeds up to 10 Gbps* upstream and 1 Gbps* downstream over 16 service bonded channels. It also features a built-in AC1900 Wi-Fi router for wireless Internet service for your devices.
ARRIS SBG6900AC2
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG6900AC AC1900 Wi-Fi Router delivers fast AC speeds up to a combined 1900 Mbps and is perfect for today’s multithreaded entertainment and connectivity needs.
Easy setup, speed, and reliability make this product a great choice for consumers looking to upgrade their home network to handle HD video, gaming, and multiple connected devices.
Spectrum approves this AC1900 Wi-Fi router for wireless Internet service.
ARRIS SVG2482AC Gateway Cable Modem + N600 Dual Band WiFi Router.
If you are looking for a reliably agile modem with fast speed options that can keep up with your technology needs, then look no further than the ARRIS SVG2482AC.
Spectrum approves this DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem which is capable of download speeds up to 686 Mbps* on a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem connection, and up to 300 Mbps* on a DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem connection.
Spectrum and Comcast Approves this DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem which is capable of download speeds up to 686 Mbps* on a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem connection, and up to 150+ Mbps* upstream speed on DOCSIS 3.0
ARRIS SBG6782-AC
The ARRIS SURFboard SBG6782-AC Cable Modem provides a connection to high-speed cable Internet. It is compatible with major U.S. cable providers, including Cablevision, Charter, Time Warner Cable, and more.
DOCSIS 3.0 technology provides a connection to high-speed cable Internet with data rates up to 343 Mbps* download and 131 Mbps* upload depending on your Cable Internet provider service.
Compatible with all major U.S. Cable Providers including Comcast/Xfinity, Cox, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner Cable, Mediacom , Bright House Networks and more.
Spectrum and Comcast Approves this DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem which is capable of download speeds up to 343 Mbps* on a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem connection, and up to 131 Mbps* upstream speed on a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem connection .
Conclusion
Choosing to use the third party internet routers on Spectrum’s network is a personal decision and one you should understand that it can affect positively as well as negatively your customer support.
Despite this, however, Spectrum reserves the right to bar the use of third-party routers on their network and may choose to roll out “features” to disable key functionality anytime.
However, there are ways of bypassing such restrictions by configuring your router manually or purchasing a Dynamic DNS Service Provider which can help you to avoid any difficult situations.
If you want to access all the premium channels offered by Spectrum and need the highest speeds available, then purchasing their approved modem would be highly recommended.
I took my time to put together an Amazon List of Spectrum Approved Routers and Modems that you can find on the market today. Make sure to check your up-to-date Approved Spectrum Internet Routers and Modems.
I recently added a list of Charter Approved Routers and Modems as well. The prices on those modems are very competitive so you will not break you bank account to afford one or maybe two if needed.
I do hope that this article would be helpful for you and please feel free to share it with your friends and family
