Review on ARRIS SB6183 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem - Compatible with Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity & others (White) by Danielle Davis

If you look closely at modems, you'll quickly realize that the Arris Surfboard line of products is a win-win. The choice then depends on whether you get the SB6183 or the SB6141. Honestly, for $30 less and with speeds up to 343Mbps, the SB6141 should be an easy choice for 99% of people. But I chose the SB61483 for three reasons. Comcast lists the SB6141 in a way that I think will soon be considered obsolete, while the SB6183 is still very relevant. The SB6183 has 16 channels down compared to 8 on the SB6141. In theory, this means you're less likely to slow down during rush hours. Keep in mind that your service area must be configured to support this or these channels will not help. Comcast charged me $10 a month to rent a modem/router, so the extra $30 pays for itself quickly. I have a problem. though about the box. My problem is that the designers have made indicator LEDs brighter than the lights used to illuminate soccer fields at night. I put mine on a shelf under the TV first and trying to watch TV was like spotlights aimed at my eyes. I recommend welding goggles to avoid long-term retinal damage. No joke, these things are so bright that the light from them seeps under my bedroom door and shines brightly there. Even considering the efficiency of LEDs, I'm afraid that my next utility bill will reflect the fact that I used more energy for this type of lighting than the average office building. But I'm a resourceful guy, so I decided to fold a piece of paper a few times and tape it to the front of the box to protect my eyes from Sauron's eye. Well it should have worked. Unfortunately, all surfaces of the box are covered with ventilation slots, right down to the floor. I was afraid I would overheat the device if I blocked those vents, so I was a bit desperate at this point, so I removed the single screw and cut a strip on the sticker below so I could open the pack. As you can see from the attached images, the LEDs are designed to face outwards and only a small amount of light hits the front panel displays. I've done my best to cover this with tape but due to the way it's installed the underside is difficult to close. This solved the problem about 50% better, but it's still bright enough to serve as a night light for the entire living room and kitchen. I may be certified to deduct two stars for a cosmetic issue with the modem, but that's how I feel. ***UPDATE*** I have changed my rating from 3 stars to 4. This is due to a helpful comment from J. Cohen that gave me hope that I could turn off the light. However, my hopes were dashed when I found that the solution turned off all indicators EXCEPT the power LED. It's a bit like getting rid of MOST of the rats in your bed. I think it makes it better but I still feel uncomfortable. If you want to do it yourself, here is the step: 1) Open a browser window. 2) Enter the following number in the address bar: 192.168.100.13) Go to the Configuration tab 4) Set Disable Front Panel LEDs except Power LED to Enable.