ARRIS SURFboard G34-RB DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem & Router (Open Box)

I used to have the SBG7400AC2 model. Xfinity customer service told me to switch to a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. After doing some research, I decided the G34 had the best value. The RB (refurbished) version was a lot cheaper than a new one, so I thought it would be a great deal—if it worked well. When it arrived, I hooked it up and the trouble started right away. At first, the WiFi signal didn’t show up. I figured it just needed a reset, so I did a factory reset and restarted it. I called Xfinity support to activate the device. The WiFi signal came on, and I was able to connect. In speed tests, the upload speed was more than twice as fast as my old 7400AC2—around 100MB/s. Download speed was about the same. The WiFi range was also better—about 20% stronger from the same spot. But then the real issue began. Every 20 minutes, the WiFi signal would drop completely. A few minutes later, the modem would restart by itself. Then it would take another 5 to 10 minutes for the WiFi to come back. This happened 7 or 8 times in one afternoon. I tried everything I could—resetting, unplugging and plugging it back in, even resetting the gateway settings, but nothing helped. (I didn’t take the device apart or anything.) In the end, the G34-RB had a great price, but sadly, I couldn’t use it at all.