After using the ARRIS SURFboard G34 for several months, I can confidently say it's a solid choice for most users—but with some caveats. Here’s my hands-on breakdown:

The Good:

- Blazing Fast Speeds: Upgrading from DOCSIS 3.0 to 3.1 was like switching from dial-up to fiber. My download speeds jumped by 45%, and uploads skyrocketed by 366%—no plan change needed!

- All-in-One Convenience: Combining a modem and Wi-Fi 6 router into one sleek device cuts clutter and saves $168/year in rental fees (bye-bye, Comcast!).

- Easy Setup (Mostly): Plug-and-play activation via the SURFboard Central App took 20 minutes. Pro tip: Skip the app’s initial setup—use a browser to avoid the buggy reviews.

The Not-So-Good:

- 2.5GB Port Issues: A major letdown. Connecting it to my 2.5GB switch caused insane packet loss. Arris support admitted it’s a known flaw—brutal for home labs.

- LED Confusion: That single status light is a puzzle. Is it blue (DOCSIS 3.1) or green (3.0)? Keep the manual handy.

- Spotty Support: Need help? Prepare for hold music. Live chat ghosts you, and firmware updates rely on your ISP—yikes.

Real-World Use:

- Streaming 4K on three devices while gaming? Flawless. But my guest network occasionally drops—annoying when friends ask, “Why’s your Wi-Fi so slow?”

- Parental controls are clunky, especially with Apple’s private MAC addresses. Expect eye rolls from tech-savvy teens.

The Verdict:

If you need raw speed and hate rental fees, the G34 delivers—just avoid the 2.5GB port for switches. For rock-solid reliability, though, power users might want to look elsewhere.