Why would I spend the money on this newer model Motorola Surfboard Gateway over the SBG6580 DOCSIS 3.0 model? Reading the specs, it seems similar.

Comcast uses ARRIS modems. the SBG6782 is 100% better then the one you get from Comcast. Now they say new customers get this model.

Does this work with xfinity triple play package? Comcast says I can't buy one if I have the package.

No it will not work with Comcast Triple play with phone, for that I would recommend ARRIS DOCSIS 3.0 Residential Gateway with 802.11n/ 4 GigaPort Router/ 2-Voice Lines for Comcast (TG862G-CT). But one thing is that it is only a n wireless. Now you could get Arris Tm722g Cable Modem Docsis 3.0 and add a wireless AC router. I did try Arris SBG6782-ac, but I had issue with moca connection and returned it. Now I have an ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem with a Cisco wireless ac router and hooked up my TIVO mini via Ethernet. Works great and I would recommend TIVO over Comcast X1 DVR. I love the option to be able to skip commercials on most recorded shows. Also love the 4 tuner and access to apps like Netflix, Amazon video, Hulu, YouTube, Comcast Ondemand. Also with TIVO I can created a season pass including both live TV recording and streaming via apps.

Does this 6782 have a stronger wifi signal than the 6580?

I replaced my Arris / Motorola 6580 with the 6782 for two reasons: The WiFi range sucked on the 6580 and I didn't want to spend the $8/month rental fee anymore, among a number of Xfinity charges I'm trying to pare back. As for Wifi signal, the 6782 is a vast improvement over the 6580, where I couldn't get anything to connect to it that was more than a few feet away, and if it was downstairs, forget it! I now own the 6782 and have even added a Netgear EX6200 WiFi Range extender. I now have complete, strong coverage, encrypted, all over the house (three story townhome).

Does this device serve as a MoCA adapter and/or MoCA router? I assume I purchase additional MoCA adapters for other areas of the home...

The SBG6782-AC is a MoCA enabled Router and would require that you use other MoCA Adapters on your network to communicate with the SBG6782-AC and create a MoCA Network. When you get adapters, be sure to enable MoCA on the SBG6782-AC (Basic --> MoCA) after you add the other MoCA Adapters on you in-house Cable Network. Also note, that once you enable MoCA on the SBG6782-AC "Privacy" will be enabled by default and you want to turn that off as your adapters likely do not have that enabled. ARRIS also has good information on configuring both your SBG6782-AC and SURFboard MoCA Adapters via and just select the product of choice and the topic in general FAQs.

Wireless Type	802.11a/b/g/n
Brand	ARRIS
Series	SBG6782 Surfboard eXtreme
Item model number	SBG6782-AC
Operating System	Windows XP/7/8, OS X, UNIX or Linux
Item Weight	2 pounds
Product Dimensions	11.75 x 4 x 10.5 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH	11.75 x 4 x 10.5 inches
Color	White
Power Source	AC
Manufacturer	ARRIS General Instruments
ASIN	B00GJ7Y7MU
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Date First Available	October 21, 2017

ARRIS SURFboard AC1750 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router (SBG6782) Certified with Comcast Xfinity, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox, Cablevision, and more (Retail Packaging White)

Description

Specifications

Common Questions