SBG6580 problems & solutions: Troubleshooting Guide

The Motorola SBG6580 cable modem is one of the best models available. It is inevitable to run into problems when using electronic appliances, however. 

The majority of SBG6580 problems can be fixed by rebooting the modem. This is the easiest way to resolve issues. In addition, you can use this troubleshooting guide to diagnose and fix complex problems. Read on!

Why is my Motorola modem not working?

Before trying to fix your modem, you should ensure whether the router or the modem is causing problems with your internet connection. Motorola modems not working can be caused by the following issues:

• Loose connections 
• Overheating
• Damaged/defective ethernet cable connections 
• Router miscommunication
• Outdated equipment or firmware 

Try connecting your Wifi network with another device before you start troubleshooting the SURFboard SBG6580. The problem is the device if you can do so. When you can’t access the internet, the problem is with the router, not the modem. Your modem is to blame if you can connect to your WiFi network but still can’t access the internet. 

How do I fix my Motorola SURFboard SBG6580?

In most cases, Motorola SBG6580 problems can be resolved by troubleshooting.

1. Motorola SURFboard SBG6580 not connecting to the internet

Follow these steps if you are experiencing WiFi problems with your SBG6580:

1. Verify that the modem is connected to the internet and the router by checking the lights. The modem isn’t turned on if none of the lights are on. 
2. Check the power and coax cables for loose connections. A blinking modem light indicates that the power cable or coax cable needs to be replaced. 
3. Any temporary technical glitches can be fixed by rebooting your modem and router.
4. Make sure there are no defects or damage to the ethernet cables. If the cable does not work, try switching out with a spare cable.
5. The model would be overwhelming if you had multiple devices connected to your network, such as smart home devices, multiple PCs, etc. Disconnect all other devices, reboot your modem, and reconnect your devices. 
6. Make sure your modem stays cool to avoid overheating. Ensure it is at least 6 inches away from other devices and far enough from a heater. Also, keep the air vents dust-free and less humid. 
7. Ensure your router and modem firmware is up-to-date to take advantage of the latest security patches and bug fixes. 
8. To avoid interference and resolve intermittent connectivity issues, change to the 5 GHz band. However, it is important to note that not all devices are compatible with the 5 GHz band. 
9. You can perform a factory reset on your modem if all else fails. Resetting back to factory defaults will solve any issue with the settings and remove all of your previous configuration settings. 
10. If it still doesn’t work, you should replace your old modem and buy a new one. 

2. Motorola SURFboard SBG6580 wireless problems

This intermittent wireless connection issue can be resolved by following these troubleshooting steps:

A random interruption or disconnect of an internet connection causes intermittent connectivity. The Motorola SBG6580’s intermittent wireless issue is caused by the WMM (Wifi Multi-Media) setting. It’s a wireless network feature that helps prioritize different traffic types such as QoS, VoIP, streaming media, video apps, etc. It is possible to experience intermittent signal loss when turning on WMM.

To disable the WMM feature, 

1. Connect the computer to the back of your modem.
2. Open a browser and enter 192.168.0.1 in the address bar. 
3. For the SBG6580 login, the username is admin, and the SBG6580 default password is Motorola. 
4. Click on the Wireless menu.
5. Click WMM on the left side of the Control Panel.
6. On the right, enter the following settings:

• Support for WMM: Off
• No Acknowledgement: Off
• Power to Save Support: Off

7. Changes will take effect immediately.

3. Motorola SURFboard SBG6580 wired connection problems

Check the coax cable connection first if you are experiencing problems with a wired connection.

1. Check to see if all devices disconnect at once. Disconnecting devices at different times indicates that there is no problem with connectivity.
2. When the internet connection drops, check the modem’s LED status. 

• Check the coax cable connections for blinking or flashing Send/Receive LEDs. Make sure all cable connections are tight and secure.
• The web manager checks for cable signal levels if the Online LED light is off and the Send/Receive LEDs are solid. If the cable signals are near or beyond the actual limits, contact your cable service provider to inspect the cable lines for damage or decay.

3. Reset your modem to factory settings. Insert a pen tip into the reset pinhole, then press and hold the switch for 5-10 seconds. This should only be performed after all other troubleshooting has failed. 

4. Motorola SBG6580 problems time-warner

When connecting your device to the SBG6580 with Time Warner installed, you often experience slow speeds. To solve this problem:

1. Check if the problem is with your device or the modem by connecting to another device. 
2. Check Time Warner if another device works. 
3. Slow speeds may result if your device’s firewall isn’t compatible with Motorola’s SBG6580 firewall.
4. You’ll have fast internet access if you disable the firewall on your Motorola modem. 

5. Motorola router SBG6580 problems

To troubleshoot Motorola SBG6580 issues, power cycle the device:

1. Unplug your modem from the power source.
2. Wait for 10 seconds.
3. Plug it back into the power outlet.
4. When it’s fully turned on, its top 4 LEDs display a solid light, and its power is effectively cycled.
5. Check for connection problems if it doesn’t resolve the issue.

6. SBG6580 cable modem windows 10 ethernet problems

To fix an unstable ethernet connection on Windows 10:

1. Check the ethernet port and cable for damage or defect.
2. Run the built-in troubleshooting tool on Windows 10 to find and fix any network-related issues.
3. Ensure that the Ethernet adapter’s driver is up-to-date and that it has not been corrupted or removed from the system.
4. Run the Network Reset Tool of Windows 10.
5. Disable or manually remove your VPN connection in Windows 10.
6. Check the Power Management Settings.
7. If it’s causing instability, disable the Fixed IP Settings.

7. SBG6580 speed problems

If your modem is experiencing slow download speeds, turn off WMM Support. To turn it off, follow these steps:

1. First, check the product box for the router’s IP Address.
2. Next, open the IP Address of the router on your device.
3. Login using the default username and password assigned to you. Detailed instructions are included on the product’s CD.
4. Select Wireless on the top menu.
5. Click Off for WMM Support and select Apply.
6. As a result, the WMM Support will be turned off.

8. SURFboard SBG6580 causing install problems Xbox one

To connect your Xbox to your SURFboard SBG6580, you need to change the settings on your SBG6580. The following steps will help you open your NAT using port triggering:

1. Open your Motorola SBG6580.
2. Select Advanced at the top of the screen,
3. Ensure UPnP is on from now on. 
4. From the same menu, open port triggers.
5. Type in all the port numbers as mentioned. Then, in each field, all will have the same numbers. For example, use the ports 53 Both, 80 TCP, 88UDP, 1863 Both, and 3074 Both.

• Trigger End Port – 53
• Trigger Start Port – 53
• Target End Port – 53
• Target Start Port – 53
• Protocol – Both
• Description: Xbox
• Enabled – Yes

6. Open Counsel Settings>Network Settings.
7. Select the network of your choice>Configure Network.

9. Motorola SBG6580 range problems

The SBG6580 has an indoor range of 200 feet and an outdoor range of 300 feet. However, if the cable signal levels exceed the specified ranges, connection issues occur. Intermitting connectivity issues occur when cable signal levels are close to their limits. You should contact your cable provider if cable signal levels exceed the limits. Have a technician inspect your cable lines for defects or damage.  

10. SBG6580 bridge problems

To run a Motorola SBG6580 in Bridge mode:

1. First, unplug the coax cable from the modem.
2. Next, reset the device by holding the reset switch for 30 seconds. The settings will be reset to factory defaults. 
3. Connect an Ethernet cable to the modem and plug in a computer once it has been powered back on. 
4. Then connect to 192.168.0.1 using admin as the username and Motorola as the password.
5. Change some of the settings:

• Wireless>Primary Network>Disabled
• Basic>Setup>NAPT Mode>Disabled
• Basic>DHCP>No
• Advanced>Options>Rg Passthrough>Enable
• Go to Basic>Configuration, copy and save the LAN Mac Address. 
• Advanced>Options>Passthrough Mac Addresses>LAN Mac Address 

6. Save all the settings, plug the coax cable back into your modem, and do a power cycle.  

11. Motorola sbg6580 mac problems

You may occasionally have experienced slow internet speed if you use a Mac with a Motorola SBG6580 modem. Incompatibility between the firewall of the MacBook and the firewall of the Motorola cable modem causes this issue. If this happens, simply turn off your modem or Mac’s firewall. 

To turn off the MacBook’s firewall:

1. Open System Preferences>Security & Privacy.
2. Click the lock icon in the lower left corner.
3. Type in your password.
4. Select Turn Off Firewall. 

To turn off the Motorola modem’s firewall:

1. Open the browser, type in 192.168.0.1, and log in to your modem’s admin page.
2. Enter your admin name and password.
3. Click Firewall from the top of the page.
4. Scroll down to Ipv4 Firewall and select Off. 

Motorola SURFboard sbg6580 no power light

It means your modem cannot detect a power source if it does not show a Power light. Make sure the power supply is properly plugged into a working outlet.

If the modem is in Standby Mode, the Power light will also be off. To end Standby Mode, press the Motorola SURFboard SBG6580 button on the front of the device. 

Motorola SURFboard SBG6580 dim orange light

There’s a dim orange Wifi light on your Motorola SBG6580, but your internet connection isn’t working. Nothing has changed, even after unplugging, plugging back in, and checking the cables and power connections. There is only a dim orange light in the middle. 

This requires a hard reset of your modem. The reset button is located at the back; it looks like a tiny pinhole. Using a paperclip or pen, hold it for at least 10 seconds. After doing this, you can reset all your configurations to factory settings. When it resets successfully, the LED light will turn off, and the Power button will turn green. 

How do I know if my Motorola modem is bad?

It is easy to determine if your modem is working or not by monitoring the lights.

• Power light: 
• A solid signal light on the front of the modem indicates it is working correctly. The power supply may have a problem if the power light is blinking or off.
• Receiving light: There is no proper data reception if the receiving light is blinking or off. In case of a network problem, you should contact your ISP. 
• Sending light: The modem can’t send the data correctly if the sending light is blinking or off. You need to check with ISP to resolve this issue. 
• Online status light: When the online status light blinks or does not light up, your modem is connected, but you cannot get online. This issue needs to be resolved by your ISP. 
• Activity light: If the Activity light is blinking or off, there might be an issue between your computer and modem.

Why are all LEDs flashing?

There is a power supply issue if your Arris SBG6580 LEDs start flashing and won’t stop. Despite being connected to the router, the tip 4 LED lights are flashing, but the LAN LED is off. The power supply should deliver 12v under load. In that case, replace it with a 12v power supply, and no more problems will occur.  

Conclusion

It won’t be much of an issue if you know how to fix SBG6580 problems. Using this guide, you can fix Motorola modem issues caused by wired or wireless connections, router issues, speed, range, and bridge issues. Additionally, you can learn what LED lights mean and how to update or reset your modem. In summary, you’ll thoroughly understand Motorola’s SBG6580 cable modem. Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions