Not every modem needs to handle Gig-level internet packages. And for anything mid-range, there is the ultimate Netgear CM700. Layered with a smorgasbord of exciting features and feathery form factor, the CM700 is one of the better cable modems for smaller houses, standard office premises, and households with fewer smart devices.
Netgear CM700 is a standalone modem that needs a router to be able to work holistically. And what makes this Netgear 32 x 8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem promising is the multi-router compatibility. But there is a lot more to this modem than just the networking capabilities, efficient hardware, and top-shelf technologies that I will touch base with in the upcoming review.
But wait, before I begin with the full review, let me list out the specs of the Netgear CM700.
Netgear CM700 Specs
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 |
| Backward Compatibility | Yes |
| Channel Bonding | 32 x 8 |
| Ports | 1 x Gig Ethernet |
| Phone Jack | No |
| Modem Router Combo | No |
| Suitable Internet Plan | 500 Mbps |
| Compatible ISPs | Xfinity, Spectrum, TWC, Sparklight, Mediacom, Optimum, Suddenlink, WOW Internet, RCN, and Atlantic Broadband. |
| IPv6 Support | Yes |
| Processor | Not Mentioned |
| RAM | 128MB |
| NAND Storage | 8MB |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 5.2 x 1.7 inches |
| Weight | 0.55 pounds |
Netgear CM700 Review
Not a shot in the dark, but Netgear CM700 is actually a pretty good modem, despite giving the DOCSIS 3.1 technology a miss. I ensured a detailed analysis by using this as my primary home modem, with a 500Mbps active connection from Spectrum.
Plus, I tried 4K streaming and online gaming directly and even with an Asus Wi-Fi 5 router to complement the modem. So here are the impressions in detail:
1. Design & Build
The CM700 looks a lot like the CM1000 from Netgear. However, it is way lighter at 0.55 pounds. As far as the dimensions are concerned, this high-speed modem measures 6.6 x 5.2 x 1.7 inches, making it easy to carry around. Plus, the hardened plastic chassis comes to the fore, layering a well-ventilated form factor.
2. Ports & Connectivity
Let me get one thing straight here. The is not a modem to pick if you are in the space for ports. The modem only features on Gig Ethernet LAN port that can either connect to the WAN port of the router or to a bandwidth-intensive device directly. However, if you flip the device, you would still see a traditional WAN coaxial port and the functional reset modem.
The connectivity suite is a by-product of the ports as the CM700 lets you work around standard internet plans of up to 500Mbps. However, if you have a Gig internet plan and just a single device supports wired connections, reaching throughput close to 950Mbps shouldn’t be an issue.
3. Compatibility with ISPs
Understandably, you would want to look at the most compatible internet service providers before picking the CM700. Well, you can be confident about the likes of Xfinity Comcast, Spectrum, and Cox as the top internet service providers. And yes, the modem officially supports multi-gig speeds that go up to 1400Mbps.
The complete list of compatible ISPs:
- Comcast Xfinity
- Charter Spectrum
- Sparklight
- Mediacom
- Optimum
- Suddenlink
- RCN
- WOW Internet
- Atlantic Broadband
- Time Warner Cable (TWC)
4. Hardware & Technology
There is a multi-core processor calling the shots, allowing you to use this modem for high-speed gaming and HD streaming. As far as the technology is concerned, the DOCSIS 3.0 works just fine. (Find the differences between DOCSIS 3.0 vs 3.1)
The 32 x 8 channel bonding support accommodates multi-gig connections like a pro and allows you to make the most of the wireless capabilities of the paired router.
Netgear CM700: Wireless Compatibility
Moving ahead in the CM700 review, let me tell you that it works with almost every router with a WAN port. And the IPv6 protocol brings in a dedicated QoS functionality that lets you better the performances of the router itself. Plus, you get access to auto-configuration support, efficient routing, and improved privacy.
Netgear CM700: Pros and Cons
Now that I have dissected the modem and its features to the best of my capabilities, it is interesting to skim over the pros and cons in play:
Pros
- 32 x 8 channel bonding support
- High-speed Gigabit port
- Compatible with almost every ISP
- Supports True QoS
- Light and portable
Cons
- Only one Ethernet port
- Lacks the future-proof DOCSIS 3. 1 standard
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the CM700 is a standalone modem that needs a dedicated router to assume wireless functionality. But as luck would have it, this modem works alright with any modem you throw at it.
And while the CM700 might look like a mid-level modem, the theoretical speed limits at set at 1.4Gbps. Also, if you choose to use it wired, Gig-level speeds can be achieved with ease.
Firstly, the IPv6 functionality makes auto-configuration a charm. Secondly, the web interface is exceedingly interactive and allows you to set the device up within minutes.
Verdict
The Netgear CM700 is an epitome of perfection and simplicity when DOCSIS 3.0 modems are concerned. And while some might yearn for the DOCSIS 3.1 standard, the 32 x 8 channel bonding support courtesy of the DOCSIS 3.0 works all right. To top it all off, there aren’t many modems that are as light and portable as the CM700, which does make sense to a globetrotter.
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