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Are you looking to seriously future-proof yourself? Well, Gigabit Internet might not cut it anymore. Instead, you should probably think of multi-gig, and Netgear has you covered.
Update: The review of the CM200 is available here.
Netgear 2.5 Gbps Cable Modems that cover all the bases
The networking vendor today announced its first multi-gig cable modem, the Nighthawk 2.5Gbps Internet Speed Cable Modem (model CM2000).
The new modem is just that. It's a modem. What makes it different from most others is its 2.5 Gbps LAN port and the support for DOCSIS 3.1. As a result, it's capable of delivering up to 2.5 Gbps broadband speed from the provider to your home.
To make use of this incoming ultra-fast speed, you'll need a multi-gig router, too. And fortunately, there are many options on this front, including the RAX120, RAX200, or the Orbi AX6000, from Netgear.
And there are even more. Most Wi-Fi 6 routers on this current best list have at least one multi-gig network port that can work either as a WAN or a LAN port.
Netgear says the new Nighthawk CM2000 Cable Modem will work right out of the box with popular cable providers, including Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and others.
For those needing a modem that can also do landline phones, Netgear has that in mind, too. The company also makes a variant called Nighthawk 2.5Gbps Internet Speed Cable Telephony Modem (model CM2050V). The CM2050V includes two telephone ports.
Needless to say, though, neither of these modems automatically gives you multi-gig Internet. That depends on the availability and your ability to afford one. But in the meantime, both are backward compatible and can handle a cable broadband connection of any speed grade.
Availability and pricing
The new Netgear 2.5 Gbps cable modems, the CM2000 and CM2050V are both available now, ready for you to replace your provider-supplied equipment and shed that nasty $15 or so monthly rental free.
Note, though, that you will have to use one for quite a while to get your saving back. That's because these modems are quite pricey, costing $250 and $300 each, respectively. But that's a small price to pay to part of the future.
Does it state anywhere the upload speed limit of this modem? I can’t seem to find that anywhere.
Check out this post on cable modems, it’ll explain everything. Make sure you read as though you want to know and not to look to validate something you think you already know.
I currently use a Motorola MT7711. Got error message indicating that it can’t support the higher internet speed I signed up for last March (been working from home due to COVID). I looked into trying to buy a CM2050V (I have the Xfinity Triple Play), but it seems to be sold out everywhere. Is the NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem with Voice CM1150V a good alternative (allows for faster speeds than the Motorola, but not quite as much as the 2050V)? Is a newer version coming out (and that’s why the 2050 is sold out)? Appreciate any help/comments.
The demand for bandwidth has increased a lot during the pandemic which forces the ISP to upgrade their equipment. That explains the sudden incompatibility and the fact modems have been a hot commodity, Gordon.
Thanks for getting back to me, Dong. So what are your thoughts on my question concerning alternatives to the 2050v?
I think you should only use Comcast for the Internet, Gordon. Drop the rest. Move to YouTube TV and use your cell phone. You can thank me later. It’s time to cut the cord, we’re in the 21st century after all. 🙂
Dong can you tell which way the air flows throw these? I was thinking of putting a fan underneath to keep it more cool.
Never thought of this, Matt. But generally, you won’t need to worry about modems’ overheating. Still, as a rule, you don’t want to keep them (or any electronics) in a close-up *and* hot area.
Any reason to wait for these to be in stock versus just getting a cm1200 now? I understand the future proofing aspect. Just wanted your opinion.
Not really, Frank. I mean it doesn’t hurt to have the latest but by the time you can make use of it, there’ll be a greater one. Just get what serves you well right now.
Is there any advantage to using one of these instead of just plugging an ethernet cord from my ISP (FIOS) into the WAN port of my Orbi router, which is what I am doing now?
Not at all, Leonard. In fact, it’s not applicable since these are only for cable Internet, not fiber. 🙂