NETGEAR CM700 Cable Modem: features, specs and who it suits

The NETGEAR CM700 (model CM700-100NAS) is a cable modem. It connects to the coaxial cable from your internet provider and passes the connection to a computer or a separate Wi-Fi router through an Ethernet port. It's for people who want to own their modem instead of using the one their provider supplies.

What a cable modem does

A modem translates the signal on the cable line into an internet connection. It isn't a router and has no Wi-Fi of its own. NETGEAR says the CM700 works with any Wi-Fi router: you plug the router's input into the modem's Ethernet port, and the router handles your wireless devices.

Provider compatibility

The listing says the modem is certified by Xfinity by Comcast, Cox and Spectrum and is compatible with all major cable providers. It also says it's not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV or DISH, nor with any bundled voice service. The second list matters as much as the first: a cable modem only works on cable internet, and bundled phone service typically needs a different device.

Speeds, and why they vary

NETGEAR lists the following carrier speeds: up to 800Mbps on Xfinity, up to 500Mbps on Cox and up to 400Mbps on Spectrum. The listing describes it as suitable for cable plans up to 800Mbps. Your real speed is limited by your plan, your provider's network, your router and your devices, not just the modem.

DOCSIS and channel bonding

The listing mentions "DOCSIS 3.0" in the title and description and "DOCSIS 3.1" in the feature list, so check the exact standard with NETGEAR if it matters to you. DOCSIS is the standard cable modems use. It has 32x8 channel bonding, which combines 32 download channels and 8 upload channels for more bandwidth, along with OFDM 2x2, a modulation technique introduced with newer DOCSIS versions. The description cites speeds up to 1.4 Gbps and a CableLabs certification.

Ethernet port

There's one Gigabit Ethernet port, which connects to a computer or a Wi-Fi router. With a single port, you'd need a router or a switch to share the connection across several devices.

Size

It's small: 6.6 x 5.2 x 1.7 inches (about 16.8 x 13.2 x 4.3 cm) and 0.5 lb (about 0.23 kg). It can sit on a shelf or desk near the cable outlet.

Who it suits

It suits households on cable internet with a compatible provider who already have, or plan to buy, their own router and want to use their own modem.

What to check before you buy

• Provider and plan: confirm your provider approves this model and supports your speed tier.
• Phone service: the listing says bundled voice service isn't supported.
• Router: you'll need a separate Wi-Fi router for wireless.
• Activation: providers usually require you to activate a new modem, so check their steps.
• Standard: confirm the DOCSIS version with the manufacturer.
• Cables: make sure you have a coaxial cable and an Ethernet cable.

The short version

• A cable modem for compatible cable internet providers, including Xfinity, Cox and Spectrum.
• 32x8 channel bonding and one Gigabit Ethernet port.
• Not for DSL, fibre-style bundles or bundled voice service, as the listing states.
• Works with any Wi-Fi router connected by Ethernet.
• Compact at 0.5 lb.

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