NETGEAR CM1000 Cable Modem Review

Netgear Cable Modem CM1000 is one of a few cable modems that support the new DOCSIS 3.1 technology. It offers 8 upstream channels and 32 downstream channels for DOCSIS 3.0 connection. It has 2 OFDMA upstream and 2 OFDMA downstream channels for DOCSIS 3.1 connection. This enables you to take benefit from the fastest internet download speeds from your ISP.

In the U.S, the majority of cable providers are slowly implementing DOCSIS 3.1 technology. It provides you an opportunity to go past the speed of the Gigabit and attain a maximum speed of 10Gbps downstream and 1Gbps capacity for upstream. However, the Netgear CM1000 transfer rate is limited to 1Gbps by the Gigabit Ethernet port.

The Netgear CM100 is an optimized step in the right direction to get high-speed internet speed and stable performance. Some users think that it is not compact as the SB8200 by Arris as it lacks another Ethernet port. However, it is an elegant modem. It is a future-proof modem considering the 1 Gbps data plans and the price of the modem.

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Specifications

Size: 8.8 x 5.4 x 5.9 inches

Antennas: N/A

Wi-Fi Spec: N/A

Ports: No USB Port

Peak Performance: 1Gbps

Range: N/A

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Unbox Video  

Netgear CM1000 unbox and test vs Aris Surfboard

Networking

Netgear Company releases the CM1000 earlier than SB8200. However, the CM1000 is compatible with cable providers such as Comcast and Cox. It is easier to understand that if you use this modem at full potential, you need to check with your ISP before buying any modem. You can contact them to see if the modem is supported and whether or not you can take benefit from the highest internet speed available.

For instance, if you plan to have data of 1Gbps, you will see a speed of 950 Mbps on average. However, as we said before, you not expect anything above 950 Mbps speed due to the Ethernet port bottleneck. This can disappoint many users who hope for the highest speed performance from the DOCSIS 3.1 device. However, if the CM1000 takes benefit from new technologies, it is still a modem with 1 Gbps download speed.

Design

Netgear CM1000 is somewhat similar in design with CM700, the predecessor of this device. It features a polyhedron-shaped case, which has soft corners. The device has a black matte finish that does not retain fingerprints. However, compared to Arris that makes it difficult to differentiate between its cable modems, a few changes in the CM1000 make is a little attractive than CM700.

As you see, the case is covered completely by small triangular orifices. The CM1000 is a bit taller than CM700. The dimensions of C1000 are 8.8 x 5.4 x 5.9 inches. The stand is more solid and there are LED indicators on the front side there is a narrow piece of metal on the front side of the Netgear CM1000. You will see an array of LED lights that show different statuses.

For instance, the green light indicates that the modem is powered on. However, it if is red, then it indicates overheating. The LED light is also responsible for downstream. One downstream channel is locked if it is solid amber in color. On the other hand, if it is solid green, then, it means locking of multiple channels. If the LED blinks green, the modem scans for a downstream channel.

The LED likewise shows the status of the internet. The solid green means the modem is online and the blinking green indicates the synchronization of the modem with the CMTS. Moreover, the LED shows the Ethernet status. Again, the solid green means the Ethernet port is connected at 1000 Mbps. In contrast, the amber color shows a connection at 10/100 Mbps.

On the backside of the C1000 modem, there is the Reset Button, which you can use to restore the modem to default factory settings. If you want, you can press and hold this button for above 5 to 7 seconds or until all LEDs blink.

On the rear panel, you will see 1 Gigabit Ethernet port (LAN), a Power ON-OFF button, a Coaxial Connector for Cable, and a Power Adapter input. On the device’s bottom, you will see a label that shows important information about the modem. For instance, the MAC address, the supported DOCSIS, and the Serial Number. Overall, the design of the Netgear CM1000 is elegant and attractive.

Hardware

The Netgear CM1000 is powered by the Broadcom BCM3390 CPU, which is backed with 256 MB of RAM and 128 MB of flash memory. Like the Arris, which is the main competitor of Netgear CM1000, it has done the same thing and written 5 Gbps in bold letters. So, what does this mean? It means that you can’t get more than 1 Gbps speed out of the port.

Both CM1000 and CM700 address the same audience – i.e. those who afford and live in areas where IPS delivers download speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This means the CM1000 is a good upgrade over the Netgear CM700. It is because the Company wanted to become an early adopter of the DOCSIS 3.1 technology. The Broadcom CPU is what speeds up the modem to achieve a remarkable 1 Gbps speed.

Installation

Once you have your modem activated, you can access the UI web interface for the management and monitoring of the modem and the internet connection. Use a web browser, type https://192.168.100.1. You will enter the UI and it will ask you for the username and password. You can enter admin as the username and the password.

If you are there, you can see that there are 2 main sections in the UI, which are basic and Advance. The Basic section has a home and cable connection, which displays the start value, the startup process, and acquire the downstream channel. It also shows connectivity state, IP and security provisioning mode, boot state, the downstream bonded channels, as well as the upstream bonded channels.

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What We Liked

• Elegant Design
• DOCSIS 3.1
• Easy-To-Install

What We didn’t Like

• Ethernet Port Bottleneck
• High Price