CM1000

The NETGEAR CM1000 is a modem that targets users who primarily are interested in gaming, or streaming HD video on multiple devices. This modem definitely delivers that type of performance. The design is very much in this vein, it looks vaguely futuristic, perhaps alien in its elongated hexagonal case. The two-tone dark charcoal unit affixed to a gray stand also seems a bit off, why two colors? Anyways, the stand is connected by a single screw, but it seems to also be attached using plastic rails, and it seems sturdy enough. It is very obviously meant to only be used in this upright orientation the reasoning for which brings me to my next point... The triangular venting mixes form and function but is heavy on the form, as this modem does throw off some heat! It will warm your hands in the winter no problem. Might even save you on heating bills. It is almost concerning how warm it runs. I often think to power it down overnight or if I leave the house for an extended period. The modem is DOCSIS 3.1, which is a international standard that allows for higher bandwidth over existing Cable TV service. The next generation of internet speed offerings from ISPs will be in the multiples of Gbps, and to take advantage, you will need a modem that is DOCSIS 3.1. Thankfully, this modem is backwards compatible with the older standard DOCSIS 3.0. The modem came assembled on the stand out of the box, along with the customary canary category 5 cable, and power adapter. I didn't use the cat 5, I opted for the Vandesail CAT7 Cable because, well, why not? The category 7 cable has a much higher bandwidth, and will be used in future equipment, so best to be prepared! I also upgraded the coaxial cable in my house to Quad Shield RG-6 Coax 75 Ohm 3Ghz Cable as you see in the included picture. I have the CM1000 connected to a NETGEAR AC1600 which I had from using with DSL internet service. The pair is working seamlessly together, and I am regularly seeing download speeds at the maximum of my service rating of 200Mbps, using Comcast as an ISP. See the included screencap of the speed test. During install, the modem powered up, and went through a few reboots, and after about 10 to 15 minutes, the connection was made. It initially didn't want to to play with the NETGEAR AC1600 router, but after a few power cycles, everything resolved itself, and the two now peacefully coincide. The status indicators are only on the left side of the front, which itself is angled at about 30 degrees away from you if you are looking straight on. A strange design decision, it limits one's vision of them, especially if you must place it on your left. Not a huge deal, but it seems so easy to design a better solution. Fortunately, I haven't had a need to check the indicator LEDs. Conclusion: BUY. An A+ modem, fit for heavy gaming or streaming HD video. PROS: + Easy setup + DOCSIS 3.1 and 3.0 compatible + FAST + Will work with the next generation of speed tiers + Don't have to rent from ISP CONS: - Expensive - LEDs are difficult to view - Runs really warm!

Review of Netgear CM1000v2. I got a notice from my internet company, xFinity, that I should upgrade my old DOCSIS 3.0 modem to a newer 3.1 version. Even though my internet package only gets me up to 59Mbps, nowhere near the gigabyte speed offered by the new modems, I decided to replace my old modem anyway, since I was starting to get more internet outages over the past few weeks. I figured the older technology maybe wasn't being supported as well on the network, and I had to keep resetting my modem and waiting for connectivity to come back again. Installation was pretty easy. 1. First, unplug old modem from power, cable and ethernet. 2. Plug all of those into the new modem and wait for all the lights to stay on, which can take up to 10 full minutes. 3. Go into the xFinity app on your phone, log into your account, then tap Account, Activate xFi Gateway or Modem, Your Own Modem, Start Activation, then follow prompts from there. You will need to enter the MAC address, which is printed on the bottom of the modem. It may take another 10 minutes after activation for you to have internet access. All worked well for me and there were no problems. Modem has been working flawlessly for the past few days since I set it up. As I said, my plan only gives me up to 59Mbps, and that has not increased with this modem. It will only increase if I change my plan to a higher speed plan. But, I have a newer technology modem now that is at least ready for future speed increases should I choose to pay for that, and this DOCS 3.1 modem may have better security and more compatibility with the xFinity network. Things I like about it: 1. It has an on/off button on the back. VERY handy for resetting the modem. Much more convenient than having to pull the power plug then struggle to get it plugged back in while in a tight, dark space behind the modem. Many modems do not have an on/off button. 2. The lights are easy to see, but not too bright. On my previous Arris modem, the lights were overwhelmingly bright and flashing, so much that you could hardly read what their function was. These lights are much better. 3. The form factor is good; thin and tall, with a sturdy base. Other note: Some reviewers have said this modem gets HOT. I don't find that to be the case. It is warm, but not really any warmer than any other modem or streaming device I've had, especially one that is on 24 hours a day. Bottom line, this modem is a highly compatible modem for xFinity and all other cable systems, has an on/off button, good form factor, perfectly readable and not-too-bright lights, and is easy to set up.

Excellent Modem. I’m with Cox and had no issues getting it connected and activated. My speeds are much higher now.

I have Comcast for internet (feel bad for me), and they told me that I needed to get a new modem. I figured since they are upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1 in the near future, it doesn't make sense to buy a DOCSIS 3.0. The modem works well, but until they upgrade things on their end, I won't see the near gigabit speeds possible. Works great, highly recommended. UPDATE (2/20/17): For anyone using a PS4, I was unable to host Shareplay. Troubleshooting got me to this modem being the culprit. Literally everything else works perfectly. I could even join Shareplay hosted by someone else. A Comcast rep told me this is not an "Xfinity" modem, in complete contradiction to the packaging. She suggested I purchase a Motorola Arris modem. I reinstalled my old modem after three weeks, and it immediately worked. If Comcast had DOCSIS 3.1, I wouldn't make the switch, but the increase in speed is negligible. Just a heads up.