Netgear Cm5001aznas 16x4 Docsis 30 Cable Modem Review

Our Verdict

The Netgear CM500 is an inexpensive modem that performed merely besides as more than expensive products we tested for internet speeds up to 300 Mbps.

For

• The CM500 is cheaper than renting a modem and can pay for itself within the outset vii months.

Against

• The CM500 runs a footling warmer than other modems we tested, so place it in a well-ventilated expanse.

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If your net subscription advertises speeds up to 300 Mbps or less, the Netgear CM500 is a cracking cable modem that performs as well as other, more expensive products we tested. Compared to Comcast Xfinity's $xi per calendar month rental fees for home networking equipment, this modem starts saving yous coin inside the first seven months of use, making it a bang-up value. Plus, information technology is compatible with virtually major cable net service providers (ISPs), including Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum and Cox.

Performance

In our cable modem tests, the Netgear CM500 performed extremely well on a network stressed by running four simultaneous bandwidth-hogging applications, including three large game file downloads on a PC, XBox One and PS4 Pro and 4K Netflix streaming. Though information technology's recommended for cyberspace packages advertizing speeds of 300 Mbps or lower, we ran our tests using Comcast Xfinity's 400 Mbps speed bundle, and it performed admirably. Still, if yous need a loftier-speed modem, we recommend the Motorola MB7621 instead. It'southward a little more powerful and tin can handle college speeds.

The CM500 has 16 x four bonded channels for downstream and upstream data, respectively, meaning it has theoretical max speeds up to 680 Mbps. These theoretical max speeds are rarely met in actual use, and the CM500 is all-time if you have cyberspace speeds upward to 300 Mbps or less, though, as our tests showed, it works fine with a 400 Mbps connection. If you accept speeds much slower than 300 Mbps, the CM500 is nonetheless a great modem that is backwards compatible with previous DOCSIS (data over cable service interface specification) standards.

Features

Similar all the modems we tested, the CM500 comes with an Ethernet cable and some quick beginning instructions. It's missing a few of the features and accessories nosotros liked in other products, such as a ability button or a wrench for the coaxial connection, only information technology still works without these extras. Exist sure to identify it in an easily accessible area in case y'all need to turn information technology off, though. You can monitor the modem's operations using the forepart-facing LED indicators with lights for ability, upstream information, downstream data, net connectedness and LAN. For a bit more than advanced diagnostics or modem direction, access Netgear's online modem interface, which is both useful and easy to employ.

Build

The CM500 is a sleek, slender device. Its slim profile looks right at abode among your other expensive networking equipment. There are two disadvantages to its design, yet. The more than pressing of the two is that the CM500 is non as well ventilated as some other modems we tested, so it operates at a college temperature. This can pose a problem if the modem is placed effectually too many other rut-generating devices or doesn't have enough room to absurd off, as overheating can impact the modem'south operational power. The 2d issue is purely cosmetic. Since the exterior of the modem is made of shiny black plastic, it picks up smudges and shows clay and dust hands.

Summary

If you desire to buy your ain cable modem to salve coin on rental fees from your ISP, the Netgear CM500 poses a great value for net subscriptions with speeds up to 300 Mbps. It costs less than many modems on the market place, just it performs just as well, and its one-year warranty from Netgear ensures that you at least get your money'south worth out of the modem, though it will probably last much longer.

Rebecca has been writing about applied science since 2015. She specializes in smartphones, phone plans, Deoxyribonucleic acid tests and home networking equipment. She has a bachelors degree in creative writing and English literature from the Academy of Evansville. Rebecca currently works as the co-founder of All Times Are Local, a foster care system.

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Source: https://www.toptenreviews.com/cable-modems-netgear-cm500-review