Motorola MG7700 24 x 8 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem might not be the fastest cable modem available, but it’s one of the most popular router modem combos among small-to-medium houses and offices, courtesy of a balanced pricing-to-performance ratio. But is it as good as advertised? Read my in-depth review to find more.
It is important to keep a few mid-range devices in the retail space bustling with many DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Motorola’s MG7700 is one such device that lets you enjoy the perks of a modem-router combo without breaking the bank.
It isn’t your regular future-proof networking device. Instead, it is designed to cater to intermediate internet plans offered by most cable ISPs. In this MG7700 review, I will dissect every aspect of the device based on my hands-on experience of three weeks with the same.
Note: I believe a separate modem + router is better than a modem/router combo performance-wise. But not everyone wants to deal with a different modem and a router, if you’re one of those, then this device makes more sense for you.
Product Name: Motorola MG7700
Product Description: Motorola MG7700 is an affordable combo with standard Gig-E ports, a Broadcom BCM3384 processor, and decent RAM. There are a few handy security features like port forwarding, VPN passthrough, and integrated surge protection, which isn’t typical with most combos.
Brand: Motorola
Offer price: 174.98
Currency: USD
Availability: InStock
Short Review
Judging by the specs, MG7700 is below-par, but it easily gets most of your internet-bound tasks. It supports internet plans up to 800 Mbps of major ISPs, adding to your convenience. Besides, its four Ethernet ports can deliver near-gigabit speeds. Value for money!
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Hardware
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Plans Support
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ISP Compatibility
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Performance
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WiFi Range
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Devices Capacity
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Port Setup
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Cost to Value
Pros
- 4 Ethernet ports
- Good wireless speed
- Good Wi-Fi coverage
- Compatible with most cable ISPs
- Exceptional near-band speeds
- Value for money
Cons
- DOCSIS 3.0 standard
Contents
Motorola MG7700 Specs
If you’re a tech geek interested in specs sheet, here you go! And if you’re a normal user who doesn’t care much about the specs but real-time performance, you may directly skip to the review.
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.0 |
| Backward Compatible | Yes |
| Channel Bonding | 24 x 8 |
| Ports | 4 Gig Ethernet |
| Phone Jack | No |
| Modem Router Combo | Yes |
| Built-in Router Speed | AC1900 |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Wi-Fi Range | Up to 2,000 Sq Ft |
| Suitable Internet Plan | Up to 800 Mbps |
| Compatible ISPs | Cox, Spectrum, Comcast Xfinity, Sparklight, Suddenlink, RCN, Mediacom, and WOW! Internet. |
| Processor | Broadcom BCM3384 |
| RAM & NAND Memory | Unknown |
| Dimensions | 8.6 x 9.1 x 2.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds |
Motorola MG7700 Review: Based on 3 Weeks Use
Not every DOCSIS 3.0 modem is worth your attention. However, your perception might change when you get your hands on something as promising and aesthetic as the MG7700 from Motorola. And there is much more to this Motorola modem than what meets the eye. So, let’s discuss those elusive aspects in detail!
1. Associated Networking Technologies
MG7700 ships with DOCSIS 3.0 networking technology, has 24 x 8 channel bonding, and full-band tuning support that helps maximize speeds and efficiency. Other relevant attributes include auto DHCP handling, dynamic DNS, and support for wireless bridging.
And for the routing part, MG7700 combines a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router with an aggregated speed of 1900 Mbps. Plus, there is the option to use 6 SSIDs followed by the integrated surge protection support, VPN passthrough functionality, and port forwarding functionality.
2. Speeds & Wireless Coverage
I tested the MG7700 with Cox internet’s Ultimate 500 service plan, and the throughput was quite impressive. In a speed test, the download clocked 504 Mbps while the upload speed reached close to 37 Mbps.
Coming to the wireless coverage, the power boost technology takes Motorola MG7700 WiFi range beyond the 2,000 Sq Ft mark. The device supports AnyBeam Beamforming to better focus the signals onto specific, bandwidth-hungry devices. Plus, three built-in antennas help maximize WiFi coverage and cut through congestion.
In addition to that, Motorola claims to support over 253 connections simultaneously. So, theoretically, you can connect a multitude of devices, but during my test, I could witness it performing well until I connected 40 devices on the network. Upon connecting more devices, there was a noticeable drop in speed and consistency.
And as far as usage is concerned, this modem-router combo has a place in every smart home, standard office space, and establishment featuring several bandwidth-intensive devices.
3. Compatible ISPs & Internet Plans
Motorola cable modem plus AC1900 router is capable of working with most leading internet service providers in the US. Although I could not self-test every cable ISP out there, I verified from various sources that the MG7700 works fine with the below-listed cable internet providers and their ideal service packages.
- Cox (Ultimate 500)
- Suddenlink (Internet 500)
- RCN (500 Mbps Internet)
- Spectrum (Internet Ultra 400)
- Xfinity (Blast Pro+ 400)
- WOWWAY (Internet 400)
- Sparklight (Turbo 300 Plus)
- Mediacom (Internet 300)
4. Ports & Connectivity
If you head over to the rear panel of the Motorola MG7700, you will know that it packs quite a punch. There are 4 Gig ethernet ports in play. And they let you connect to every bandwidth-intensive device that you have in plain sight.
Also, if you’ve noticed, the Motorola MG7700 doesn’t come with a phone jack. So if you’re using Voice plans from your service provider, you can consider getting the Motorola MT7711 or any other voice-compatible cable modem.
You can connect it with a mesh system or an extender, which then converts the secondary device into an access point of sorts. And yes, there is an input slot for the coaxial cable supplied by the ISP.
5. Hardware Configuration
Moving forward in the MG7700 review, the Broadcom BCM3384 multi-core processor exists to help you with transmissions and consistent throughputs. Working alongside the reliable hardware setup is the ample amount of NAND memory. It stores the firmware details and keeps the modem connectivity up to date.
Note: The company doesn’t reveal exact information on hardware specs, but I never noticed the device heating up or facing speed issues.
6. Design & Build
This is a good-looking Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 modem-router combo that features hardened plastic as the underlying structural material. The chassis is adequately ventilated and makes way for a customary stand.
As far as dimensions are concerned, this device measures 8.6 x 9.1 x 2.6 inches. And yes, there are 7 front-facing LEDs in play to help you with status indications. Also, this combo assumes a vertical structure and weighs close to 1.7 pounds, which is still light compared to other combo devices such as the Arris G34 or Arris G36.
Pros & Cons of Motorola MG7700
- 4 Ethernet ports
- Good wireless speed
- Good Wi-Fi coverage
- Compatible with most cable ISPs
- Exceptional near-band speeds
- Value for money
- DOCSIS 3.0 standard
Frequently Asked Questions
While you need not, you can always fool around with another router, mainly to use it as an access point. The flexibility of 6 SSIDs, auto DHCP configuration, and built-in wireless standards might require some tweaking, but you can always use an additional router to expand the coverage.
The MG7700 is loaded with nifty security and privacy perks, including stateful packet inspection for keeping attacks at bay, parental control, DoS notification, remote management, guest networking support, diagnostic log, and WPA/WPA2 access.
Nope, the MG7700 is probably the easiest modem to set up, as it comes with a responsive and self-explanatory web interface. Also, the QuickStart platform lets you configure and use the device within minutes of connecting to a cable setup.
Verdict
Yes, the Motorola MG7700 isn’t the regular DOCSIS 3.1 kid on the block. Instead, it is something way better as it helps strike the perfect balance between resourcefulness and affordability. A DOCSIS 3.0 modem can reach good download and upload speeds for standard households and even HD streaming or casual gaming.
However, Motorola MG7700 sweetens the spot for functionality seekers by integrating routing capabilities that are in no way mediocre. Overall, the MG7700 solves many networking issues without burning a hole in your pocket.
Other Modem-Router Combos to Consider:
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