Netgear C7800 Review: Most Powerful Modem-Router Combo?

Do you seek a fancy modem-router combo that is adequately powerful as well? Have you come across the Netgear Nighthawk C7800? Want to learn more about this networking device? Loaded with the DOCSIS 3.1 technology, reliable processing setup, and excellent wireless capabilities, the Netgear C7800 is nothing short of an engineering marvel.

I need to emphasize that the C7800-200NAS is not a regular budget modem/router combo. It is powered to the teeth just to ensure that you can churn out the best possible wired and wireless speeds, provided you’ve got a capable internet plan from the likes of Xfinity, Cox, or Spectrum.

But I wouldn’t want you to draw conjectures just yet. Let us take a detailed look at the Netgear Nighthawk cable modem WiFi router combo, i.e., C7800, to understand it better.

Netgear C7800 Specs

Technology	Docsis 3.1
Backward Compatibility	Yes
Channel Bonding	32 x 8
Ports	4 LAN & 2 USB 3.0
Phone Jack(s)	No
Modem Router Combo	Yes
Built-in Router Speed	AC3200
Wi-Fi Standard	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi Range	3000 Sq Ft
Suitable Internet Plan	Up to 2Gbps
Compatible ISPs	Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Mediacom, Midco, and WOW! Internet.
Processor	1.5GHz Broadcom BCM3390
RAM	256MB
NAND Storage	128MB

Netgear C7800 Review: Is It Worth Picking Up?

I’ve extensively used the modem/router combo for over three weeks. And this review of Netgear C7800 is purely based on my personal experience. I tested it with a Gigabit internet connection from Comcast Xfinity, just to get into the nooks and crannies of the same.

Most importantly, I connected some of the more bandwidth-intensive devices, including the PS4 game console, to experience the peak performance of this device. Let us take a closer look at how well the Netgear Nighthawk AC3200 modem router handles the speeds, throughput, interference, and other aspects of connectivity.

1. Design & Build

Well, unlike Netgear C7000, Motorola MG7550, Arris G34, and other combo devices that I reviewed previously, the Nighthawk C7800 is a tad heavier at 3.15 pounds. However, it assumes a different design altogether, with Netgear introducing the much-anticipated horizontal form factor. As far as the dimensions are concerned, the device measures 12.4 x 10.4 x 7.5 inches.

Despite the heft, the Netgear C7800 looks way sleeker than some of its peers. But that’s not what separates it from the rest. It comes equipped with 4 external high-gain antennas that allow you to handle wireless performances without any lag whatsoever.

2. Ports & Connectivity

Moving further in the Netgear Nighthawk C7800 review, there are 4 high-speed ethernet ports to work with, making it one of the more promising modem-router combos on the market. You can use each Gig ethernet port to establish wired connections with multiple devices.

Wireless connectivity doesn’t take a backseat with Netgear, including Beamforming support, Signal focus, and dual-band access into the scheme of things. You have the regular 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless bands to work with, depending on your preferences and bandwidth requirements.

There are 2 high-speed USB 3.0 ports located on the side of the device, allowing you to share data across the LAN and WAN networks.

3. Compatibility with ISPs

As mentioned previously, I tested the Netgear C7800 modem with a Gig internet plan. And the speeds were consistently high— both wired and wireless. If you plan on purchasing the networking device today and looking for some added insights regarding the ISPs, I will urge you to pick high-speed internet packages from Spectrum, Cox, Comcast Xfinity, and other reliable cable ISPs, including:

• Mediacom
• Midco
• WOW! Internet

4. Hardware & Technology

As for the Netgear C7800 specs and internals, a lot is going right for this AC3200 WiFi cable modem router.

Firstly, it comes equipped with a 1.5GHz Broadcom BCM3390 dual-core chipset, working in tandem with 512MB RAM. Complementing the same is the DOCSIS 3.1 support with 32 x 8 channels to work with. Also, there is 128MB of flash memory for your firmware updates and internal specifications.

The Netgear C7800 modem is one of the few devices around to offer improved networking capabilities and throughput, courtesy of the 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA support. Plus, you can access built-in power amplifiers to increase the range and coverage.

Nighthawk C7800 Wireless Capabilities & Other Features

If you only plan on learning about the built-in router of Nighthawk C7800, the dual-band accessibility, robust coverage, and a scalable area of almost 3000 Sq Ft come in as the major pointers. Plus, Netgear allows you to set parental controls, guest network, and manage the network remotely via the app support.

Other relevant specs include DLNA support, ReadyShare support for USB connections, and enhanced security, courtesy of the WPA/WPA2 functionality.

Pros & Cons of Netgear Nighthawk C7800

So far, this segment-wise review of Netgear C7800 has taken care of every aspect relevant to the modem/router combo. Still, if you are pressed for time, here are the hits and misses that you should be aware of before taking the plunge:

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Netgear Nighthawk AC3200 modem router is replete with features. As a cable combo device, it lets you experience the best of both worlds by ensuring excellent throughput, consistent wired and wireless speeds, and the ability to keep gaming latency and streaming lags to a minimum.

Therefore, if you can overlook the heft, this sleek, aesthetic, and futuristic networking device is worth the investment.