Netgear CM1100 Review: Is It Worth Getting in 2023?

Netgear makes some great networking devices, both modems, and routers, period. But then, if you are to pick only one, a reliable modem from Netgear comes across as the most appropriate selection. And most importantly, if you are still searching for one, the Netgear CM1100 is quite a credible device to look at.

For starters, Netgear CM1100 is one of the more efficient modems around. Be it your undying insistence towards experiencing multi-gig speeds or finding a device that agrees with the existing home decor arrangement; the CM1100 dons several hats at once.

As per my tests and findings, CM1100 is quite an increment over the CM1000, which is also a very reliable modem but mostly restricted to standard, Gig level plans. Coming to the CM1100, the modem seems like a great fit for standard households, offices, and commercial establishments. 

Plus, if you plan on setting up an extensive wireless network, be assured that the Nighthawk CM1100 will work with most mesh and standalone routers.

But that’s just a sneak peek into what this modem has to offer and if you plan on discovering more, kindly read on as I have reviewed the Netgear Nighthawk CM1100 across several parameters to understand how good a fit it is!

Netgear CM1100 Specs

Technology	Docsis 3.1
Backward Compatibility	Yes
Channel Bonding	32 x 8
Ports	2 Gig Ethernet
Phone Jack	No
Modem Router Combo	No
Suitable Internet Plan	Up to 2 Gbps
Compatible ISPs	Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, RCN, Suddenlink, and Mediacom.
IPv6 Support	Yes
Processor	Broadcom BCM3390
RAM	256MB
NAND Storage	128MB
Dimensions	8.80 x 3.40 x 5.90 inches
Weight	1 pound

Netgear CM1100 Review: Is It Worth Getting in 2023?

Well, in the subsequent sections, I shall dissect the Netgear Nighthawk CM1100 across several factors, only to present a holistic view of this device. And, just to make things more credible, I would like to state that I am still using the CM1100 as my go-to, primary modem, with a Comcast Gig internet plan and a Nighthawk RAX120 Wi-Fi 6 router.

1. Design & Build

Let’s start with the aesthetics first. The Nighthawk CM1100 sports a sleek form factor, measuring 8.80 x 3.40 x 5.90 inches. Also, it is one of the lightest products around, weighing 1 pound to be exact. Coming to the design and build quality, this feathery device assumes a vertical form factor that is even ventilated enough to minimize overheating. 

And to top it all off, there are several indicators in play, allowing you to keep track of the network conditions with relative ease.

2. Ports & Connectivity

If you are game for wired connectivity, this modem comes equipped with 2 Gig ethernet ports. This functionality lets you reach multi-Gig speeds, provided your ISP lets you in on two IP addresses. And to make things even more interesting, Netgear throws in link aggregation support, allowing you to make use of two IPs and reach speeds up to 2Gbps.

In case you’re looking for similar specs in a modem, then you can consider getting the Netgear CM1200. Here’s a comparison between CM1100 vs CM1200.

Connectivity-wise, this modem is compatible with most wireless AC and wireless AX routers. Plus, it even exhibits QoS support, allowing you to prioritize traffic across wired and wireless networks. Other relevant specs include IPv6 functionality and support for auto device configuration.

3. Compatibility with ISPs

This modem works rather perfectly with some of the leading ISPs, including Spectrum, Charter, Cox, and obviously Comcast. Also, I have been using it with a Gig-level Comcast Xfinity internet plan and was able to reach max speeds of up to 1Gbps, with one IP address in play. However, it is better surmised that the CM1100 is good enough for most cable internet service providers and not DSL and Fiber internet packages.

4. Hardware & Technology

Powering the CM1100 is a powerful BCM3390 SoC, which lets you cut through any form of congestion with relative ease. Working alongside the chipset is 256MB of RAM and 128MB of storage space that houses firmware details and other relevant insights.

Also, this is one of the top-rated DOCSIS 3.1 modems with built-in support for 2 x 2 OFDM/OFDMA channels. However, for modern-day gig-level internet plans, the DOCSIS 3.0 backhaul technology is more than adequate, courtesy of 32 x 8 channel bonding support. The existing hardware setup lets you experience the best streaming and gaming throughputs, whilst cutting out latency, lags, and pings, to a considerable extent.

5. Wireless Compatibility & Speeds

If and when connected with a router, this modem lets you assume max speeds of almost 990Mbps. And with a Wireless AX router in play, you can get access to max 2.4GHz speeds of up to 150Mbps and 5GHz of almost 600Mbps, with this modem in play.

Netgear CM1100: Pros & Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Overall, the Netgear CM1100 is one of the more reliable modems on the list, provided you are willing to deploy it for UHD streaming and online gaming. And while you can pick any other device, the CM1100 lets you achieve all that and more at an extremely affordable price. And most importantly, it is also a future-proof modem with DOCSIS 3.1 support that even sets you up for more far-reaching internet plans.