As a modem, Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 is nothing short of excellent. Being one of the most powerful DOCSIS 3.1 modems, it lets you work with almost every cable ISP on the market. It’s packed with top-of-the-line features, including, 32 x 8 channels, 2×2 OFDMA, and a 2.5 Gbps ethernet port to support multi-gig speeds.
But is it worth the $282.00 premium price? Do you really need such a high-speed modem? What tasks should you consider using it for? Well, to answer these questions with clarity, I paired the CM2000 with Amazon Eero Pro 6 — a high-end Wi-Fi 6 mesh router on Xfinity’s Gigabit plan. I used this setup for as long as 30 days and shared my honest views in the CM2000 review below.
Product Name: Netgear Nighthawk CM2000
Product Description: CM2000 is the most premium future-proof offering by Netgear that boasts top-tier features like a 2.5G port, DOCSIS 3.1, and a 1.5GHz Dual-Core Broadcom BCM3390 processor. If you want to upgrade to a multi-gig plan, this modem is worth a shot.
Brand: NETGEAR
Offer price: 282.00
Currency: USD
Availability: InStock
Short Review
Its compatibility with major ISPs means you have plenty to choose from. Despite lacking multiple Ethernet ports, a dedicated gaming port, combined with 2×2 OFDMA, means high-end online games should breeze through this device. And you’ve got a robust device to make its price worth.
-
Hardware
-
Plans Support
-
ISP Compatibility
-
Performance
-
Port Setup
-
Cost to Value
Pros
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- Powerful processor
- 32 x 8 channel bonding
- Supports Multi-Gig speeds
- 2×2 OFDM(A)
Cons
- Only one Ethernet port
- Expensive
Contents
Netgear CM2000 Specs
Before we begin, let’s quickly go through the specifications. [Skip Specs & Jump to the Review]
Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 |
Backward Compatibility | Yes |
Channel Bonding | 32 x 8 |
Ports | 1 x 2.5 Gig Ethernet |
Phone Jack(s) | No |
Modem Router Combo | No |
Suitable Internet Plan | Up to 2.5 Gbps |
Compatible ISPs | Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, Optimum, Sparklight, Mediacom, Midco, Astound, Breezeline, and WOW Internet. |
IPv6 Support | Yes |
Processor | 1.5GHz Dual-Core Broadcom BCM3390 |
Dimensions | 6.8 x 3.7 x 8.2 inches |
Weight | 1.02 pounds |
Netgear CM2000 Review [After 30 Days Usage]
In my extensive tests, the Netgear CM2000 outperforms almost every cable modem on the market. I experienced the highest possible throughput when used for gaming, streaming, and other data-intensive activities. So in terms of speeds, I definitely recommend the CM2000.
Other aspects where this device shines include its design, hardware configuration, compatibility with ISPs, ease of setup, and reliability. And when it comes to its limitations/shortcomings, the device lacks multiple ethernet ports and comes at a premium price.
That was my short review of the Netgear CM2000. In the coming sections, I have discussed how well it fares in different aspects. Continue reading!
Netgear CM2000 Speeds
With DOCSIS 3.1 and 32 x 8 channels, this Netgear cable modem gets even more efficient in delivering higher speeds.
I performed a couple of speed tests with Netgear CM2000 at various locations of my house and it didn’t throttle a single time. Paired with Comcast Xfinity’s Gigabit plan, my laptop could reach up to 1100 Mbps in download. While the upload speed could reach up to 30 Mbps.
These speeds make it suitable to use in large homes, workspaces, offices, hotels, etc. Furthermore, it can easily handle activities like low-ping gaming, high-speed streaming, browsing on multiple devices, and more.
Compatible ISPs & Suitable Plans
The CM2000 modem works rather perfectly with high-speed, Multi-Gig internet plans from various internet providers. To make the modem worth the effort and value, it is advisable to pair the same with high-speed internet plans and not the typical mid-range packages you have at your disposal.
List of compatible cable ISPs and their ideal service plans:
- Comcast Xfinity — 1.2 Gig Plan
- WOW Internet — Internet 1.2 Gig Plan
- Charter Spectrum — Gig Plan
- Cox — Gigablast Plan
- Mediacom — Internet 1 GIG Plan
- Sparklight — 1 Gig Plan
- Astound — Gig Internet Plan
- Breezeline — 1000 Mbps Plan
- Midco — Gig Internet Plan
- Mediacom Xtream — Internet 1 Gig Plan
Ports & Connectivity
Nighthawk CM2000 keeps it clean when it comes to the port arrangement. For starters, there is one coaxial port to work with, followed by a power port. However, it is the 2.5 Gig ethernet port that hogs all the limelight, allowing you to make the best use of the multi-Gig speeds.
As far as the connectivity of the Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 is concerned, the multi-gig port allows you to establish high-speed wired connections with any smart device of your choice. However, for effective wireless capabilities, you are advised to connect this modem to a Wi-Fi 6 router, to render the networking setup future-proof.
Design & Build
Just like other Netgear modems, including CM1000 and CM1100, the CM2000 also assumes a vertical form factor, made of hardened & glossy plastic. Despite the hefty outlook, the CM2000 modem manages to stay light at 1.02 pounds.
I tested this Netgear Nighthawk 2.5Gbps cable modem during the sultry summers and never for once had issues related to overheating. The heat-dissipating capabilities, as inferred, are top-notch.
As for the dimensions, the product measures 6.8 x 3.7 x 8.2 inches. And despite feeling a tad chunkier than usual, it is the basal stand that more than makes up for this minor hiccup.
Hardware & Technology
The multi-core processor nesting within the Netgear CM2000 works in tandem with DOCSIS 3.1 networking technology, allowing you to reach consistent speeds and throughput. There are 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels to work with, allowing you to minimize gaming lags and achieve consistent speeds at all times.
The Broadcom BCM3390 work as a Netgear CM2000 chipset, which keeps the performance optimal while also keeping the modem device cool.
Adding to these specs is the 2×2 OFDM/OFDMA support, capable of moving across sizable data packets even during peak hours. Other relevant specs include IPv6 compatibility, allowing you to achieve the built-in quality of service.
This way, it becomes possible to redirect traffic to a more bandwidth-intensive device when connected to a standard router.
The Pros & Cons of Netgear CM2000
The in-depth analysis of the Netgear Nighthawk multi-gig cable modem, CM2000 reveals every aspect of it, without any bars hold. However, here is a quick go-over, enlisting the hits and misses associated with this modem.
- DOCSIS 3.1 technology
- Powerful processor
- 32 x 8 channel bonding
- Supports Multi-Gig speeds
- 2×2 OFDM(A)
- Only one Ethernet port
- Expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
The Netgear CM2000 is an out-and-out cable modem. It needs to connect with a router to showcase wireless capabilities.
Yes, the Netgear CM2000-100NAS, despite being a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, is backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 technology. Therefore, the networking device will work just fine even with low-end internet plans and devices only supporting DOCSIS 3.0 and even DOCSIS 2.0 technology.
The multi-Gig port allows you to future-proof the networking setup, more so with DOCSIS 3.1 networking technology at your disposal. With this port, you can very well reach wired speeds of up to 2.5Gbps, provided the ISP provides the same.
Verdict
The CM2000 isn’t a regular Netgear Nighthawk 32 x 8 DOCSIS 3.1 modem for regular internet plans. Instead, it is something you might want to consider if your cable ISP has plans of upgrading to a high-speed internet plan.
And most importantly, it is one of the more aesthetic products around, replete with standard physical traits, several indicative lights, and a stand that allows you to place it almost anywhere.
Kurt,
Thaks for all the reviews that you’ve posted. They hanve helped me narrow the field for modens and routers. My main issue is that I am on Optimum and would like to use the NetGear CM 2000. But OPtimum was NOT mentioned in the Compatibility Section.
Do you think that I could still use this modem, or take a pass?
Thanks … mm
Hey Mickel,
Yes, according to the Optimum support guy, all Netgear modems work with Optimum. He also added that he has seen other customers using this model.
Please note that CM2000 will only work with Coax connections and not Fiber, Phone or TV.
Feel free to purchase it and revert if you’ve any further queries.