Do you want to save time and money while shopping for a cable modem and router? If yes, then Netgear Nighthawk C7000 is an interesting choice, courtesy of its dual-faceted ability to work as a cable modem and a wireless router.
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 modem router is designed to handle internet plans ranging from 500 Mbps to 800 Mbps. It sports DOCSIS 3.0 modem technology and a Wi-Fi 5 router, making it suitable for apartments and small to medium homes.
But how do these translate into real-world performance? Brace yourself and go through this detailed review of Netgear C7000 to know if it’s still good enough in 2023.
Contents
Netgear C7000 Specs
Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 |
Backward Compatibility | Yes |
Channel Bonding | 24 x 8 |
Ethernet Ports | 4 |
Phone Jack(s) | 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 | Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, RCN, Suddenlink, Mediacom, Optimum, Sparklight, Wave Broadband, and Atlantic Broadband. |
IPv6 Support | Yes |
Processor | 1.6GHz combined processor |
RAM | 256MB |
NAND Storage | 128MB |
Netgear Nighthawk C7000 Review
The Netgear C7000-100NAS is a good modem/router combo. But that’s a fact. Supplementing the same with validations is my experience using it for over two weeks. Plus, I used it alongside Spectrum’s 500 Mbps internet plan and would like to share my findings and inferences in parts.
So let’s cut the clutter and jump straight into the detailed Netgear C7000 review below:
1. Design & Build
Nighthawk C7000 assumes a vertical form factor, much like Motorola MG7550, Arris G34, Arris G36, or any other combo device I’ve recently used or reviewed. Made of hardened plastic and colored black, this device also features an exciting array of front-facing LED lights.
The C7000 weighs 1.60 pounds and measures 9.66 x 8.31 x 1.7 inches. And to make things better, it even comes equipped with a host of heat-dissipating vents to avoid overheating.
2. Ports & Connectivity
As a networking device, the C7000-100NAS is replete with ports, including a standard USB 2.0 slot, one regular-size coaxial input, and four Gigabit LAN ports. The ethernet ports allow you to establish wired connections with smart devices and easily reach Gig level throughput.
When it comes to the broader connectivity suite, you have access to dual-band wireless support, beamforming functionality for better coverage, and app-based remote network management.
3. Compatibility with ISPs
Netgear C7000 modem router combo works swimmingly with almost every reputed cable ISP in the US. The compatibility would extend to Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum high-speed internet plans. As far as my real-time speed tests would concern, I was on the 500Mbps Spectrum internet plan while reviewing the C7000.
Coming to the supported plans, I would only recommend a Gig-level internet plan if you plan to use this modem-router combo for wired connections. If you plan on going wireless, 500Mbps to even 800Mbps internet plans seem enough.
- Comcast Xfinity
- Cox Residential
- RCN Corporation
- Suddenlink
- Mediacom
- Optimum
- Sparklight
- Wave Broadband
- Atlantic Broadband
4. Hardware & Technology
Powering this Netgear Nighthawk modem router combo is an efficient multi-core processor capable of clocking at 1.6GHz. Assisting the same is 256MB of RAM to help you cut through congestion and interference. Plus, you also get access to 128MB of flash memory to keep the firmware details handy.
As far as the networking technology is concerned, this is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem with 24 x 8 channel bonding support. Adding to the exciting tech suite is IPv6 support and ultra-fast QAM functionality for improved wireless performance.
Netgear Nighthawk C7000: WiFi Speeds & Range
As mentioned, the Nighthawk C7000 is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem router with cumulative speeds of up to 1900 Mbps. If you are into specifics, it lets you experience near band or 5GHz band speeds of up to 1300Mbps, followed by far band speeds of up to 600Mbps.
Coming to the coverage, this Netgear AC1900 modem router can help span close to 2000 Sq Ft of area, without breaking a sweat.
The Pros and Cons
Now that I have visited every aspect of the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 dual-band cable modem router in detail, here are the hits and misses that you should be aware of before taking a call:
- Ultrafast processor
- 24 x 8 channel bonding support
- Decent wireless throughput
- Good port selection
- Good WiFi coverage
- Built-in ReadyShare mode for USB
- No DOCSIS 3.1
- No Wi-Fi 6
- Inconsistent throughput on the 2.4GHz band
Frequently Asked Questions
The DOCSIS 3.0 technology with 24 x 8 channel bonding support is good enough for most internet plans across ISPs. However, you might be unable to use it for high-speed Gig or multi-Gig plans. If you’re planning for a Gig-level internet, refer to my list of Gigabit modems.
Yes, you can pair an extender with the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 modem router, provided you end up connecting the same using the router’s ethernet ports.
If you already have a modem, you can use the Nighthawk C7000 as the router. However, as it is a modem-router combo, you can always use it as a standalone networking device.
Verdict
Netgear Nighthawk C7000 might be a DOCSIS 3.0 WiFi cable modem router, but it can surely give other high-end modems a run for their money, courtesy of the versatility it brings to the table. And even though the aesthetics can be a tad overwhelming, the excellent wireless capabilities and a full suite of high-speed ports more than make up for this minor bottleneck.
Summary
Nighthawk C7000 is a budget-friendly cable modem-router combo with DOCSIS 3.0 and a Wi-Fi 5 router with 1900 Mbps total speed. It works with most cable ISPs in the US. I tested it with Spectrum’s 500 Mbps connection and experienced decent speeds and coverage.
Here are my overall ratings:
- Speeds & Throughput: 4.1 / 5
- ISP Compatibility: 4.3 / 5
- Coverage & Signal Quality: 4.0 / 5
- Setup & Management: 4.2 / 5
- Security & Other Features: 3.5 / 5
- Price to Performance: 3.5 / 5
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