Do you want to save time and money while shopping for a cable modem and router? If yes, then Netgear Nighthawk C7000 seems like the perfect choice, considering its dual-faceted ability to work both as a modem and router. This Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 modem router combo offers the best internet speeds and that too without cutting corners when coverage is concerned.
The Nighthawk C7000 is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem router combo as versatile as any. Loaded with a diverse array of ports and LED indicators, this networking device is suitable for mid-range to high-tier internet plans. But wait, you shouldn’t take my word for it. Brace yourself and read through this detailed review of Netgear C7000 that I have segregated into different segments.
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 24 x 8
- Ports: 4 Gigabit Ethernet Slots
- Suitable Service Package: 500-800 Mbps
- Built-in Router Speeds: 1900 Mbps
- Routing Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5
- Wi-Fi Coverage: Up to 2000 Sq Ft
- Compatible ISPs: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, RCN, Suddenlink, Mediacom, Optimum, Sparklight, Wave Broadband, and Atlantic Broadband.
Contents
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 500Mbps internet plan and would like to share my findings and inferences in parts.
So let’s cut the clutter and jump straight into the review of Netgear Nighthawk C7000:
1. Design & Build
Nighthawk C7000 assumes a vertical form factor, much like Motorola MG7550, Arris G34, Arris G36, or any other combo device that I’ve used or reviewed recently. 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 just 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
The Netgear C7000 modem router combo works swimmingly with almost every reputed cable ISP in the US. The compatibility would extend to high-speed internet plans from Xfinity, Cox, and Spectrum. 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 1900Mbps. 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.
Netgear Nighthawk C7000: 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 is more than enough for most households
- Excellent wireless throughput
- 4 High-speed ports
- Comes with a built-in ReadyShare mode for USB
- Not the most consistent throughput across the 2.4GHz band
- Heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
The DOCSIS 3.0 technology with 24 x 8 channel bonding support is good enough for most internet plans across ISPs. However, you might not be able 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.
If you already have a modem to work with, you can use the Nighthawk C7000 simply as the router. However, as it is a modem-router combo, you can always use it as a standalone networking device.
Verdict
The Netgear Nighthawk C7000 might be a DOCSIS 3.0-powered 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.
Netgear Nighthawk C7000 Review
The Review
Nighthawk C7000 is a cable modem/router combo device with DOCSIS 3.0 modem tech and AC1900 routing speeds. This versatile networking device from Netgear is compatible with most cable ISPs in the US. I tested it with Spectrum’s 500 Mbps connection and found it excellent in terms of speeds and throughput. As for the ports and wired connectivity is concerned, this Netgear Modem/Router combo will serve you with ease. It has 4 Gigabit LAN ports and a USB port on its back. Netgear is offering decent specs and value to the users for the asking price. Although it doesn’t boast high-end specs like DOCSIS 3.1 or Wi-Fi 6, the networking device manages to work without hiccups. Let me list out the Specs of Netgear Nighthawk C7000 to help you make a final decision:
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.0
- Downstream/Upstream: 24 x 8
- Ports: 4 Gig-E + 1 USB 2.0
- Suitable Service Package: 500-800 Mbps
- Built-in Router Speeds: 1900 Mbps
- Routing Wireless Standard: Wi-Fi 5
- Wi-Fi Coverage: Up to 2000 Sq Ft
- Compatible ISPs: Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, RCN, Suddenlink, Mediacom, Optimum, Sparklight, Wave Broadband, and Atlantic Broadband.
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