Motorola MB7420 review

Are you looking to optimize internet speeds within your home and are wondering what modem to go for? Look no further. The Motorola MB7420 is an exceptional modem that gives you quite the upgrade from regular rented modems.

For a long time, a good friend of mine complained incessantly about the extremely poor internet speeds she was experiencing in her home even after a number of router upgrades. So, she and I set out in search of a high performance modem that could work with many router types and, most importantly, that could support as much speed as my friend needed. The awful truth is that there is a myriad of modems to choose from, but the wonderful truth is that the Motorola MB7420 came our way. Long story short, my friend is happy. Here is why.

Motorola MB7420 Review and Breakdown

MOTOROLA 16x4 Cable Modem, Model MB7420, 686 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0, Certified by Comcast XFINITY, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner Cable, Cox, BrightHouse, and More

• This 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem provides speeds up to 686 Mbps, sixteen times faster than DOCSIS 2.0. A...
• Cable modem's Ethernet port connects to a computer, HDTV, game station, or wireless router. (This Model...

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The Motorola MB7420 combines great speeds and user friendliness to make it one of the best cable modems for home use. It proves extremely reliable and efficient, especially where shaky internet speeds are an issue. Unlike other similar devices, this particular one acts only as a modem and does not have an inbuilt router. Even then, it performs exceptionally well.

This modem’s performance is largely attributed to its ability to support the DOCSIS 3.0 technology. This standard results in speeds that are at least 8 times faster than the previous DOCSIS 2.0. The Motorola MB7420 proves more than efficient for homes that use data plans that are 300Mbps or less. On top of this, this modem uses a Full Capture digital tuner which works to ensure that the speeds are fast and reliable at all times.

Another one of its impressive features is its versatility and adaptability. You will find that there are no restrictions when it comes to the Internet Service Providers that you can use. The Motorola MB7420 connects to the likes of Cox, Xfinity, Comcast, Deluxe 250, Charter Spectrum, Time Warner Cable and others. However, it cannot connect to voice bundle providers such as AT&T.

In matters channel bonding, the Motorola MB7420 offers 16 x 4 channel bonding, resulting in 16 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels. The 16 upstream channels support speeds that reach a throughput of 686Mbps while the 4 downstream channels provide speeds that peak at 123Mbps. Bear in mind, however, that these are the speeds that the router can achieve. The actual speeds you experience are dictated by your service provider.

Other great features include the ability to support IPv4 and IPv6 and Quick Start which ensures that setup is quick and seamless without the need for a service call. With this router, you can forget about your monthly expenditure on a modem from your service provider. You are guaranteed an approximate $120 in savings every year.

What we liked;

• Made for high speed internet transmission
• Compatible with many Internet Service Providers
• Compatible with all router brands
• Uses the fast and efficient DOCSIS 3.0
• Comes with 16 x 4 channel bonding

What we did not like;

• Operates as a modem only – You have to purchase a router separately
• Comes with only one WAN/LAN port for ethernet connectivity

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Motorola MB740 Specifications

Motorola MB7420 Features

Design and Build

Measuring in at 6.1 x 4.9 x 2.0 inches, the Motorola MB7420 bears a compact physique that makes it smaller than a good number of modems in the market currently. When installed, it assumes a vertical orientation, a characteristic that makes setting it up easy and convenient since it does not take up a lot of space. You will notice that it has a large footprint that gives it good stability so that it does not topple easily. With this wide base, you will have no need for setting it up on a wall.

What strikes you the most about the Motorola MB7420 is its beautiful yet unconventional design. With most modems, the indicator lights, ON/OFF button and ports are often placed on the front and back panels. In this rectangular modem model, the 5 indicator LED lights are placed on a thin side panel which, when set up, becomes the front panel. This adds to its visual compactness when set up since all you can see is a strip of LED lights.

The wide side panels are perforated and have a mesh-like design. This largely helps to keep the temperatures of this device well regulated toprevent heat damage. On the back panel is a coaxial port and a LAN port through which Gigabit ethernet connections are made. Here you can connect such devices as your gaming consoles, smart TV, laptop and desktop computers and also your router.

Performance and Speed

The Motorola MB7420 makes a reliable modem for high speed transmissions. It proves especially efficient for persons that have data plans of 300Mbps and below. With its DOCSIS 3.0 technology, this modem boasts speeds that are up to 16 times faster than DOCSIS 2.0 devices. It is no wonder that it can support download speeds that reach a cool 686Mbps.Its 16 x 4 channel bonding ensures that you experience the best speeds possible at any one given time.

This modem works quite well with dual band routers that use the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and that operate within the 802.11ac standard. The Motorola MB7420 bears the capacity to provide ample internet for various high intensity functions such as gaming on multiple consoles and high definition video streaming on a number of devices.

Setup and Configuration

Setting up the Motorola MB7420 proves extremely easy, thanks to the Quick Start feature that facilitates fast installation. When plugged into the power outlet, proceed to switch it on using the Power ON/OFF button on the back panel. When this is done, wait a couple seconds then proceed to connect to 2G or 5G Wi-Fi. You will then be required to provide its default username and password to begin using it.

For quick connection, this modem comes with one LAN port and one coaxial port. Through the LAN port, you can connect such devices as your laptop and desktop computers, smart TVs, gaming consoles and other gadgets that you would like to connect to the internet. It also creates a reliable connection for routers, and impressively, it works with all router brands. When it comes to standards, it makes a great pairing with a router that operates on the 802.11ac standard.

Who is it best suited for?

Th Motorola MB7420 makes for an efficient modem for persons that would like to get rid of their annual rental fees for service provider modems that are slow and outdated. It is an excellent device for increasing your internet speeds to new levels, and for allowing for multiple high intensityactivity. This is because it has better specs that most modems offered by service providers.

Are the alternatives to the Motorola MB7420?

Yes, there certainly are. In place of the Motorola MB7420, you can use the Motorola MB8600, Netgear CM600 and the Linksys CM3008. These modems also promise exceptional speeds and great reliability. They are also compatible with other Internet Service Providers and routers.

Features of alternative cable modems.

Verdict: So, should you get the Motorola MB7420?

Most definitely. Aside from having a simple and practical design, this modem provides really good speeds for homes. It allows users to experience many merits including high intensity gaming and streaming without interruptions and shaky connections. On top of this, you will be able to save a good deal of money in the long run since you will eliminate rental fees to your service company.

FAQs

1. Do I need to buy a surge protector for the Motorola MB7420?

No, you don’t need to. It comes with a built in lightning and power surge circuit for protection.

2. Does the Linksys CM3008 have an in-built router?

No, it is only functions as a cable modem, meaning that you have to purchase a router separately.