Everything you need to know about the Motorola MG7550 [A Review]
Are you looking for a two-in-one solution that could provide you with a fast, strong and reliable network for all your Wi-Fi activities? Possibly, a cable modem router would suffice for all your Wi-Fi needs.
Previously, I was heavily invested in renting a cable modem with a router from my Internet Service Provider. However, with time I needed to find myself a more affordable and personally owned network device which gives me a guarantee for a seamless and reliable network for all of the Wi-Fi activities in my home. Considering the multiple network devices in the market, it was slightly difficult to find the right device for my network at first. However, after scrutinizing a couple of buying guides and reviews, I settled for the Motorola MG7550 cable modem router which has enhanced my overall network experience.
Table of Contents
Motorola MG7550 Review and Breakdown
- 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem plus a built-in AC1900 Dual Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) WiFi Gigabit Router with...
- Requires cable Internet service. Approved by and for use with Comcast Xfinity and Xfinity X1, Cox,...
The Motorola MG7550 features a built-in AC1900 dual band router that has four Gigabit Ethernet ports alongside a 16 x 4 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. It has been designed to work well for cable internet service speeds of up to 375 Mbps. It is fitted with a Broadcom chipset that provides security to your network and devices from Denial of Service attacks.
It has been approved for use with most Internet Service Providers such as Comcast XFinity, Cox, XFinity X1, Time Warner Cable, Cable One, Charter Spectrum and Suddenlink among others. By purchasing your own Motorola MG7550 you are able to cut off huge costs that you would spend annually on cable modem rental fees. Through its four Gigabit LAN ports, you are able to establish a fast and stable wired connection to all your Wi-Fi devices including smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles and computers among others.
Its wireless power boost features adds high –performance power amplifiers to your network so that it can boost the wireless signals to a higher limit and this way you are able to access exceptional throughput speed over a wider range. Unlike most routers, the built-in router on the Motorola MG7550 can seamlessly work on Wi-Fi DFS frequencies which make it less vulnerable to any neighboring Wi-Fi interferences. Additionally, it is fitted with beamforming technologies on the 2.4 and 5 GHz band which focuses the signal on your connected wireless devices for better performance and range coverage.
Additionally, it comes with a two year warranty and it includes both phone and web support by professional technical support specialists that are USA-based. It also comes with power surge and rugged lightning circuits for added protection of your hardware. Unfortunately, it has a buggy firmware which may affect its normal operation and give you a few connectivity issues.
What we liked;
- It features advanced firewall for added security to your network
- It has the wireless power boost for extended speed and range
- It provides you with a fast and reliable network
- It provides you with stable wired connections
- It comes as a 2-in-1 devices which reduces clutter
- Its design significantly reduces overheating
What we didn’t like;
- Buggy firmware with multiple connectivity failures
Motorola MG7550 Specifications
Model |
Motorola MG7550 |
Type |
Cable modem plus Wi-Fi router |
Bonded channels (downstream x upstream) |
16 x 4 DOCSIS 3.0 |
Recommended for ISP speed plans |
300 Mbps |
Internet Download speeds |
Up to 686 Mbps |
Internet Upload speeds |
Up to 123 Mbps |
Built-in Wi-Fi router features |
Dual band AC1900 3 x 3, PowerBoost, DFS and Beamforming technology |
Router throughput speeds |
Up to 1900 Mbps |
Router frequency bands |
2.4 and 5 GHz |
Ethernet Ports |
4 x Gigabit |
Availability |
Motorola MG7550 Features
Design and Structure
The Motorola MG7550 cable modem router comes in a black color, rectangular shape and a vertical design. It has its size dimensions at 1.9 x 10.2 x 2.8 inches which makes it slightly large, however, its vertical design allows it to fit in most spaces. Also, its vertical design enhances heat dissipation which actively reduces instances of overheating.
It features a cable modem with a built-in router which reduces cable clutter around your desk space. Towards the front panel, it has 7 LED indicators whose behavior indicate the status of the cable modem and router. When you are transmitting wireless content and using bonded channels, you will notice five green LED indicators and two blue LED indicators.
The back of the Motorola MG7550 is color coded to make it easier for you to set up your cable modem and router. The four LAN Gigabit Ethernet connections are coded yellow, the red section has the WPS and reset buttons. You would need to press the WPS button when you want your smart devices to connect to your cable modem router without having to enter a password every time you want to use the internet. The blue part is where your coaxial cable that sends data to the modem sits and towards the bottom there is the power supply input and a power switch.
Speed and Performance
The cable modem features 4 upstream channels which are cable of up to 123 Mbps upload speeds and 16 downstream channels which are capable of up to 686 download speeds. It is fitted with a full-band digital tuner which automatically selects the channels that have the least traffic and focuses the signal through them so as to ensure that you are able to access a fast and reliable network connection.
The built-in Wi-Fi router is a dual band 3×3 Gigabit router that delivers maximum theoretical throughput speeds of 1900 Mbps to your connected devices. Also, its gigabit Ethernet ports allow for fast wired connections to your gaming consoles, computers and other devices. Its beamforming technology provides you with a strong and stable connection as it directly focuses the wireless signal to your connected devices. Its Power Boost technology on the other hand, amplifies the wireless signal on your network to the legal limits in the U.S. the beamforming and power boost technologies work together to extend the range and speed of your network connection.
Network Security
The Motorola MG7550 cable modem router is fitted with a Broadcom chipset which protects your network against Denial of Service attacks. Denial of Service attacks are those that are meant to shut down your network and make it inaccessible. Its WPS feature allows you easily and securely connect devices to your network. This means that with the Motorola MG7550 cable modem router you are assured of a secure network.
Who is it best suited for?
The Motorola MG7550 cable modem router is ideal for anyone trying to replace their rental cable modem. Additionally, it works well for small-to-medium sized homes and it is suitable for anyone with cable internet speed plans of 375 Mbps (but this only works with approved ISPs).
Are there any alternatives to the Motorola MG7750?
Yes. Among the alternative cable modem routers are the Arris SURFboard SBG10, the NETGEAR D6400 and the Motorola MG7700.
Features of the alternative cable modems
Model |
Arris SURFboard SBG10 |
NETGEAR D6400 |
Motorola MG7700 |
Type |
Cable modem plus Wi-Fi router |
Cable modem plus Wi-Fi router |
Cable modem plus Wi-Fi router |
Bonded channels (downstream x upstream) |
16 x 4 DOCSIS 3.0 |
16 x 4 DOCSIS 3.0 |
24 x 8 DOCSIS 3.0 |
Recommended for ISP speed plans |
300 Mbps |
300 Mbps |
600 Mbps |
Internet Download speeds |
Up to 686 Mbps |
Up to 686 Mbps |
Up to 1000 Mbps |
Internet Upload speeds |
Up to 123 Mbps |
Up to 123 Mbps |
Up to 246 Mbps |
Built-in Wi-Fi router features |
Dual band AC1600, beamforming |
Dual band AC1600, Beamforming |
Dual band AC1900 3×3, Power Boost, Beamforming |
Router throughput speeds |
Up to 1600 Mbps |
Up to 1600 Mbps |
Up to 1900 Mbps |
Router frequency bands |
2.4 and 5 GHz |
2.4 and 5 GHz |
2.4 and 5 GHz |
Ethernet Ports |
2 X Gigabit |
5 x Gigabit |
4 x Gigabit |
Availability |
Verdict: So, should you get the Motorola MG7550?
Yes. The Motorola MG7550 cable modem router has been developed with advanced technology to reduce wireless interferences and provide you with a seamless, fast and reliable network connection for all your connected devices. In addition to that, it has fast throughput speeds for all your high bandwidth activities. It is a cost-friendly option as well as it comes as a cable modem and a router fitted in one enclosed structure.
FAQs
Is the Motorola MG7550 cable modem router universally compatible?
No, it is not. The Motorola MG7550 cable modem router has been approved for use with most Internet Service Providers but not all of them. You may need to refer to its manual to understand this better.
Does my Motorola MG7550 cable modem router come with a battery backup?
No, it does not. Unfortunately, the Motorola MG7550 cable modem router does feature a telephone adapter. For this reason, it does not have and it does not need a battery backup. Despite this, in the event of a power outage, you have the option of using an external UPS power supply. This way, you’ll be able to maintain your internet connection.