Netgear CM1200 Review

The Netgear CM1200 is a modem that proves quite efficient and powerful due to its ability to provide fast internet speeds and reliable connections. What are its key features and what makes it stand out?

I have always been a fan of Netgear products, and any time I set out in search of a router, there is always the constant knowledge in the back of my mind that I will end up getting one from Netgear. Over the last couple of years, I have been renting my modem from a certain tech company, and it never occurred to me how much I spend on monthly fees for my modem. So, I went ahead and purchased my own, the Netgear CM1200, to be specific. I decided to do an in-depth review to highlight what is absolutely great about it and to express what I thought are its drawbacks.

Netgear CM1200 Modem Review and Breakdown

NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200 - Compatible with all Cable Providers including Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, Cox | For Cable Plans Up to 2 Gigabits | 4 x 1G Ethernet ports | DOCSIS 3.1, Black

• Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 2Gbps. Currently certified...
• Works with any WiFi router: Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your...

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The Netgear CM1200 Modem is an incredibly efficient device that allows for next level internet connection in homes. It supports most major cable plans from Internet Service Providers (ISP), proof of its adaptability and high reliability. The main function of this device is to act as a harness for internet from the public domain so as to distribute it to the router in your house. In other words, this device creates a WAN network that your router picks up, and then proceeds to create a WLAN network. This way, all your devices get connected to the internet.

This modem is ideally built to support extremely fast internet transmissions. For this reason, it is able to support DOCSIS 3.1 standard which supports upload speeds of 1Gbps and download speeds of up to 10Gbps. On top of this, the Netgear CM1200 has the capacity to facilitate link aggregation where two 1G outsets are combined, resulting in 2G outset for much higher speeds.

With this modem, you will be able to access up to 4 IPs at the same time, meaning that from your ISP,you can use a number of static IPs at a go. This way, you gain the capacity to host a number of servers at the same time, including (but not limited to) VPN gateway servers, email and website. Since most modems come with problems associated with NAT (Network Address Translation), this Multi-IP support helps to get rid of such challenges, especially during video conferencing. However, you require a Comcast Business service plan for which you may have to pay.

When it comes to compatibility, the Netgear CM1200 bears the capacity to work with other cable services such as Comcast, Xfinity, Cox and Spectrum. Setting this router up is easy as 1, 2, 3 and you will not require professional aid to activate it. With this modem, you will save on monthly fees since you will not have to spend money renting a modem.

What we liked;

• It supports extremely fast internet connections
• Has great compatibility and can work with multiple cable services
• Has the capacity to host multiple servers at the same time
• Supports ethernet port aggregation for higher Multi-Gig internet speeds
• Supports DOCSIS 3.1

What we did not like;

• Not compatible with bundled voice services such as AT&T, Verizon, DirecTV and CenturyLink
• You have to pay for a Comcast Business Plan in case you need one

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Netgear CM1200 Specifications

Netgear CM1200 Modem Features

Design and Build

The Netgear CM1200 lives up to the general unique build of most Netgear devices.

When it comes to shape, it takes the form of a long rectangular device that stands vertically. Often times, it comes with a black color that makes the silver Netgear logo on the front of the router pop. This vertical rectangular shape makes for easy installation since it does not need to go up a wall. As an added advantage, this shape helps with cooling the modem. The Netgear CM1200 measures 6.1 x 3.4 x 10.3 inches, making it quite sizeable.

On the front side panel, there are 8 LED lights that indicate different parameters such as power on/off, and the number of LAN cables connected. Each of these lights indicates the behavior of the router, showing such characteristics as the strength of signal.

On the back of the router are 4 ports that support high speed Multi-Gig connectivity. You are going to notice that there are 4 LAN ports, with one designated port for WAN connectivity. On top of this, there is a coax cable port and a power inlet. On the downside, the Netgear CM1200 lacks a USB port. Aside from the multiple ports, there are two buttons which are the Power ON/OFF and a Reset button.

Speed and Performance

The Netgear CM1200 was built to facilitate high speed internet distribution to your home router. For this reason, it bears the capacity to connect to all service providers and to work with all router models. This modem supports the DOCSIS 3.1 standard, a characteristic that allows it to support up to 2Gbps upload speeds and 10Gbps download speeds. With this kind of performance, this modem proves ideal for Wi-Fi 6 routers that are compatible with the 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard. This results in router throughput speeds that clock an impressive 6,000Mbps. This, however, is not to mean that the modem only works with routers in this caliber. It is backward compatible, and can work with other standards as well.

What we like about this modem is its ability to support multiple activities that need intense internet. With the Netgear CM1200, users are able to use multiple consoles for gaming and stream 4K videos on many devices at a go.Moreover, its 4 LAN ports make for strong Gigabit connectivity to multiple devices. Interestingly, this router allows for port aggregation, and this characteristic allows for speeds that reach a cool 2Gbps.

Network Security

One thing that stands out about all Netgear devices is their security features. The Netgear CM1200 works to ensure that all security threats are kept at bay so that your data is secure at all times. more importantly though, all Netgear devices enjoy protection from the NETGEAR Armor, a software that ensures cyber threats do not affect your modem, router or computers. What is more important, though, is the fact that Netgear places more security emphasis on the router itself. Routers bear a better capacity to keep all data and information secure.

Who is it best suited for?

Being a modem that works with all Internet Service Providers, all router models and other Wi-Fi protocols, the Netgear CM1200 sets itself apart as a device that can be used by all and sundry. Bearing the cost of a rented modem every month amounts to a good deal of money annually, and if you would like to save up, getting the Netgear CM1200 will do you a great deal of good in the long run. It is also great for persons who have a data plan that allows for Gigabit transmissions.

Are there any alternatives to the Netgear CM1200?

Yes, there are. Even though not many have the capacity to perform as the Netgear CM1200 does, few come close. You can use the Netgear Nighthawk C7000 Modem, ARRIS Surfboard SBG6580 and the Motorola MB8600 modems.

Features of alternative cable modems

Verdict: So, should you get the Netgear CM1200?

Absolutely. This cable modem is versatile, fast and incredibly reliable. You can use it with any service provider and it can connect to all types of routers. As a bonus, you get to save up on hundreds of dollars annually since you so not have to rent a modem from any service providers.

FAQs

1. Can I use the Motorola MB8600 with all ISPs?

No, this device only supports Xfinity X1,Comcast Xfinity, CableOne and Cox.

2. Is the Netgear CM1200 also a router?

No, this device only acts as a cable modem.