CM700

I bought this cable modem after some study and evaluation of popular cable modems for sale. I decided to buy it because I don't like the preset configuration of the Spectrum cable modem that comes with the Spectrum subscription. I prefer one that is not pre-configured and I'm glad I bought my own cable modem now that I have it.I went to the Spectrum website to find pre-approved modem models that are compatible with Spectrum equipment (you can do this with any cable company). I found that there are a lot of modems that are compatible, and I selected one based on the speed of my account and the price. I run about 300 MB/s speed, so I selected the Netgear Cable Modem model CM700 because it's rated for at least 400 MB/s and the price was very reasonable when compared to the competition.I was pleased with the CM700 right out of the box. It's much smaller than most other cable modems, and like most, it's mindlessly easy to hook up. It has a power plug that goes to a 110 volt AC outlet, a cable plug that goes to the cable outlet on the wall, and an ethernet plug that can plug into a PC, or a router/wireless router, or even into a network switch (gigabit switch).Once I took the CM700 out of the box, I looked at the quick-start guide, and I had the CM700 set up and running in less than a minute. I tested it, and it gives great speed too. The CM700 plugs into my wireless router (the uplink plug). It feeds the wireless router and a PC that is wired directly to one of the wireless router ethernet output plugs. The wireless speed I get from this set up is excellent, and the direct-connect speeds I get exceed my expectations. Look at the pictures, and you'll see from the quick-start guide how easy the CM700 sets up.The only criticism I have of the CM700 is that it seems to run warm, but then again, it has no malfunctions whatsoever. Also, I'm guessing that it has a great internal heat-sink, and I see that it has lots of holes for air ventilation, so that keeps it within the operating temperature range.Overall, I rate the CM700 a 5 star unit, based on both performance and price.

Reminder: it's just a modem. If you want Wi-Fi, you'll have to get a wireless router (and make sure it can handle the capacity of the modem or there's no point in having a relatively high-capacity modem).This was very easy to set up. It took a little while to get everything up and running, but that was because I had to call my ISP (RCN) and have them validate or recognize the modem before I could use it. That was time-consuming, but I can't dox this product for that.The modem is very small and kind of cute in a Darth Vader sort of way. The signal seems very good and reliable.A few notes on setup: the instructions assume you do not have an ISP already, so the first bit of instructions are about getting one. It's a little odd. Depending on the phone response time of your ISP, which, let's face it, is rarely very quickly, you might want to get on the phone with them before you start setting up the modem. That way, you can spend the time waiting for tech support physically setting up the modem and connecting it to your cable, getting the power supply how you want it, getting the ethernet cable plugged into your computer, etc. They recommend plugging the ethernet cable into your computer before you plug it into your Wi-Fi router. I have to agree, but you can still get everything ready to go once your ISP validates the new modem.Note: you may think this whole process will not take very long, but remember, if this is replacing something, you will also have to reset any device that you have linked to a previous router and wi-fi system. One suggestion I read said to change the name and password of the new system to be the same as the old system so that, for example, your smart items (plugs or whatever) will just transfer over. But that didn't work. I had to reconnect all of my smart items and redo all of my Wi-Fi connections on my phones and tablets and laptops. It took time.

I was following the instructions by the top commenters on this product, but those are now over 2 years old now and did not work for me so I thought I would share my experience on exactly what you should do to set this up. Also his instructions talked about connecting an ethernet cord to his laptop and most laptops no longer have that. I tried doing this myself, but I confirmed with the Comcast Agent that you actually need to call Comcast in order to switch modems.1. Call 1-800-COMCAST and try your best to get to an agent(I know this is tough with all the ridiculous questions)2. Once you get to an agent tell them you want to deactivate your Comcast modem and setup your own.3. They will have to first deactivate your current modem so it is helpful if it is still connected.4. Once they deactivate the old one they will send you a text asking for permission to update your bill. Congrats you are now saving $14 a month!5. After you unplug the old modem and plug in yours you will have to wait until all the lights are solid green.They will also ask for the MAC code of your new modem to add it to your account so have that ready.6. Now you can connect your router and turn it on and test to see if your wifi is working. You should not have to reset anything on your router and all previous networks/passwords should remain unchanged.6. **Tip** Have your laptop available to test if your internet is working. Once you verify it is working, go to speedtest.net and see what kind of megabytes per second (Mbps) download you are getting. You actually pay more for this. I was paying for the 300mbps option but only getting 80mbps! I told the agent this and she did some reconfiguring and then I tested it again after and I now had 350mbps!7. The comcast agent failed to mention to me that I had to return my old modem. I asked about it before hanging up and she confirmed I did have to return it at the closest store or I would be charged! Don't forget and good luck!