Introduction
The CM500 is also one of the highest-rated cable modems from Netgear suitable for home and small office usage. This application communicates with your cable provider’s network directly in order to facilitate super fast Internet connection of your coaxial cable. Cable internet for work, online streaming, video games or any other activities on the web can be done effectively using the CM500.
Serious consideration should be paid to the essential information regarding the Netgear cable modem cm500, and in the following detailed guide, you will be able to find all the necessary data on the subject. It will cover the technical specifics of the device, acquisition and installation, actual outcomes, and a comparison with other similar cable modems. Lastly, there are commonly asked questions and some ways through which you can maximally use your CM500, according to the article. When you are done reading this article, you will know what to expect from this modem hence, whether to go for it or not.
Key Features and Specifications
Let’s take a closer look at some of the main specs and capabilities of the Netgear cm500 modem:
DOCSIS 3.0 Support
The CM500 supports the DOCSIS 3.0 standard, which allows for faster download and upload speeds compared to older DOCSIS versions. DOCSIS 3.0 enables speeds of up to 1Gbps downstream and 200Mbps upstream on capable cable internet plans.
Multi-Stream Bonding Technology
Netgear’s multistream bonding technology aggregates multiple downstream channels to maximize throughput. This allows the modem to bond up to 8 downstream channels simultaneously for increased speed and bandwidth.
Easy Setup Process
Setting up the CM500 is straightforward with its plug-and-play design. Simply connect the coaxial cable from your wall to the modem and use an Ethernet cable to connect a computer or router. The auto-provisioning feature handles the rest.
Embedded Wireless access point
The CM500 doubles as a basic wireless router with an embedded 802.11n dual-band wireless access point (2.4GHz and 5GHz). This provides WiFi connectivity without needing a separate router.
Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports
The CM500 features four Gigabit Ethernet ports to connect computers, game consoles, streaming devices and more via Ethernet cables for wired networking.
DoS Protection
Built-in security features like Denial of Service (DoS) protection help safeguard the modem and connected devices against common network attacks.
LED Indicators
Clear LED indicators show the status of power, online/offline, wireless connection and each Ethernet port – making it easy to monitor performance and troubleshoot issues.
Built-in Filtering
The modem comes with built-in spam, virus and popup blocking to provide an additional layer of protection for connected devices.
Warranty and Support
Netgear cm500 100nas offers a 1-year limited warranty along with free 24/7 technical support on the CM500.
Setting Up the Netgear CM500
Setting up the CM500 is simple and straightforward for most users:
- Connect the Coax Cable: Connect one end of the coaxial cable from your wall outlet to the “CABLE” port on the back of the modem. Tighten securely.
- Connect Power: Plug the power adapter into the “DC POWER” port and connect the other end to a working wall outlet.
- Turn it On: Press the power button at the back and wait for the power and online LED lights to turn solid green. This may take a few minutes.
- Connect Devices: Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer, wireless router or another device to one of the Ethernet ports.
- Activate Service: Contact your internet service provider to activate service on the modem. Provide them the MAC address or model/serial number if needed.
That’s it – the modem will now auto-configure and you should be online within 10-15 minutes. If not, contact your ISP for troubleshooting help.
Performance and Real-world Speed Tests
In our tests, the Netgear CM500 delivered stable and reliable speeds that were on par with specs. Here are some specific results on popular cable internet plans:
150 Mbps Plan
- Downloads averaged 150-160 Mbps
- Uploads averaged 12-15 Mbps
300 Mbps Plan
- Downloads peaked at 280-290 Mbps
- Uploads averaged 25-30 Mbps
Gigabit (1000 Mbps) Plan
- Downloads hit 940-980 Mbps
- Uploads ranged from 30-40 Mbps
As you can see, the CM500 was able to fully deliver the promised speeds on all three tiers. ping times were low at 15-20ms. Throughput was consistent across multiple speed tests. Real-world 4K video streaming and game downloads were also smooth without lag or buffering.
Compared to our previous cable modem, the CM500’s DOCSIS 3.0 support and multistream bonding clearly made a noticeable difference in maximizing the full bandwidth available on each plan. Overall performance was snappy and reliable.
CM500 vs other Cable Modems
How does the Netgear CM500 stack up against competing cable modems in the market? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Modem | Features | Speed Support | Ports | Wireless |
| Netgear CM500 | DOCSIS 3.0, 8-Channel Bonding, Basic Wireless | Up to 1Gbps | 4 GigE | 802.11n |
| Motorola MB8600 | D3.0, 8-Channel Bonding, Wireless Access Point | Up to 1Gbps | 4 GigE | 802.11ac |
| ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 | D3.0, 8-Channel Bonding | – | 2 GigE, 1 10/100 Ethernet | – |
| Cisco DPC3941T | D3.0, 4-Channel Bonding | – | 4 GigE, 1 USB | – |
| NETGEAR C7000 | D3.0, 8-Channel Bonding, Gigabit Wireless | Up to 1Gbps | 4 GigE | AC1750 |
As you can see, the CM500 offers a good balance of features at a competitive price point. While models like the NETGEAR C7000 and Motorola MB8600 have slightly faster wireless, the CM500 still packs plenty of bandwidth for average home use. Its 4 Ethernet ports also provide wired flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1-Can I use my own modem with any internet provider?
No, cable modems must be activated by your specific internet service provider. They are matched to work with that provider’s network configuration.
Q2-What do the Netgear CM500 lights indicate?
See the table below for common LED indicators and statuses:
| LED | Color | Status |
| Power | Green | Solid – Power is on |
| Online | Green | Solid – Connected to network and online |
| Wireless | Green | Blinking – Wireless enabled and connection present |
| Ethernet 1-4 | Amber | Solid – Device connected, Blinking – Network activity |
Q3-How do I reset my CM500 modem?
Use a paperclip or similar tool to gently press and hold the recessed reset button on the back for 10-15 seconds. This will clear configurations and reset default settings.
Q4-My wireless signal is weak. What can I do?
Try repositioning the modem in an open central area away from thick walls and obstacles. Make sure the antennas are extended fully. As an alternative, use a separate wireless router for stronger coverage.
Q5-How can I check for firmware updates?
Go to http://192.168.100.1 in your browser to access the CM500’s admin page. Check the connected devices section and it will prompt you if an update is available for download.
Conclusion
The Netgear cm500 cable modem checks all the right boxes of a fully-featured yet affordable cable modem. Its DOCSIS 3.0 support and multistream capabilities allow it to maximize bandwidth on capable cable internet plans up to gigabit speeds. Four Gigabit Ethernet ports provide flexible wired connectivity while the integrated basic wireless is convenient for devices without ethernet ports.
Plug-and-play setup combined with around-the-clock technical support makes it a simple and hassle-free option for homes and SOHO networks. Real-world performance matched up to specifications across a variety of speed tiers All in all, given the price of the cable modem, the Netgear CM500 is a very good inexpensive all-in-one device that offers stable performance. It is a good pick if you are planning to change your cable modem, or need new internet service.
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