{"product_id":"netgear-nighthawk-docsis-3-1-mid-high-split-cable-modem-up-to-2gbps","title":"NETGEAR Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid\/High-Split Cable Modem - Up to 2Gbps","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2500 is assessed as a purpose-built modem for households that need multi-gig download and vastly improved upload performance. The bottom line: this DOCSIS 3.1 mid\/high-split modem is for people on faster cable plans who want to avoid monthly rental fees and to future-proof wired internet performance; its single biggest selling point is support for up to 2Gbps via link aggregation and up to 1Gbps upload, which makes a noticeable difference for gaming, video calls, and large file transfers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMid\/high-split DOCSIS 3.1:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to unlock todays faster cable internet speeds that require mid\/high-split technology for higher performance and efficiency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-gig capability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two 1Gbps Ethernet ports can be combined with a router that supports link aggregation to reach up to 2Gbps of download throughput.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh upload speeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers up to 1Gbps upload capacity, improving responsiveness for gaming, video conferencing, and uploading large files.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvider compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with all major US cable providers for standard data plans, so it fits with Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and others for high-speed tiers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCost savings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Owning the modem removes recurring ISP rental fees and can save up to about $300 a year versus leasing a modem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRouter pairing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pairs well with NETGEAR WiFi 6E, WiFi 7 routers, or Orbi systems to deliver a full-home multi-gig experience when combined with a capable router.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CM2500 is best for households on high-speed cable plans or anyone planning to move to multi-gig service; its aimed at users who want faster downloads up to 2Gbps with link aggregation and much faster uploads up to 1Gbps for cloud backups, streaming, and gaming. It also appeals to buyers who want to stop paying monthly rental fees and prefer owning their modem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less suitable for people who require integrated voice support, since it is not compatible with Xfinity Voice plans, and for those who need an all-in-one modem\/router WiFi solution; youll need a separate router for wireless coverage and advanced WiFi features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelivers strong multi-gig download performance when used with link aggregation and a compatible router.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptional upload capacity for a cable modem, which helps gaming, conferencing, and NAS access.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks across major US cable providers for high-speed plans and can reduce ISP rental costs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairs well with modern NETGEAR WiFi routers and Orbi systems to maximize home network speed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot compatible with Xfinity Voice plans, so households using that service will need a different solution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report mixed connectivity stability on certain networks, so results can vary by provider and setup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCM2500 Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 Mid\/High-Split\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDOCSIS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.1 mid\/high-split\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax download\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 2Gbps (with link aggregation)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMax upload\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 1Gbps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEthernet ports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwo 1Gbps ports (support link aggregation)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProvider compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWorks with major US cable providers (not compatible with Xfinity Voice)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe NETGEAR Nighthawk CM2500 is a practical buy for users who need multi-gig wired speeds and substantially faster uploads without paying ISP rental fees. It is good value when paired with a router that supports link aggregation or a NETGEAR WiFi 6E\/WiFi 7 router, and it will serve power users, gamers, and content creators well, provided voice service is not required and the local provider delivers stable DOCSIS 3.1 performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this modem reach 2Gbps on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNot by a single port alone; you must connect both 1Gbps Ethernet ports to a router that supports link aggregation to achieve up to 2Gbps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it work with my cable provider?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt works with major US cable providers for data plans like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox, but it is not compatible with Xfinity Voice plans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a separate router required?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, this is a modem only; you need a separate router or a NETGEAR Orbi system for wireless coverage and WiFi features.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NETGEAR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48196786847963,"sku":"B0DKSMK9K5","price":249.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41cZIxqB_KL._AC_SL1200.jpg?v=1770306560","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/netgear-nighthawk-docsis-3-1-mid-high-split-cable-modem-up-to-2gbps","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}