Both devices employ DOCSIS 3.0 technology to offer a high-speed modulating service for cable internet users.
Let’s check out the similar and different things between both these devices
Common things:
- Both devices have the same networking interface, supporting the same operating systems and browsers.
- These devices are strongly built and carry a 1-year performance warranty from the company.
- Smaller sizes, efficient interfaces, and quick installation process make these modems user-friendly.
Here The Netgear CM500:
- has a plain cleaner look and a larger size while the other modem shows a textured design with a smaller size and lesser weight.
- has the Broadcam chipset integrated which is well-established.
- and shows superior latency resistance.
On the other hand, the Netgear CM700:
- is less expensive.
- qualifies for higher channel bonding, enabling an increased number of download and upload channels simultaneously.
- shows a faster downstream rate than its competitor.
- and uses Intel chipset which is potentially malfunctioning and causes latency issues.
In comparison with CM500, the Netgear CM700 provides higher channel bonding, faster downstream speed, but it is relatively expensive and employs a defective Intel chipset which causes latency.
Table of Contents
Side By Side Comparison:
| Specifications | Netgear CM700 | Netgear CM500 |
| DOCSIS | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Downstream channels × Upstream channels | 32 x 8 | 16×4 |
| Ethernet ports | 1 x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet | 1 x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Flash memory | 8 | 8 |
| RAM volume | 128 | 128 |
| Warranty | 1 years | 1 years |
Overview of both devices:
The Netgear CM700 specifies higher channel bonding, faster speeds, and efficient modulating technology.
Supporting a large number of OS and the latest internet protocol, it offers no compatibility issues.
However, the Intel chipset of its CPU presents some issues of latency.
On the other side, the Netgear CM500 gives a contemporary look due to its smart design, it not only provides an easy configuration but also costs less money to buy.
DOCSIS technology enables it to capture analogous data from cable ISP, uninterruptedly and RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet provides these signals to LAN proficiently.
Setup and Operation
Both devices carry similar hardware elements and their setup procedure is also essentially identical. These devices employ CD-less installation and configuration mechanisms.
To set up hardware;
- Plug in the power supply.
- Connect to cable internet service via a coaxial cable.
- Attach a computer or Wi-Fi router with it, through Ethernet port.
- Configuration settings can be easily updated online via the web portal.
The quick installation guide included in the package enlists the step-by-step process, troubleshooting tips and provides information about indication signals.
Design Comparison
Netgear CM700 gives a comparatively textured look and has the lead over its competitor for ease of placement because it is smaller and lightweight.
Over a raised base, its main body is hexagonal shaped and colored black with the sidewalls showing a triangular pattern. LED indicators are present along the front panel while on the rear side, the power inlet and external ports are located.
This modem loses the game when it comes to chipset integration because it employs Intel Puma 6 which is known to cause latency with high spikes, leading to sluggish speeds or loss of connection.
Design-wise Netgear CM500 scores higher for being a sleek and clean-looking modem. It is a box-shaped, plain black modulating device mounted over a curved base foot for support.
The front panel serves the functions of indication as it carries small LED signals while the back panel provides attachment ports for power, ISP, and GbE connector.
It integrate an excellent chipset from Broadcom which provides reliable downloads and lag-free streaming.
| Physical Characteristics | CM700 | CM500 |
| Weight (lbs.) | 0.55 | 0.62 |
| Height (inches) | 6.6 | 7.3 |
| Width (inches) | 1.7 | 2.4 |
| Depth (inches) | 5.2 | 4.9 |
Which device performed better?
- DOCSIS
These devices comply with DOCSIS 3.0 standard for cable ISP modulating services according to the international benchmark. Moreover, they also carry a compatibility with DOCSIS 2.0 networks.
- Channel Bonding
CM700 qualifies for a higher channel bonding, enabling 32 channels for down streaming and 8 channels for upstreaming. This ability leads to high transfer speed and 4K video streaming because multiple pathways are present for data broadcast, ensuring a continuous connectivity.
CM500 has a lower channel bonding with only 16 downstream and 4 upstream channels.
This leads to reduction in its download and upload rates in comparison, because it offers lesser routes for signal transmission.
- Speed
CM700 shows a faster speed than its competitor owing the benefit from higher channel bonding ability. Its downstream channel rates are recorded as high as 1.4 Gb per second.
Moreover, it is certified for internet service plans up to 800 MBps speed.
Netgear CM500 stands behind in the speed contest because lesser number of channels reduce the transmission speed. It shows downstream channel rates up to 680 Mb per second and works well with ISP plans with a speed of up to 400 Mbps.
| Possible Speeds | CM700 | CM500 |
| Upload Speeds (Mbps) | 132 | 132 |
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | I Gbps | 680 |
- Latency
Although it has the advantage of higher channel bonding yet Netgear CM700 presents more issues of latency due to its Intel Puma 6 chipset which causes sudden high spikes in network jitter and latency, leading to slow web surfing. It especially causes disturbance while gaming online or streaming video/audio content.
Conversely, Netgear CM500 supreme chipset gives it an edge over the competitor by avoiding command delays as it integrate a Broadcam chipset with cable gateway SoC technology.
Which modem has better Compatibility?
- Internet Standards
Both Netgear modems are capable of modulating internet services with latest protocol IPv6 and also show a support for IPv4 standard.
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
CM700 specifies a compatibility for all cable internet service providers and takes the lead over competitor by supporting high speed service plans. It offers support for Xfinity up to 800 Mbps, Spectrum service up to 400 Mbps and Cox up to 500 MBps.
CM500 is also universally compatible with all cable ISPs but it only supports service plans up to 400 Mbps.
- PC
Both devices come from the Netgear CM700 series of Netgear cable modems and require the same operating systems for optimal functioning. Mac OS, 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, and 2000 versions of Microsoft Windows and other operating systems running a TCP/IP network are compatible with these devices.
Many versions of main web browsers are supported by these modems for easy internet surfing, they include Safari 1.4, Internet Explorer 5.0, Firefox 2.0, and Google Chrome 11.0 or later.
- Home Networking
For local area networking in home or small offices through Wi-Fi, connect the external router via Gigabit Ethernet port. These devices do not have any specific requirements and can operate with all Wi-Fi routers.
Interface
These devices employ same interface for power, cable, and networking.
Security
As these modems are DOCSIS 3.0 specified, BPI/SEC security structure is integrated to safeguard the modem and network from hacking attacks, unfair service usage and data thefts.
Netgear CM700 has a disadvantage of its Intel Puma 6 chipset which is known to be bugged and is more vulnerable to cyber-attacks as compared with Netgear CM500, which runs the efficient chipset from Broadcam, having a strong security mechanism.
Warranty
Both modems rank the same in terms of longevity as Netgear provides a limited 1-year warranty for these products. In case of damaged material or faulty operations, the company offers a replacement yet fair usage conditions do apply.
Moreover, users can also purchase an extended warranty for up to 2 years by paying an additional amount for the service.
Pricing
Netgear CM700 comes at a higher expense than its competitor but it provides faster download speed, and higher channel bonding.
Netgear CM500, however, is a cheaper device as compared with the contestant, standing as a user-friendly, sleek-styled cable modem with a better chipset and comparatively lesser but reliable transfer and streaming speed