Both of these cable type modems support DOCSIS 3.0 and have a single-one-Gigabit Ethernet port. They feature the same Broadcom chipset. And they can be installed handily and are user friendly.
Here the Motorola MB 7420:
- offers an extra year of warranty as compared to its counterpart.
- weighs less.
- and is less expensive.
The Netgear CM600 on the other hand,
- has more upstream and downstream channels.
- has a higher internet speed.
- and has greater dimensionss.
In comparison with MB7420, CM600 is a better option as it has more upstream and downstream channels. Moreover, it offers higher cable internet speed which leads to its higher price.
Side By Side Comparison:
| Specifications | MB7420 | CM600 |
| Manufacturer | Motorola | Netgear |
| DOCSIS | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Downstream channels x Upstream channels | 16 x 4 | 24 x 8 |
| Ethernet ports | 1 x Gigabit | 1 x Gigabit |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
Overivew of both devices:
Motorola MB7420 provides 4 upstream and 16 downstream channels with speeds of 123 Mbps and 686 Mbps respectively. It features 5 status-accounting LEDs and also works with DOCSIS 2.0 and 1.1 editions. Moreover, it is supported by IPv4 and IPv6 for a strong network approach.
Whereas, Netgear CM600 delivers 8 upstream and 24 downstream channels having speeds of 131 Mbps and 680 Mbps respectively. Its maximum internet speed is 960 Mbps and supports DOCSIS 2.0 as well. It also features 5 status LEDs and is compatible with IPv4 and IPv6.
Setup and Operation
In order to install MB7420 the following steps are to be followed:
- Subscribe to the cable internet service provider.
- Connect the power and coaxial cables into their respective ports.
- Power on your device by hitting the power button and wait for the flashing green light to remain solidly lit. This may take about 15 minutes.
- Finally, setup your device by connecting a router.
Similar steps are to be followed to setup CM600.
- Connect the power, coaxial and Ethernet cables into their respective ports.
- Wait for the power LED to turn solidly lit.
- In the end, connect a router.
Both devices offer a user-friendly set up but they slightly vary in their operation depending upon the environmental conditions.
Hardware and Design
Motorola MB7420 features a vertical design with 5 status LEDs on the front panel. These are Ethernet, upstream, downstream, online and power LEDs. The rear panel has a reset button, on/off button, a power port, an Ethernet port and a Coax port. It lacks built-in routers and has a well-known Broadcom chipset.
Netgear CM600 is also vertically designed and has the same 5 status-reporting LEDs that glow green, blue and amber. The rear panel features an Ethernet port on the top and power button at the bottom, whereas, the reset button, power input and coaxial cable input are present between them. It also lacks built-in router and has an excellent Broadcom chipset.
Both cable modems have identical hardware interface as both have the same ports, buttons and LED indicators. However, they differ in weight and physical dimensions. CM600 has higher weight and occupies more space.
| Physical Characteristics | MB7420 | CM600 |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Weight (lbs) | 0.58 | 1 |
| Length (inches) | 4.9 | 8.47 |
| Width (inches) | 2 | 9.97 |
| Height ((inches) | 6.1 | 3.78 |
Which device performed better?
- DOCSIS
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications) is a criterion authorized by telecommunication corporations to specify the maximum amount of data that can be sent or received from IPS providers.
Both cable modems being discussed here support DOCSIS 3.0 offering 256-QAM of throughout and maximum downloading and uploading speeds of 1Gbps and 200 Mbps respectively.
| DOCSIS Downstream | MB7420 | CM600 |
| Frequency Range (MHz) | 108 – 1002 | 86 – 1002 |
| Modulations (QAM) | 64 or 256 | 64 or 256 |
- Channel Bonding
MB7420 offers 16 downstream channels and only 4 upstream channels, offering more hindrance to the transfer of data as the pathway is leaner.
On the other hand, Netgear CM600 provides 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels with a broader pathway so that the data transfer rate is higher as compared to its counterpart.
Netgear here has double upstream channels and 8 more downstream channels as compared to its competitor; therefore, it is a better option in the case of channel bonding.
- Speed
The speeds of both cable modems are almost similar. However, CM600 having a greater number of upstream and downstream channels and has higher cable internet speed i-e 960Mbps.
| Possible Speeds | MB7420 | CM600 |
| Upload Speeds (Mbps) | 123 | 131 |
| Download Speeds (Mbps) | 686 | 680 |
- Latency
The latency rate of most of the cable modems lies between 5 and 40m/s at rest. Both cable modems being discussed here support DOCSIS 3.0 and the same Broadcom Chipset, so, their latency rate under normal conditions remains almost the same. Both have a latency rate of about 10m/s at rest and 1000 m/s under load.
Are they compatible?
- Internet Standards
Both cables modems support IPv4 and IPv6 which are the most commonly used internet standards. They permit access to an infinite number of addresses.
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Both are compatible with most of the universally accepted ISPs. Common ISPs supported by MB7420 are Time Warner Cable, BrightHouse, Charter Spectrum, Xfinity and Cox. Whereas, CM600 generally supports Xfinity, Cox and Spectrum only.
- Operating System
When it’s about PC, MB7420 is compatible with UNIX, Linux, Mac and Windows OS whereas CM600 supports Windows® 7, 8, XP, Vista® and Mac OS.
- Macintosh
Both are workable with operating system 10 or higher.
- Home Networking
By using a router or Ethernet port (available in the modem), you can connect it to your home network.
Security
DOCSIS 3.0 security standards are introduced in both contestants, which includes BPI+, EAE and SSD security policies.
Warranty
As both modem devices have different manufacturers, so, their warranty span also differs.
Motorola MB7420 comes with a two year of manufacturer’s warranty, whereas CM600’s warranty span is limited to one year only.
In the case of product-related questions, you can easily contact skilled customer care specialists.
