Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V review

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Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports to give you fast wired connections to your computer, separate Wi-Fi router, printer, game box, and other devices. It replaces your cable modem, saving you up to $168/year in equipment rental fees. Certified by Comcast for Xfinity. Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and non-Xfinity voice services. Get more in Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V review.

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Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V review

Pros & Cons – Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V

Pros

  • Quick and easy setup
  • Aesthetically eye appealing
  • DOCSIS 3.1
  • Ideal for Gigabit internet plan
  • Enhanced call features
  • Auto prioritization of voice over internet
  • Dual WAN ports for multi-Gig speeds
  • Saves monthly rental fees

Cons

  • Designed only for Comcast
  • Don’t work with DSL/satellite connections

Who is this for – Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V?

 It was made to deliver gigabit speeds alongside the best call clarity you can expect from the XFINITY network. And as a distinguishing part of that support, it provides a pair of phone line ports for people who need to retain Comcast’s voice services.

The CM1150V comes with a pair of telephone ports, which can be used to prioritize voice control services. That includes 3-way conference calls, call forwarding, basic caller ID, and similar features.

Annual cost saving

you can easily save hundreds over the course of only a year or two. That really makes it easier to contextualize the cost of the CM1150V.

Netgear includes a one-year warranty. That’s a little underwhelming. Not because the warranty will be inadequate, but because equipment in this price range often does better. Though as a counterbalance, it’s worth noting that Netgear has great tech support. You also get 3-months of tech support. After that, you’ll be reliant on their web services to solve any issues that crop up.

Save up to $168* per year by owning your cable modem rather than paying a monthly rental fee from your Internet provider 

Netgear

Comparison Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V vs CM1200

CM1000CM1150VCM1200
Cable Provider CompatibilityAll Major Cable Providers and Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, COXXfinity by ComcastAll Major Cable Providers and Xfinity by Comcast, Spectrum, COX
Best for Cable Internet Plan SpeedUp to 1GbpsUp to 2GbpsUp to 2Gbps
Works With Any Wi-Fi Router
Gigabit Ethernet Ports1 x 1G4 x 1G (with multi-gig port aggregation)4 x 1G (with multi-gig port aggregation)
Telephone Voice Ports (Xfinity by Comcast Only)2 Phone Lines
Modem TechnologyDOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 Channel Bonding, OFDM 2×2DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 Channel Bonding, OFDM 2×2DOCSIS 3.1, 32×8 Channel Bonding, OFDM 2×2

Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V review

Design

Standing upright, the CM1150V measures 6.1 x 10.3 x 3.4-inches. this modem actually has the shape of an elongated hexagon. Each end of the device leads to a point, which doesn’t really provide any significant advantages to your connectivity, but it does look pretty neat. Though without the stand, you’ll find it impossible to keep it upright.

LED Indicator

You’ll notice the front side of this modem features a long row of high-contrast LED icons. Most of these can be identified without the use of the user manual, but if you encounter some kind of network issue, these icons can be pretty instructive.

Ports

Turning to the backside of the Nighthawk CM1150V, you’ll find a four Ethernet ports, two phone jacks, and a cable connection. There’s also the DC power port, the power button, and a reset button which was hidden away within the chassis of the modem.

Comcast Compatibility

The Nighthawk Multi-Gig Speed Cable Modem was made specifically for Comcast, and consequently it will self-activate for people who are using XFINITY. Most people using their own cable modem have to call Comcast and go through an installation procedure to register their equipment. Being able to skip that step is quite convenient, especially if you’re trying to do an installation outside of Comcast’s support hours.

Smart feature – Xfinity Voice

There is a good chance that you have an Internet, television, and voice services. Unfortunately, some modems are not good for voice services since they do not have any phone jacks. With the alternatives, you may not be able to use your telephone service. Stick with the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1150V and you’ll be able to avoid this issue. All you have to do is buy and use this modem. It supports 2 phone lines making it a good choice for Xfinity Voice subscribers.

Furthermore, you’ll have plenty of 1 G Ethernet ports to take advantage of. You’ll also appreciate the fact that this modem offers all calling features. For instance, you will be able to benefit from caller ID, 3-way conference calling, call forwarding, and so much more.

Speed

CM1150V is designed to provide the ultra-high speeds with fastest speed packages. It is ideal for Gigabit internet cable plans which most of the internet service providers are upgrading to. CM1150V supports Xfinity plans with up to 2Gbps speed and ensures the reliable and smooth internet speed for 4K HD streaming and gaming.

Protect your devices

Netgear is no slouch when it comes to security features. The entire Nighthawk line of modems provide automatic firmware updates, ensuring you get the latest protections for your network as they’re available.

These protections also ensure every device on your network is covered, even devices that don’t have their own independent antivirus protection software. For example, DSLR cameras and game console devices. That’s not to say Netgear’s protections can be used in place of all other security measures, but they do add another layer of protection.

DOCSIS

Netgear Nighthawk CM1150V is a DOCSIS 3.1 version device which is the most advanced version of DOCSIS protocol. This feature enables gadget to be compatible with future generations of speed upgrades. DOCSIS 3.1 is 10 times faster than the previous standards.

Storage

Other specification which are considered while purchasing a modem can be a good RAM and Flash memory. Netgear Nighthawk CM1150V has 128MB RAM and 256MB Flash Memory. It uses OFDM as the line coding format.

Setup – Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V

To set up your cable modem:

  1. Collect your Xfinity account information.
    Collect your Xfinity account information, such as your account mobile phone number, user name, password, and account number.
  2. Turn off and disconnect existing modems and routers.
    If you are replacing a modem that is currently connected in your home, unplug the modem and plug the new cable modem into the same outlet.
  3. Connect a coaxial cable.
    Use a coaxial cable to connect the cable port on your cable modem to a cable wall outlet. Make sure that the cable is tightly connected.
  4. (Optional) Connect a phone.
    Connect your phone to the Tel 1 port on the rear panel of the cable modem using the phone cable
  5. Connect the power adapter. – Connect the power adapter to your cable modem and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet. When the startup is complete, the Power LED lights green. If the Power LED does not light, press the Power On/Off button. If the Power LED does not light, make sure that the Power On/Off button is in the On position. Wait for the Online LED to light solid green.
  6. This process might take up to 10 minutes.Connect a computer to your cable modem.
  7. Use the Ethernet cable that is provided in the package to connect a computer to Ethernet port 1 on your cable modem .
  8. Activate your Internet service – For information about how to activate your Internet service, see Activate Your Internet Service With Xfinity.

Activate Your Internet Service With Xfinity

Before you start the self-activation process, collect the following information:
• Personal information associated with your Xfinity account (you need one of the following):

  • Mobile phone number
  • Xfinity user name and password
    • Xfinity account number
    • Cable modem model number, which is CM1150V
    • Cable modem serial number
    • Cable modem MAC address
    • Cable modem MTA MAC address
    Your cable modem’s serial number and MAC address are on the cable modem label.

To activate your Xfinity Internet service:

  1. Close all web browsers.
  2. Launch a web browser.
    You are redirected to the Xfinity self-activation page. If you are not redirected to the Xfinity self-activation page, visit xfinity.com/activate.
  3. Provide your Xfinity credentials and complete the self-activation process.
    This process might take up to 10 minutes, during which the cable modem reboots twice

Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V customer review

Works great! I just wished it had a battery backup

My service provider is Comcast for cable tv, internet up to 300mbps wifi5, phone. My prior setup was a combination router-modem. Sometimes I called it the router. Sometimes I called it a modem. I didn’t really know the difference between the two. My download speeds were between 125 and 160. This device provided a wifi network, and three ethernet cables were attached to it, providing internet to three outlets around our home.

For maintaining these services, I needed to buy two devices. This review is for both devices. For easier reading, I’m calling the Netgear Nighthawk CM1150V the “modem”. And I’m calling the Netgear Orbi AX6000 Wifi6 with 2 satellites the “router”. The modem translates the signal so it can be used inside your home. The Router breaks up the signal and sends it out to different places.

The modem installation was first. I tried setup with a tablet, Chromebook, laptop. These were unsuccessful. It only worked with our desktop computer. Plan to have a desktop within reach of where you plan to leave this modem. I appreciate that the needed ethernet cable was enclosed with this modem. If you don’t own a desktop or have trouble, you will need to call Comcast for install support.

I wish it came with a battery backup, because the only reason why I have this phone line is for emergencies. My cell service at home is very poor, and I want to be able to report power outages on my land line. Make sure you use phone port 1. The second port is for a second phone line, not a second handset.

I successfully installed this modem. Next, I tried to hook up our three ethernet lines before installing our mesh wifi router. Even though there are three ethernet ports on the modem, this does not work. I had two choices. Choice 1: Plug my ethernet lines into the ports on my router components. Or choice 2: Buy and install a separate router for the ethernet lines, hook that up to the modem. I chose #1.

Installing the router was not easy. I followed the directions, and then the internet could pull up Google search results but it would not open any websites. This was across all devices. I revisited www.comcast.com/activate and looked around. There, I updated firmware for my router base and each satellite. I went to Comcast’s online help, and did a troubleshoot. It ran a scan on my system, corrected what was wrong, rebooted my system, and everything then worked great. My wifi base unit is located inside our open back tv cabinet. It reaches the two satellites easily.

The results: Downloads of 300mb. We walked down the block, and we could still stream movies on the other end of our street. We can enjoy fast wifi all over our house and yard. Our DVR guide is more clear and responsive. We took the time to set up a strong password because our signal is stronger than a college radio station. I highly recommend both of these devices. My home is about 4,000 square feet, with a very large detached garage. I recommend installing this system, over a weaker system with a separate outdoor router. My desktop computer that needed ethernet works great and directly plugs into my router. I’m glad I did not get the router package with three satellites, it was not needed for our two story, no basement home.

By BECCAisHERownHELPdesk at Best Buy

Alternate of Netgear Nighthawk cable modem with voice CM1150V

NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000

The C7000 modem and router combo saves you double the rental fees.

Xfinity’s xFi Gateway acts as both a modem and a router, so if you swap to your own equipment, you’ll need both. You can buy a modem and a router separately, or you can go for a combo like the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000.

And, let’s face it. You could spend almost the same amount for just a modem. So the C7000 might save you more money in the long run.

The router also comes with excellent features like beamforming, which directs your Wi-Fi signal to your devices. (Think of it like lining up for a slam dunk versus blindly throwing 20 balls in every direction and hoping for a basket.)

ARRIS SURFboard SB8200

New DOCSIS 3.1 tech gives the SB8200 enough power for 2 Gbps speeds.

The SURFboard SB8200 uses newer DOCSIS 3.1 technology to support download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps (or 2 Gbps).3 That’s perfect if you’re rocking Xfinity’s Gigabit internet plan—or if you’re running your home business on its 2,000 Mbps Gigabit Pro plan.

We’ve recommended ARRIS’s SURFboard routers before, so it’s no surprise to us that the SB8200 made it into our top-five lineup.

Editor’s recommendations

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