For intensive gaming, 4K video streaming, and intensive bandwidth usage, you should have at least a 2 Gigabit Ethernet compatible internet modem. This is applicable to the home or office network.
Among lots of Docsis 3.1 compatible modems, Netgear CM1100 and CM1200 are quite popular for performance, speed, price, and several other factors.
The latter one comes with 4 ports, whereas you will get only 2 ports from the former model. There are a few other deciding factors as well.
This comparison article on Netgear CM1100 vs CM1200 will give you an overview of both these modems. The comparison section will let you know where these two differ from each other.
Netgear CM1100 vs CM1200 Comparison Table
The following table will give you a brief idea about both these modems.
Netgear CM1100  | Netgear CM1200  | |
Processor and Memory | Broadcom BCM3390 | Broadcom BCM3390 |
Technology | Docsis 3.0, Docsis 3.1 | Docsis 3.0, Docsis 3.1 |
Channels | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 | 32 x 8 / 2 x 2 |
Ports | 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 Cox port | 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 Cox port |
Speed | Up to 2Gbps | Up to 2Gbps |
Link aggregation | Yes | Yes |
Dimensions | 8.80 x 3.40 x 5.90 inches | 10.3 x 3.4 x 6.1 inches |
Compatible ISPs | Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, Mediacom, Suddenlink, RCN. | Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, Optimum, Mediacom, WOW!. |
NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1100
The CM1100 modem is one of the most selling cable modems from Netgear. For its attractive price point and Docsis 3.1 compatibility, this Netgear modem offers great value for home internet users. Both upload and download internet speeds stay pretty consistent for intensive gaming and streaming experience.
Given the fact that this one only comes with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, you might be thinking if it’s still a good choice for 2022. But, the thing is, not all home users require more than 2 ports, and this is where this modem stands out from its counterparts.
Design and Aesthetics
Apparently, both these modems look quite identical. You won’t be able to trace the difference unless you actually hold both the modems in your hands. The Netgear CM1100 got a slimmer construction. The matte finish house feels quite premium.
With a dimension of 8.80 x 3.40 x 5.90 inches, this one is a compact device, which you can place pretty much everywhere, even in a tiny and enclosed space.
Hardware Info
Netgear used Broadcom BCM3390 chipset to power this cable modem. This chipset is quite powerful and can cut through congestions pretty easily.
Followed by 256MB RAM and 128MB storage to handle everything related to firmware details, updates, and insights.
Technology
CM1100 is one of Docsis 3.1 approved modems. However, if you don’t have Docsis 3.1 compatible internet connection, you can make the most out of its Docsis 3.0 compatible technology. So, yeah, this cable modem is backward compatible.
Ports
As mentioned earlier, this cable modem has two Ethernet ports. Each port is able to deliver up to 1 Gbps speed. Similar to most recent Netgear modems, this one also supports link aggregation, allowing you to reach up to 2 Gbps using 2 IPs at a time. So, even though it only got 2 ports, you can use a high speed connection.
For multiple wired connections, you are only limited to 2 devices. This is something that most home networks demand. So, if you will be using it for home connection, and you won’t connect other devices via a CAT5 cable, you are good to go with this modem.
Performance and Speed
With its powerful chipset and high speed Docsis 3.1 technology, you won’t notice much compromises in performance. In fact, compared to most cable modems at similar price range, CM1100 is one of the top performing modems available in the market.
With 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels, you will get 600 Mbps of downloading speed most of the time. When compared to the CM1200 model, the speed is slightly lower, but doesn’t make that much difference if you will be using it for a home network.
Streaming 1080p and 4K contents will be flawless with the Netgear CM1100. You can also participate in competitive online games with such high bandwidth speed. So, yeah, for most tasks, this modem should be good enough.
However, for bandwidth intensive activities where multiple devices are connected via wires, this modem won’t be an ideal choice.
ISP Compatibility
This internet cable modem is compatible with major internet service providers in the USA, including Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, Tds, etc. Keep in mind that the modem isn’t compatible with DSL providers.
Installations
To set Netgear CM1100 modem up, you can do a quick Google search or find YouTube videos. It’s fairly easy to set up and shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.
Otherwise, you can call your ISP for directions or ask them to set it up for you. But, it wouldn’t be necessary if you know how to search on Google and your network credentials.
PROS
- Up to 2 Gbps speed combined with from its 2 Ethernet ports
- Network and speed are consistent all the time
- Enough heat dissipation system for its heat management free housing
- Up to 600 Mbps speed for 4K streaming and online gaming
- Compatible with most wireless routers and ISPs in the USA
- Future proof Docsis 3.1 technology compatible, and 3.0 backward compatible
- Aggregation support up to 2 Gbps using 2 ethernet ports
- Compact and sleek looking design easily fits any tiny space
CONS
- Only has two Ethernet ports, not suitable for connecting multiple wired devices
- Not suitable for office uses
NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem CM1200
The CM1200 cable modem comes with pretty much all features and benefits that a modern modem has. When compared to modems of other brands, including the Motorola MB8600, this model is still ahead of what it offers at its attractive price tag.
You’ll get 4 Ethernet ports, link aggregation up to 2 Gbps, and decent upload and download speeds with future proof Docsis 3.1 support. However, if you have a less than 300 Mbps internet connection, you can still use this modem.
Design and Aesthetics
You can’t skip the design factor of a modem even though it doesn’t have much to do with bandwidth speed and networking performance. It got the identical vertical layout with a mesh housing.
Although it has a bit larger form factor when compared to the CM1100 model, the modem is still a compact and lightweight device. With a dimension of 10.3 x 3.4 x 6.1 inches, it can easily fit any tiny space.
So, if you have an enclosed space for router and modem placement, no reason to worry regarding placing the modem.
The housing is designed to maximize heat dissipation. So, for intensive bandwidth use, you won’t find this modem that hot.
Hardware Info
Powered by the Broadcom BCM3390 processor, the modem is quite reliable for its network. With 256MB of RAM, it keeps network congestion and interference far away from you to experience. It got 128MB of storage for firmware related stuff, which is more than enough.
Technology
Docsis 3.1 come into play with its hardware config. Whether or not your internet service provider provides Docsis 3.1 compatible connection or not, you can still get consistent speed during peak hours.
Similar to the CM1100 model, this one is also backward compatible.
Ports
This is one of the areas where the CM1200 model shines and is ahead of its competitors at a similar price range. The modem got four Ethernet ports of 1 Gbps each. But, in total, this modem can’t provide you with more than 2 Gbps speed.
When combined with 2 LAN ports through aggregation, you can get up to 2 Gbps of speed. For this, you must have 2 IP addresses from the ISP.
For connecting separate devices via wires, you can make the most out of its 4 LAN ports. So, in office networks, where multiple devices are connected via wired connection, this modem will suit them best.
When intensive online gaming, local network connectivity, and wired connection are needed, this modem won’t let you down for sure.
Of course, it also got a coaxial port to connect the modem with ISP’s main cable.
Performance and Speed
When put in real world performance using a standard internet connection, CM1200 was able to catch up to 680 Mbps, which is better than the speed CM1100 model provides. However, you can get more speeds as per the internet speed plan.
While tested with Xfinity, the speed was around 800 Mbps. If you use Xfinity, you might hit 1 Gbps speed.
ISP Compatibility
Similar to the CM1100 modem, this upgraded modem is also compatible with most ISPs in the USA, including Comcast Xfinity Cox.
No matter what router model you got, you will find this modem easily compatible with the wireless device.
Installations
If you know a bit about how to set up a router and related stuff, you’ll be able to set up the modem with your ISP without spending much time. The entire installation process shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.
PROS
- Docsis 3.1 compatibility for futureproof internet connection
- Decent download and upload speed even during peak hours
- Link aggregation support with 2 ports provides up 2 Gbps speed
- 4 Ethernet ports for convenient wired connection among devices
- Lightweight and compact form factor with a sleek design
- Good heat dissipation system for mesh housing
- Up to 680 Mbps speed with standard internet plans
CONS
- Speed isn’t much higher than CM1100 model considering the price point
Key Differences Between Netgear CM1100 and Netgear CM1200
Based on the overview section, the differences between these modems are –
Ports
CM1100 comes with 2 Ethernet ports, whereas the CM1200 model has 4 Ethernet ports.
So, if you have several devices that require wired connectivity, CM1200 is the option you should opt for.
Speeds
Both these are Docsis 3.1 approved modems. However, when it comes to speed, they differ slightly from each other over standard internet connections.
With CM1100, you will get around 600Mbps download speed, whereas CM1200 can get you up to 680 Mbps speed.
Wired speeds are the same through aggregation. You’ll get a max 2 Gbps speed from 2 Ethernet ports combined.
Design
In terms of looks, they are the same. But, when it comes to dimensions and weight, they differ from each other. CM1200 model is slightly heavy in weight and larger in size than the CM1100 model.
Price
Depending on where you purchase any of these modems from, the price difference is more or less $30, meaning CM1100 is $30 cheaper than the later model. For additional 4 ports and slightly better download speed, the price is worth it.
Which One You Should Buy?
If you need a cable modem for home network, where you will mostly use wireless devices for playing games, streaming 1080p or 4K videos, and other internet activities, CM1100 would be the value for money pick.
For offices or places where there are multiple wired devices, need for more LAN ports, will be intensive bandwidth uses, etc., factors are concerned, Netgear CM1200 would be a worthwhile investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chipset does the Netgear CM1200 use?
Netgear CM1200 has a Broadcom BCM3390 as a processor to tackle the bandwidth and activity loads.
Is Netgear CM1100 compatible with Xfinity?
CM1100 cable modem is compatible with major ISPs in the USA, including Xfinity, Comcast, Spectrum, etc.
Why does CM1200 have 3 Ethernet ports?
You can use 4 external WiFi routers by connecting to the port number 2, 3, and 4. Also, if you get more than one IP address, you can use these Ethernet ports for faster bandwidth speeds.
WRAPPING UP
Both these modems are quite capable of getting you fast and reliable speeds. But, if you are to choose one cable modem, you must consider where you’ll be using it, your bandwidth speed, how many devices you want to connect via wires, price, and other factors.
Hope this article cleared all your confusion regarding Netgear CM1100 vs CM1200 dispute.
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