Currently there are very few Gigabit Cable Modems (DOCSIS3.1) with Voice ports in the market. Two of them are the ARRIS T25 and Netgear CM1150v which are the only Gigabit models supported by Comcast Xfinity internet and voice services.
Of course you can rent an Xfinity Wireless Gateway for $10 per month or buy one of the two cable models compared in this article and save in rental costs (you will need also an additional WiFi router as well).
Both Arris T25 and Netgear CM1150V support speeds up to 1 Gbps and offer also support for the voice service (VoIP) from Xfinity.
They are also capable to support even higher Internet plans (up to 2Gbps) with proper link aggregation as we will describe later in this article.
Cable modems are not sophisticated devices, so there are not many things to compare. However, there are some crucial specifications that you need to be aware of, and the purpose of this article is to highlight these important specs so that to help you buy the best modem for your home.
Comparison Table
2x2 OFDM (DOCSIS 3.1)
2x2 OFDM (DOCSIS 3.1)
2x2 OFDM (DOCSIS 3.1)
2x2 OFDM (DOCSIS 3.1)
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 19:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
ARRIS T25 Brief Review
- A Trusted Name in Home Connectivity: Better connectivity, better speed. The ARRIS SURFboard T25 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is designed to bring you superior connectivity, increase your network capability and provide faster streaming and downloading throughout your home. From a strusted brand with over 260 million modems sold and growing.
- Save Money: Own your modem and save. Reduce your cable bill up to $168 dollars per year in cable modem rental fees. For use with Xfinity Internet & Voice Service. Preset Wi-Fi Security: No
- Modem Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 is the newest technology available from cable internet providers. Its 10x faster than DOCSIS 3.0, provides better security, reduces lag while gaming & enables multi-gig networking (ability to run fast speeds on your copper cable from your internet provider).
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 19:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The ARRIS T25 is a voice cable modem designed for use with Xfinity internet and voice services. Although ARRIS modems are generally compatible with almost all cable ISP providers in the USA, this specific model is currently ONLY compatible to work with Xfinity Internet+Voice plans.
Being a new generation DOCSIS 3.1 device, it supports true Gigabit Internet speeds (not theoretical). Although currently there are no providers offering more than 1Gbps speed plans, the T25 is capable to support even up to 2 Gbps with Link Aggregation (LACP).
That is, you can combine the two Gigabit LAN ports with a proper WiFi router which supports Link Aggregation (such as Netgear AX8) in order to reach speeds of up to 2Gbps.
Important Note:
Many people get confused about the two LAN ports of this device and assume that they can connect two home devices to these ports (e.g a PC computer and a game console for example).
This is wrong!! Only one device can work with these ports. The purpose of having two LAN ports is to aggregate them together to form a 2Gbps link interface as described above.
Other features include:
- 32 downstream channels x 8 upstream channels (DOCSIS 3.0)
- 2 downstream channels x 2 upstream channels OFDM (DOCSIS 3.1)
- Backwards compatible with DOCSIS 3.0
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
- 2 phone ports
- Measures 7.5 x 6 x 2.25 inches
Hardware
The device resembles most modems, featuring simple black plastic housing and indicator lights on the front panel. The back panel has the ethernet ports, telephone ports, cable port, and power connector.
Keep in mind that this is a modem. You still need a router if you plan on setting up a Wi-Fi network for wireless connecting devices around your house.
Our recommendation for a WiFi router is the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80). This device supports the newest generation WiFi 6 technology and also support link aggregation for 2 Gbps true Internet speed.
Recommended WiFi Router for Arris T25
- WIFI 6 – STREAM EVERYTHING AT EPIC SPEED: Simultaneously stream uninterrupted movies, games, video calls or download/transfer files at 6Gbps WiFi speed; Works with existing and new WiFi 6 devices like iPhone 11, Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10.
- WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or gateway required); Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and more.
- EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Connects to your existing cable modem and sets up and customizes in minutes with the Nighthawk app – easily manage your WiFi settings at the device and network level, test your Internet speed, view speed history and monitor data usage.
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 20:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Luckily, the manufacturer claims that the ARRIS T25 is compatible with any wireless router of course, so any WiFi router you choose to buy will work fine.
The installation process is also incredibly simple. Most people should have no problem setting up connections within a few minutes.
You also get two phone ports, allowing you to connect two telephone lines. Setting up the telephone line requires an additional installation step. You typically need to contact Comcast for telephone activation.
Chipset
This voice modem uses the Intel Puma 7 chipset, which is a step above the Puma 6 chipset found in most other cable modems in the market.
The Puma 7 chipset, although it is definitely much better than the faulty Puma 6 (which suffers from latency bugs causing several Internet speed problems such as slow loading websites etc), it still has some performance issues and also security problems (susceptible to Denial of Service attacks).
However, Intel developed firmware upgrades which are supposed to fix the problems with Puma 7. It depends, however, on your ISP if they will push out these firmware updates to the modems connected to them.
Speed Performance
The ARRIS T25 also uses the DOCSIS 3.1 standard, which offers potential speeds of 10 Gbps. However, current hardware limitations provide max speeds of up 2 Gbps. This means that the modem has the potential to offer speeds up to 2Gbps which gives you plenty of headroom for future expansion.
With DOCSIS 3.1, the ARRIS T25 is truly capable of delivering Gigabit speeds. While a DOCSIS 3.0 modem can technically achieve 1 Gbps theoretical speeds, they typically only reach about 600 Mbps.
The ARRIS T25 ensures that you get the most out of your internet plan, making it a suitable choice for gaming and 4K/UHD video streaming.
Pros
- Offers true Gigabit internet speeds
- Has the potential to reach 2 Gbps speeds
- Easy installation and setup process
- Includes two LAN ethernet ports for Link Aggregation
- Provides two telephone ports
Cons
- Works only with Comcast Xfinity Internet and Voice plans.
- The Intel Puma chipsets have a bad history of bugs and speed problems.
What Do Customers Say?
Most customers seem completely satisfied with the ARRIS T25. However, there are a couple of common complaints.
Some customers for example have pointed out that they occasionally lose internet connection. When this occurs, they need to reset the device.
Netgear CM1150v Brief Review
- Supports internet speed up to 2Gbps. Certified with Xfinity Internet & Voice Plans up to 800Mbps speed. Future speed with Xfinity is subject to change
- Works with any WiFi router. Connect any WiFi router to this modem’s Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices
- Save monthly rental fees. Model CM1150V replaces your cable modem saving you up to $150/yr in equipment rental fees
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 19:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Netgear CM series of modems (such as CM1000, CM1100, CM1200, CM1150V) are among the most successful Gigabit DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems in the market.
The Netgear CM1150v carries the reliability of the CM series of modems and also adds Voice support which is approved for use with Xfinity voice and internet services.
As with the ARRIS T25, it is a modem-only. You still need to connect it to a wireless router to set up your home Wi-Fi network.
By using Link Aggregation (combining 2 LAN Ethernet ports), this device is capable to reach up to 2Gbps of Internet speed.
Important Note:
Although the CM1150v has 4x Gigabit LAN ports, only one device can work with these ports (just like the Arris T25 above). Don’t expect to connect for example 4 home wired devices and assume they will work.
The purpose of having multiple LAN ports is to aggregate them together to form a 2Gbps link interface as described above.
Other features include:
- 32 downstream channels x 8 upstream channels (DOCSIS 3.0)
- 2 downstream channels x 2 upstream channels OFDM (DOCSIS 3.1)
- Backwards compatible with DOCSIS 3.0
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 2 phone ports
- Measures 10.5 x 6 x 3.5 inches
Hardware
Looking at the hardware specs, the Netgear CM1150v appears almost identical to the ARRIS T25. You get the same DOCSIS 3.1 specifications, allowing for maximum speeds up to 2 Gbps and is fully compatible with Comcast Xfinity internet+voice plans.
This model also has four ethernet ports compared to the two found on the ARRIS T25. While additional ethernet ports should be an advantage, only two of the ethernet ports are currently available for Link Aggregation purposes.
Customers have speculated that the additional ports may become available with a future firmware update.
Recommended WiFi Router for this Netgear Modem
- WIFI 6 – STREAM EVERYTHING AT EPIC SPEED: Simultaneously stream uninterrupted movies, games, video calls or download/transfer files at 6Gbps WiFi speed; Works with existing and new WiFi 6 devices like iPhone 11, Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10.
- WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or gateway required); Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and more.
- EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Connects to your existing cable modem and sets up and customizes in minutes with the Nighthawk app – easily manage your WiFi settings at the device and network level, test your Internet speed, view speed history and monitor data usage.
Last update on 2023-03-22 at 20:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In order to take advantage of the Link Aggregation feature for reaching up to 2Gbps, Netgear recommends the Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) WiFi router.
This device supports the newest generation WiFi 6 technology and also support link aggregation for 2 Gbps true Internet speed.
Chipset
The main differences between the Netgear CM1150v and the ARRIS T25 include the chipset and the number of ethernet ports.
The CM1150v uses a Broadcom chipset instead of Intel Puma used on the Arris device. Broadcom chipsets are reliable, stable, and do not suffer from the performance and security bugs of the Intel chipsets.
Calling Features
With the Netgear CM1150v voice modem, you also receive enhanced calling features. It comes with support for three-way conferencing, call forwarding, and caller ID, making it a useful choice for a home office.
The CM1150v is a relatively compact device. However, it is slightly larger compared to the ARRIS T25, standing an extra three inches tall. If you plan on placing your modem on a shelf with limited clearance, you may need to measure the available space before purchasing.
Pros
- Uses the reliable Broadcom chipset
- Provides Gigabit internet speeds
- Has the potential to reach 2 Gbps with Link Aggreagation
- Features four ethernet ports (2 ports can be aggregated)
- Includes two telephone ports
- Offers enhanced calling features
Cons
- Only two of the ethernet ports are functional
What Do Customers Say?
Customers tend to praise the overall performance and reliability of the Netgear CM1150v. However, some customers have complained about the installation process. This is because most people don’t know that you need to contact Comcast Xfinity support to activate your modem.
Customers have also pointed out that only two of the four ethernet ports are usable, which you will likely need for connecting your wireless router.
Which Is the Best Voice Modem?
Both models serve the same purpose: To provide you Gigabit speeds (and above) for Comcast Xfinity with Voice support, and save on the modem rental cost at the same time.
In my opinion, the Netgear CM1150v is a better option because of the better Broadcom chipset compared to the Intel Puma 7 used on the Arris device.
Moreover, the CM1150v has 4xGigabit ports instead of 2 on the Arris. Although only 2 LAN ports are currently available on the Netgear modem, this might easily change in the future with a firmware update.
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