Linksys today introduced its first 2-in-1 wireless router and cable modem. The emphasis should be on "cable" in that sentence, as Linksys already sells a handful of routers with built-in DSL modems for internet over a telephone line.
The Linksys CG7500 supports many of the latest wireless standards, including 802.11ac Wi-Fi, IPv6, and beamforming technology. The AC1900-speed router has 3X3 internal dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz antennas, 24x8 channels, four Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections, and one USB 2.0 port.
The modem is DOCSIS 3.0 certified, meaning it is compatible with Comcast Xfinity and Charter Spectrum in the United States, and many other major cable providers, for internet plans with theoretical speeds of up to 300 Mbps. Linksys says it can be used with 12+ devices at once without any lag or buffering.
2-in-1 modems and routers are often considered worse than a separate router and modem combination, but the CG7500 is worth considering for anyone that wants to stop renting a modem from their cable company. For most people, it'll likely provide good enough Wi-Fi in a medium-sized house or apartment.
Linksys is accepting pre-orders for the CG7500 on its website for $199.97 in the United States. It'll be available from Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, Micro Center, New Egg, Office Depot, Target, Walmart, Fry's, and Meijer on May 15.
Competing 2-in-1 options include the NETGEAR AC1900 Nighthawk for around the same price of $198.99, and the Arris SURFboard SBG6900-AC with a reduced 16x4 channels for a current sale price of $167.99 (regular $199.99).
Top Rated Comments
This router can support well over 100 devices. They point out it can support 12+ devices simultaneously without lag or buffering. That's thanks to the 3x3 AC and isn't something every wireless router can do.
[doublepost=1494522725][/doublepost]What you've written A) doesn't make sense, B) nor does it matter here.
Yes, the ISP pays less for their modems than you do as they buy in very large quantity. Why does that matter? It doesn't change the price the consumer pays if they want to buy their own modem nor does it change the price the consumer pays to rent one. It's a totally moot point.
Cable modems are sensitive hardware. There are often minor power fluctuations within the cable system and these can cause your modem to be damaged (resulting in fun stuff like flapping, microrefractions, and more), which can lead to service issues.
When you rent a modem from the cable company, they replace it when it blows out. The other option is to buy an inexpensive one (about $100), though with the rate many people go through them, they may never recoup the price.
At least with a standalone router, you don't have to replace 2 pieces of expensive hardware should there be any flux on your line.
I think buying a modem versus renting pays for itself much fast than you may think.
I paid just over $80 shipped for the highest rated docsis 3.0 Motorola cable modem on amazon and was able to cancel renting for Comcast's $10 charge monthly. So 8-9 months I am getting money back in my pocket.
[doublepost=1494695557][/doublepost]The combo modem/router is not news. It's more that linksys just introduced their first cable modem combo (whereas they already have had dsl combos for a very long time.).
Money well spent.
For now, I would stay away from this unit.