Linksys CM3024 Review – For High-Speed Internet and Wi-Fi
Are you tired of paying monthly rental fees for your modem to your internet service provider? Then it is high time you get yourself your own cable modem. The Linksys CM3024 is an affordable cable modem that you can buy and free yourself from monthly cable modem rental fee forever.
It is a great way to increase the speed of your connection without going in for a higher plan. Whether you are a hardcore gamer, or a high-definition video junkie or just a casual online surfer, this cable modem will quench your thirst for ultra-fast internet speeds.
Even though there are many top models that are more expensive, the Linksys CM3024 gives you more features in a small price tag. Below we review this cable modem in great detail so that you can decide if this is the right one for your requirements. Keep reading for more details.
Linksys CM3024 Specs
- 24 download and 6 uploaded bonded channels for top speeds
- Powerful Intel Puma 6 chipset for super-fast performance
- DOCSIS 3.0 certified for fastest data transfer
- Easy plug-and-play set-up
- Backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Why Is The Linksys CM3024 The Most Affordable Cable Modem?
With high-definition videos and games taking over the internet by storm, home owners are desperate to get the best out of their broadband connection. Though you can upgrade your internet plan, it does not come without the additional cost.
But there is a shortcut to getting more out of your internet plan. The Linksys CM3024 is a 24 x 8 cable modem that uses bonded multi-channels, the latest DOCSIS 3.0 cable internet technology and a super-powerful Puma 6 processor for blazing speeds without the need to upgrade your plan.
It also saves you money in the long run by cutting down on monthly rental fee for the cable modem supplied by your internet service provider.The CM30234 is chock full of features and we look at each of them in great detail below.
Super-Fast
The modems that your internet service provider supplies you usually never live up to their promised speeds. But this will never be the problem with the CM3024 as it has 24 download channels and 8 upload channels for top speeds of up to 300 Mbps for downloads and up to 100 Mbps for uploads.
If you want some perspective on how fast that is, then imagine downloading your favorite movie off the internet in just a matter of seconds. Whether you want to play online games or stream High-definition videos over Wi-Fi or simply browse the internet you can do them all without experiencing any lag in speed. This is a perfect cable modem for plans with internet speeds of 250Mpbs or more.
Channel Bonding Technology
Source: fiercetelecom.com
The CM3024 uses channel bonding technology to improve the speed with which data is transferred. What this technology essentially does is it splits the data over many channels. So even if one channel fails or slows down, the other channels will let you enjoy an uninterrupted connection. This lets you get the most out of your broadband connection by giving you top speeds without any latency issues even if you run multiple tasks simultaneously.
Compatibility
Don’t worry about whether your cable modem will work with your existing service provider. In fact, many don’t even think about buying their own cable modem for this reason. But the CM3024 will give you a complete peace of mind as it is compatible will all leading internet service providers such as Comcast Xfinity, Charter and Cox.
Processor
A Puma 6 processor is at the core of this cable modem which gives you lighting speeds even over a cable network. Usually, the signal quality becomes poor when it travels from your ISP provider to your home. But the Puma 6 chipset is equipped with an Intel Atom processor that quickly corrects incorrect packets or requests to resend the packet. Ultimately you experience very less data loss and high internet speeds.
DOCSIS 3.0
This cable modem uses the latest in cable internet standard, which is DOCSIS 3.0. This means that with your existing internet plan of 250 Mbps or more it is possible to enjoy transfer speeds of up to 960 Mbps. As this is the latest in technology, you can go on using your modem for many years without worrying about an upgrade.
Gigabit Ethernet Port
The CM3024 comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port which allows you to transfer data up to 10 times faster to the connected devices.
Design
Source: nerdtechy.com
The Linksys CM3024 does not have the looks of a gadget straight from a Sci-fi movie nor does it have the boring looks of typical cable modems. It lies somewhere right in between the two. Though it has a basic box shape, it has been made to be aesthetically pleasing with a smooth and sleek front panel and a broad yet thin base.
On the front panel there are 5 LED lights for power, send, receive, status and Ethernet. The back has a minimal look with just three ports and a reset button. There is an input jack for power, a slot for the Ethernet cable and one for the coaxial cable. The design on the sides not only adds to its looks but helps in efficient heat dissipation with enough vents to prevent overheating. The overall look may be simple but can be deceptive as it does not match the performance of this modem.
Quality
The modem is well-built and is made of durable materials for a long-lasting performance. As modems can overheat during high loads, the sides have been designed with a proper ventilation system to keep the modem cool at all times. The broad base also makes it very stable and can be placed on your desk. Its simple design will blend into any space and because it is very compact it will not take too much space on your desk.
Security
If your cable modem is not secure enough then it is possible for unauthorized individuals to hack the network or steal your sensitive data. Whether you want to protect all your important data or prevent unauthorized use of your internet connection, the CM3024 will help you with both. It uses the latest security protocols to keep your connection and data safe and secure.
Set-Up
If you are new to setting up a cable modem, you might not like the idea of setting up your new modem. But this is not the case with the Linksys CM3024. You can enjoy true plug and play convenience and forget time-consuming CD installations. As it is compatible with most Internet service providers, all you really need to do is simply remove the modem out of its box and plug it in to get started. Connect your modem to a power source and the coaxial cable to the wall jack. It doesn’t get simpler than this!
In case you want A Wi-Fi set-up then use an Ethernet cable to connect your modem to a Wi-Fi router.The only hitch may be that your internet service provider may need you to call them and inform that you have replaced the cable modem. This way you can also stop paying monthly rental fees for your modem.
Price
Retailing for under $120, the CM3024 is not only pocket-friendly but is full of features to give cheap cable modems a run for their money.Cheap modems may look like they save you a lot of money but can quickly add to your frustration by giving you trouble or might even stop working altogether.
But the best part about this modem’s pricing is that even if you didn’t buy your own cable modem, this is approximately what you would have paid your internet service provider in a year as modem rental fee. So you can actually recover the cost in a year and save more money when you continue to use the modem. You can also enjoy faster and more reliable internet connectivity.
Warranty
This cable modem will last you many years and is backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Compatible with most internet service providers
- Saves money in the long run by cutting down on monthly modem rental fees
- Gives you top Wi-Fi speeds that are required for gaming and HD video streaming
Cons
- There is no USB port
Conclusion
If you like no compromise on your internet speed and also want to save some money at the same time, then having your own cable modem makes a lot of sense. The Linksys CM3024 is especially good for fast internet connections that are 250 Mbps or more. Even if you don’t pay a monthly rental fee for your modem this is still a good choice if you want to upgrade from your existing cable modem.
The Linksys CM3024 will be a great purchase because it will save you money in the long run. As it also uses the latest in internet cable technology you can use it for a good number of years before it is time for an upgrade. It has good customer reviews and also comes at an affordable price point giving you more value for your money.
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