I tried to upgrade my broadband speed to 500 mbps but my ISP says my cable modem cannot support 500 mbps. Why?

Question

I have netgear CM500-100NAS cable modem and its specifications state up to 680 Mbps.

So I just curious why my cable internet company says I need to get new cable modem.

This is in fact new. Only a month old.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You may have bought it a month ago, but that's an outdated cable modem; it only supports DOCSIS 3.0, not 3.1. DOCSIS 3.0 can handle up to 1 Gbps download, but only 200 Mbps upload. If the plan you're trying to upgrade has a higher upload than that, then you would not be able to get the full speed.

∅ · Answer

uh, why not ask them?

dewcoons · Answer

The cable company does not want to have to support the thousands of different models of routers that are out there.  So they configure their networks to only work properly with the handful of models that they lease out to people.  It makes it easier for them to support their customers, to troubleshoot issues and configure their network.  Plus they make money off leasing you the equipment.  You pay it off in the first 6 months and everything after that is profit for the cable company.

David K · Answer

Ask THEM, not us.

! · Answer

Honestly, a lot of internet companies make a good side hustle selling or renting you the necessary equipment, theyre obviously trying to sell you hardware you dont need

I tried to upgrade my broadband speed to 500 mbps but my ISP says my cable modem cannot support 500 mbps. Why?

5 Answers