Top 9 RCN Approved Modems – Detailed Guide in 2022

Top 3 RCN Approved Modems

For most people, choosing a modem seems an arduous task. And since they can’t wait to get connected to the internet and continue streaming their long-lost, favorite Netflix series. They end up renting the internet equipment from their Internet Service Provider.

And there’s no wrong. The equipment you rent does get the best of the internet plans. But does it cost you a good value for money?That’s where the trust issues begin. Not with the internet plans, ISPs surely offer the best of them. But with the rented equipment. Because spending only once can save you a lot that you would rather spend in the long run. And this is what justifies the decision to purchase your own modem.

We tested several modems to check their compatibility with RCN internet. Our conducted tests helped us in finding the most fast, reliable and future proof modems. Out of all the recommended modems, the winner that stands out from rest of the modems in every aspect is ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 Cable Modem (our qualified top pick for RCN internet).

I believe that you have finally decided to save your hard-earned bucks, so here is a list of RCN approved modems to help you make a choice that wouldn’t be any less beneficial. So, let’s get started.

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How We Did The Test?

As for you, modems aren’t easy to judge. For us, it’s a snap. However, where difficulty hit us was, testing the modems with each service plan of RCN. Therefore, to begin the test, our team picked the top-rated modems from the market and started testing them with their near-compatible internet plans.

And while we carried out the test, following factors were taken into consideration,

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Compatibility

Unlike most internet service providers, RCN takes a different way to show compatibility with their internet plans. They don’t keep a compatibility list but a list of requirements to be met by a modem. So, all of our options were picked according to these requirements.

Speed

After setting up a new modem, the worst thing to come through is the declining internet speed. That all depends on the modem’s upstream and downstream channels. That said, we’ve ensured that all of our picks go best with the speeds.

Warranty

Since you’re making a purchase here to save what you spend excessively in face of rents, you won’t be greeted by a warranty from the ISP now. Therefore, we’ve made certain that our picks must offer at least a year or two of warranty. So your money doesn’t go to waste in the worst case.   

Also Read: GCI Approved Modems List

Comparison Table

What Should you look for in an RCN Approved Modem?

Pretty hard is choosing a modem, right? But believe us, it wouldn’t be any more difficult if you just keep a few things into consideration. 

Compatibility

Compatibility is the first thing to check about a modem before you pay for it. This time, you wouldn’t be looking through a list to confirm if it’s approved. Because RCN has a list of requirements for a modem to work on their network. And these are as follows:

• Must be a DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 modem.
• Must have at least 8 downstream channels for DOCSIS 3.0.
• Customers availing of fiber-to-the-home service must use RCN’s internet device.
• Customers availing RCN’s phone service must use their internet device.

DOCSIS Version

Since RCN has set you free to get either a DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 modem. DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1? This will be the first question you’ll be asking yourself when choosing a mode.

You can select the cheaper DOCSIS 3.0, if you’ll subscribe to slower internet plans of 50 Mbps to 330 Mbps. But if you wish to use faster internet plans of 500+ Mbps, the future-proof  DOCSIS 3.1 is recommended.

Channels

If you’re getting a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, channels are a thing to be concerned about. Sure, your internet speed depends on your internet plan. But channels indicate how fast the modem will process your data.

The more upstream and downstream channels, the faster your uploads and downloads will be. So for RCN, they require a minimum of 8 downstream channels. And if you’re looking for the best possible speed, then 24 downstream channels are the way to go.

Type

Another thing to make certain of is what you will purchase? A standalone modem or a gateway (Modem/Router combo). You can buy a modem and connect it to a Wi-Fi router.

Or else, you can save shelf space and buy a gateway that serves as both, a modem and a router. A gateway surely saves space and is easy to install. But if you want easy configuration and better performance, a standalone modem will work best. 

Warranty

Your ISP was assuring you of the reliability. And since you’re replacing their equipment, you’ll have to look for it yourself. And reliability here comes in the face of warranty. After all, no manufacturer would provide a warranty if their product isn’t reliable. So look for a lengthy warranty with at least 1 year of worry-free usage.

Security

The last thing to look for is security. But who would want to attack a small box? In this era of technological advancements, you can’t neglect the advancement of internet crimes.

And in the past, these small boxes have been vulnerable to attacks because of the Cable Haunt Software Flaw. Therefore, lookout for a device that’s safe from such vulnerabilities. Otherwise, see if your ISP has released a patch to avoid them.

Also Read: Best and Fast Atlantic Broadband Compatible Modems

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Specifications

Weight	1.46 lbs
Color	White
Dimensions	5 x 2 x 5 inches
IPv4 Support	Yes
IPv6 Support	Yes
Telephone Voice Ports	No
Wi-Fi Standard	–

Product Review

People subscribed to the faster internet plans always thirst for a lightning-fast ride. And it goes unfair when a modem gets in their way. But what to worry about? When you can get things right, with the amazingly fast and reliable ARRIS SURFboard SB8200.

The market’s highest-rated and crowned modem packs it all that you’ll need for the long run in its white-colored plastic body. It features the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology, channel bonding of 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels, and 2 Link-aggregation enabled Gigabit Ethernet ports. Which makes it best suited for 2 Gbps of internet speeds.

However, you can also bring it to use for slower internet plans, and it’ll work like a charm, providing a bit more improved speed because of its backward compatibility with the DOCSIS 3.0. Just like, we paired it with RCN’s 500 Mbps plan for testing. For our 4K streams and large file downloads across multiple devices, the SB8200 established a smooth, never-dropping connection.

Just some quick cable connections and approval from the ISPs portal, and it was ready to give us a fast and reliable punch. That being said, the future-proof SB8200’s top-notch performance and blazing fast speed will give you the best gaming and 4K streaming, if you own it.

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Plus Point:  You’ll remain on the safe side with the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 because of the major hardware replacement of the defective Intel Puma chipset with the much-reliable Broadcom BCM3390 chipset.

PROS	CONS
Can be installed easily through a mobile application	Unsatisfactory customer support.
Supports future-proof DOCSIS 3.1
Features 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports

Specifications

Weight	1.46 lbs
Color	Black
Dimensions	4.88 x 7.28 x 2.36 inches
IPv4 Support	Yes
IPv6 Support	Yes
Telephone Voice Ports	No
Wi-Fi Standard	–

Product Review

Mention ‘budget-friendly option’ and this modem comes to mind because Netgear’s incredible quality at such low spending has set it this way. This is the slick-looking Netgear’s CM500.

Which aims to be your best buy for a mid-range.

If you’re using a plan under the 330 Mbps range, this lightweight black box will have you served with better speeds and more reliable performance. The CM500 has the DOCSIS 3.0 technology with 16 x 4 downstream and upstream channels and a Gigabit Ethernet port, which will work best for your small home and office network.

During our tests, it readily grabbed all the speeds and performed well while simultaneously downloading large files and surfing the internet. The modem also efficiently handles the heat, so you can put it anywhere out or hide it in some closet. Moreover, we had no hard time setting it up because it didn’t take more than 10 minutes, and we were connected to the internet.

All in all, the perks CM500 offers are just more than you can ask for when it comes to its good pricing. Therefore, for those looking for an under-budget choice, the NETGEAR CM500 is highly recommended.

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Plus Point: The NETGEAR CM500 also features the latest IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) to provide consistent connections and improved security.

PROS	CONS
Well ventilated, slick design	LED lights are quite small
DOCSIS 3.0 backward compatible with DOCSIS 2.0
Sets up quickly

Specifications

Weight	1.0 lbs
Color	Gray
Dimensions	7.25 x 2.25 x 7.88 inches
IPv4 Support	Yes
IPv6 Support	Yes
Telephone Voice Ports	No
Wi-Fi Standard	–

Product Review

What’s ahead might not impress you by its look. But its smart design and great performance are sure worth a shot. And especially if you’re seeking a speedy experience and still do not want to compromise on your budget, then here comes the best fit for you, the Motorola MB7621.

This time, they have packed the combo of all, speed, reliability, and ease, in one. The MB7621 is backed up with the DOCSIS 3.0 with channel bonding of 24 x 8 downstream and upstream channels reaching max download speeds of up to 1 Gbps. it also features a one Gigabit Ethernet port So if you’re a slow internet plan user, you still get room to upgrade, if you go for it anytime soon.

Also, owning this robust one means neglecting the term ‘latency’ from your life book. Because when tested with stressed networks, the modem didn’t even bother slowing down, as expected by a mid-budget device.

While the Motorola costs slightly more than the NETGEAR CM500 (our budget pick), it offers a more comprehensive feature set and an additional year of warranty. So the Motorola MB7621 wouldn’t mind being burdened if you’re looking for a high-speed device to keep up with your multiple high-traffic network usages.

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Plus Point: To protect your investment, the Motorola MB7621 is designed with a power surge and ruggedized lighting circuits.

PROS	CONS
Offers a great price	Not built for heat ventilation
Features an easy-to-use power button
Great performance even with stressed networks

Specifications

Weight	2.32 lbs
Color	Black
Dimensions	6.1 x 3.4 x 10.3 inches
IPv4 Support	Yes
IPv6 Support	Yes
Telephone Voice Ports	No
Wi-Fi Standard	–

Product Review

Built for a taste of ultimate speeds, NETGEAR has another product to bless your internet with, a turbo-boost. From their quality delivering series Nighthawk, this is the NETGEAR Nighthawk CM1200 Cable Modem.

A decently-sized modem that features the latest and fastest DOCSIS 3.1 with downstream and upstream channels of 32 x 8. And as we always mentioned, the higher the channels, the better the support for a futuristic internet performance.It also has four Gigabit Ethernet connections, giving it more connectivity than the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200, which is similarly priced.

With this great support, the modem easily reaches the surprising speed of 2 Gbps. So it ensures that heavy-duty gaming and high-quality streaming are experienced superlatively. We put the connection to the test by loading a large number of Chrome tabs, including five tabs that played videos, and it still didn’t show any latency and performed perfectly.

The reason for its place in the top-rated is also supported by its fast and easy configuration. Also, NETGEAR takes the charge with their one-year limited warranty. So, they leave you with nothing to stress about.

Also Read: Best Cox Compatible Modems for Stable Internet

Plus Point:  With NETGEAR CM1200, you also get Multi-IP Address support with up to four home networks, which allows the running of multiple servers at the same time.

PROS	CONS
Off the chart speeds	A bit too pricey
Sets up in five minutes
4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired connections

Specifications

Weight	0.90 lbs
Color	White
Dimensions	5.14 x 1.8 x 4.74 inches
IPv4 Support	Yes
IPv6 Support	Yes
Telephone Voice Ports	No
Wi-Fi Standard	–

Product Review

Things got cuter when ARRIS released this uniquely designed modem. And really, it was much needed for the ones tired of seeing the market filled with the square boxes. This cute, white device is SURFboard S33. 

The surprise eventually appears when you start using it. It isn’t only the cutest thing on the market, but a truly fast, multi-gig modem. It features the future-proof DOCSIS 3.1 with 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Suitable for those seeking a ride of up to 2.5 Gbps speed.

And as with all DOCSIS 3.1-powered options, this one also functions as a top-tier DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Moreover, you don’t need to prepare for a struggle because this curvy-designed device took just ten minutes out of our time to set up before testing.

When we pressured the network with network-hogging applications and downloads, the ARRIS SURFboard S33 put on a show with a smooth and fast connection that remained relatively stable. So if you’re looking for a speedy compact modem, this will get the job done. But lookout, the compactness might exhibit some extra heat.

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 Plus Point:  The ARRIS SURFboard S33 supports the energy-efficient Ethernet feature to consume less power and still provide speedy, stable connections.

PROS	CONS
Provides great speeds and stability	Runs a little hot
It sets up quickly and easily
Wide compatibility with different service providers

Specifications

Weight	4.45 lbs
Color	Black
Dimensions	12.44 x 10.24 x 5.24 inches
IPv4 Support	Yes
IPv6 Support	Yes
Telephone Voice Ports	No
Wi-Fi Standard	802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Product Review

The connectivity issue is taking a serious turn with homes packed to the brim with wireless devices. And older routers are too old to handle these crowded traffic networks. So, for those opting for a modem-router combo and seeking a solution to bottleneck networks, the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80 is a solid replacement.

A modem powered with DOCSIS 3.1 and channel bonding of 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels, also has a built-in Wi-Fi router. And that’s just not a formality, this forward-looking, futuristic design connects 30 devices to the internet. So now, none of your home devices will be left seeking an internet connection.

This dual-purpose unit has a reach of 6 Gbps speed if you use it as both a modem and a router. And once your network is installed, you can gain up to 2,500 square feet of wide, wireless coverage.

The CAX80 performed well in our tests, piping our 500 Mbps speed plan. Our 15 wireless devices, which included 10 from within the office and five from a distance of 30 feet, all received a strong network connection. Therefore, for those looking for dual functionality, security, and speed in one package, the CAX80 is unquestionably worth the price.

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Plus Point:  The NETGEAR CAX80 features a powerful 1.5 GHz dual-core processor that effectively manages multi-gigabit LAN/WAN traffic.

PROS	CONS
Wide connectivity coverage	Huge and bulky
Lightning-fast speeds	The weak performance of the 2.4Ghz band
Exceptional customer service
Tons of features

Specifications

Weight	1.50 lbs
Color	Gray
Dimensions	8.6 x 2.6 x 9 inches
IPv4 Support	Yes
IPv6 Support	Yes
Telephone Voice Ports	No
Wi-Fi Standard	802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Product Review

It seems like Motorola knows the game and therefore, keeps all the factors in shape whether it’s the performance, price, or warranty. And always manage to blow up the market with each release. But with the Motorola MG7700, Motorola surprised the market when they combined a powerful modem with an amazingly fast router. And that, too, at a great price.

The modem part of this robust device enables a max speed of 1 Gbps through DOCSIS 3.0 with channel bonding of 24 x 8 downstream and upstream channels. This means binge-watching movies and listening to music will be a breeze.

While the router part, being an AC1900, has dual-band support, which allows it to transmit wireless signals at two different frequencies: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. And for the range? You’ll get a decent 2000 feet to range to connect dozens of devices in your large apartment with the internet.

The Motorola MG7700 squeezed each and every bit of network bandwidth in our tests, establishing a reliable, fast connection that was accessible to 10 devices across two floors of our office. Despite streaming 4K quality videos and downloading large files, the connection didn’t decline. That said, this fairly compact, easy-to-setup gateway is a great choice if you plan to get your moderate household connected to the internet. However, for those with a larger home and higher bandwidth needs, a tri-band router will be best suited.

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Plus Point: With a user-friendly interface, the Motorola MG7700 also has parental controls and firewall security protocols to tighten up your network’s security.

PROS	CONS
Extended wireless range	Outdated design
Great download speeds	Not suitable for larger spaces
Advanced security features
Simple and easy installation

Specifications

Weight	1.60 lbs
Color	Black
Dimensions	9.6 x 8.3 x 1.7 inches
IPv4 Support	Yes
IPv6 Support	Yes
Telephone Voice Ports	No
Wi-Fi Standard	802.11ac

Product Review

Next on the list is NETGEAR’s premium gateway, the NETGEAR Nighthawk C7000. An aesthetically designed cable modem with built-in antennas to serve as a potent router. 

Unlike other high-end, heavy-weight modems, the C7000 is a thin and light black plastic device. Things get fun when you plug in the coaxial cable. After an easy-peasy installation that even fewer tech-literates can get through, you’ll experience blazing fast speeds of up to 1 Gbps. It’s all thanks to the DOCSIS 3.0 and 24 x 8 downstream and upstream channels taking the back.

And with the built-in router, we expected the worst from it. Because an all-in-one device usually suffers on either side. But the C7000 turned out to be an over killer with its dual-band and wide connectivity with multiple devices. The 2500 square feet range offers more coverage than its competitor, the Motorola MG7700, and covers all the corners of a large home.

Throughout our tests, the C7000 delivered excellent results, covering both floors of our business and offering a speedy connection. Only in the farthest areas did the network speed drop. All in all, the NETGEAR’s reliable Nighthawk series predecessor, the C7000, might cost a bit much initially, but the fact that you’ll see it pay for itself over time is up to snuff for its great performance and stunning looks.

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 Plus Point:  You’ll remain on the safe side with the ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 because of the major hardware replacement of the defective Intel Puma chipset with the much more reliable Broadcom BCM3390 chipset.

PROS	CONS
Decent Wi-Fi range	A bit expensive
Sleek and lightweight design
Easy set up with the Nighthawk app

Specifications

Weight	2.15 lbs
Color	Gray
Dimensions	9.5 x 2.8 x 9.75 inches
IPv4 Support	Yes
IPv6 Support	Yes
Telephone Voice Ports	No
Wi-Fi Standard	802.11ac

Product Review

Lastly, the Motorola MG8702 couldn’t help but leave a spot. And, as the name suggests, the MG8702 is a successor to the previously mentioned and highly appreciated MG7700. Every successful one has improved features. MG8702 does as well.

Built for the ultimate and effortless network usage, the gray plastic-made modem features the upgraded DOCSIS 3.1 and 32 x 8 downstream and upstream channels to provide the finest possible modem experience. That will enable you to reach 1.2 Gbps of internet speeds.

During tests, when combined with the seamless performance of the dual-band AC3200 built-in router, it took us to a whole next level, with smooth HD gaming, and 4K video streaming on 10 of our ethernet-capable and wireless devices.

So if you’re not keeping an eye on your budget and looking for a strong gateway to pipe internet to your home, then the two-year warranty backed MG8702 is a device with no signs of disappointment.

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 Plus Point:  The Motorola MG8702 comes with advanced MU-MIMO technology for efficient management of multiple device connections.

PROS	CONS
It has an easy setup process	Insulation may be poor
Provides powerful Wi-Fi signals
Faster response time
Efficient traffic control

Conclusion

That’s all from the list. You’ve seen all the highest-rated modems that are up to the mark with RCN’s requirements and even recommendations for the best possible usage of their services.

So now that you have the best from the market, in front of you. All that is left is to make a final decision and neglect the rental equipment. But if you’re still confused then you can blindly trust our top pick ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 for that stood out to be a modem with the best price to performance ratio.

However, if you’ve plans of buying a gateway and saving some shelf space, then no other will do it better than the NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX80.

Complete List of All RCN Approved Modems (Table View)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)