As you know, we use routers to experience the broadband service needed to power our devices, and with the way we rely on them, that internet has to be well established, and fast. We also require a cable modem, which is connected to a regular cable jack and yields a wired ethernet connection. Of course the cable companies we pay each month may initially deliver the equipment to your door. However, you do not have to use the router that comes alongside your service, especially now that the world of routers has been experiencing some big changes. Not only are router manufacturers building cable modems now, but conventional routers are delivering more powerful features than ever before.

Linksys, a networking company that makes both routers and modems, has jumped aboard that train with its very first cable modem/router. The CG7500, is a two-in-one DOCSIS 3.0 (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification), is a multi-featured hybrid, compatible with broadband packages. While offering two connections, it is capable of speeds of up to 750Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, and up to 1,625Mbps on each 5GHz band. These speeds are not possible without the connecting wireless accessories maintaining their three internal antennas, which catch all three streams of routing power.

A plus to these new hybrid modem/routers from Linksys are their other features, including a quad-core Intel processor, at 1.8GHz, 512MB of system memory, and 256MB of internal storage. There are also 4 gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices, 1 gigabit Ethernet port for the modem’s connection, 2 USB 3.1 Type-A ports, and 6 external antennas. The new CG7500 also comes with compatibility standards, including cooperation with Comcast Xfinity and Charter Spectrum broadband services up to 300Mbps. As far as additional speeds, the Intel CPU processor inside allows for possible download speeds of up to 960Mbps, despite the hybrid being locked to 300Mbps broadband projections.

Sure, these duos have been around for a little while, but lets see how Linksys does on its first stab. As a way to avoid the rental fees from ISPs, this is also a good option to limit the amount of twisted cables in our home. Plus, when we are used to seeing devices with just two internal antennas delivering a max of 2.4GHz speed of 400Mbps, and a max 5GHz speed of 867Mbps, these numbers from Linksys do sound incredibly high. However, these speeds tend to be theoretical anyway. For maximums like these to occur, the devices require a very harmonious environment, with little to no interference. For the mid-range CG7500 modem/router hybrid, Linksys says its device is priced at $199.97, available now, and theoretically pays for itself in about 20 months when considering the rental fee you're used to with a basic ISP setup.