NETGEAR unveils Nighthawk X4S AC3200 WiFi DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem Router (C7800)

Having two items in one isn't always the best idea. When I was a kid, it was fairly popular to buy a television with an integrated VCR. The problem? When the VCR broke, you had a TV with a non-working video player in it forever. Hilariously, it wasn't uncommon to see people plug standalone VCR units into the televisions when that happened. It looked silly. The trend continued later with TVs that had built-in DVD players.

Today, NETGEAR unveils an all-new two-in-one product that is actually very cool. The Nighthawk X4S (C7800), as it is called, is an AC3200 WiFi Cable Modem Router. In other words, it is a modem and router in one. In fact, NETGEAR claims this is the first-ever combo unit to feature DOCSIS 3.1, offering ultra-fast speeds if available in your area. Of course, the dilemma becomes -- if either the router or modem portion stops working, you pretty much need to replace the entire thing. The router won't work with a standard modem, as there is no Ethernet WAN port -- just coaxial.

"The Nighthawk X4S AC3200 WiFi Cable Modem Router supporting DOCSIS 3.1 is required for the fastest internet speed tiers offered by Comcast XFINITY and other cable Internet providers, C7800 is backward-compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 and works for all speed tiers. With the purchase of a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem router now, you can rest assured that it will work on your current cable connection and you are ready to enjoy higher internet speeds as the DOCSIS 3.1 service is rolled out to your region. You will also appreciate the added benefit of saving up to $120 a year by owning your own equipment instead of paying the monthly rental fee to your cable provider," says NETGEAR.

The networking company also says, "The Nighthawk X4S AC3200 WiFi Cable Modem Router offers a knockout combination: It’s a cable modem router ready to deliver the latest and fastest cable broadband speeds, and also provides all the benefits you expect from a full-featured dual-band wireless router from NETGEAR. It delivers WiFi speeds up to 3.2Gbps for the devices connecting over WiFi on your home network, with a quad-stream architecture that dramatically increases WiFi range using active antenna technology ideal for mobile devices."

NETGEAR shares the following features and benefits of the Nighthawk X4S.

• 2-in-1 device: Ultra-High Speed Cable Modem and WiFi Router
• Built-in CableLabs-certified DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem for extreme download speeds for streaming, downloads, online and VR gaming and more
  2x2 OFDM/OFDMA in DOCSIS 3.1 and 32x8 Channel bonding in DOCSIS 3.0 mode for faster, data streaming
• Simultaneous dual-band AC3200 WiFi for speeds up to 3.2Gbps so WiFi devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and game consoles easily deliver multiple HD videos
• Beamforming+ technology for 2.4/5GHz bands for boosting speed, reliability and range for all WiFi mobile devices
• Powerful dual-core 1.5GHz processor for better performance for streaming and gaming
• Four (4) high performance active antennas with a patent-pending design for enhancing weak signals and reducing interference
• Two (2) SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports for connecting storage devices and transferring content
• Four (4) Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for connecting more wired devices
• NETGEAR ReadySHARE USB port for wireless access and sharing of content on a USB hard drive or printer from any device in your home network
• ReadySHARE Vault software for automatic PC backup to a USB hard drive connected to the router
• NETGEAR genie for easy installation, monitoring, control and repair of your network

While it is fairly expensive at $399, there could be long-term savings by not needing to rent a modem from your ISP. Not to mention, if you are tight for space or want a very neat look, the Nighthawk X4S creates one less box to litter your house by not needing to plug in a separate router and modem. While it is certified for Comcast, it may work on other internet service providers as well.

If you are interested in purchasing Nighthawk X4S, the product is live on Amazon and Newegg. Unfortunately, it is not yet in stock at either retailer. Hopefully we should see availability soon.