Check if it meets your needs and performance expectations.
Check if it meets your needs and performance expectations.
I use Cox Communications as my ISP and also have a 50 megabit internet plan. I rent a modem from them for $9 a month plus an additional $56 for their service. I’m considering purchasing a modem instead of renting to save some money. The model I’m looking at is the NetGEAR AC1750, which offers 680 Mbps and four ports with wireless connectivity. I contacted Cox and they confirmed it should work with their service. They asked what their thoughts were on this particular modem.
Spectrum and Cox seem shifting toward DOCSIS 3.1, while the router is only rated for 3.0. I’m skeptical about using the full 3.1 capacity, but the model with WiFi AC seems solid. Pricing isn’t clear, but from what I see, it looks reasonable enough to proceed confidently—just make sure reviews are solid.
It would cost me $40 used from an eBay seller who said it was pre-owned but in good condition.
Be mindful of used equipment. If the modem remains linked to another person’s account, it may lead to problems during setup. Combining modems and routers usually results in poor wireless performance. For optimal results, always opt for a dedicated modem with a separate router.
I've seen lots of routers throughout my life, especially those with high bandwidth. The moment I split them apart—switching to an ER4 and Unifi access points—I noticed real stability. Having a dedicated modem with a powerful chipset really made a big difference.
If it's linked to a different account, they won't set it up. I've heard this occur before. Sometimes clients overlook telling them to remove the old modem, and the cable co-ax can be sluggish, causing delays. This usually happens when a new customer registers the modem on their own account and sees it tied to another user's profile, preventing it from being assigned to yours. The main problem often lies with the combo unit itself—it tends to be unreliable, overheats easily, and the Wi-Fi performance is poor.