Choose the best option for your needs.
Choose the best option for your needs.
Your contract with Comcast ends, and you're looking to upgrade your internet speed. You have two options: a 250/12 plan for $100 or a 1000/35 plan for $130, which requires a $180 DOCSIS3.1 modem for the latter. Given your setup—hosting multiple servers and streaming with your roommate—it's important to weigh the benefits of higher speeds against the cost. Since your network is already gigabit-capable with a PFSense router and Ubiquiti APs, the extra speed might be valuable for performance and reliability. Consider whether the marginal gain justifies the additional expense.
My Minecraft and GMod servers also use upload, just like my Plex box. At 12 hours I haven’t noticed many problems, but my roommate has been away so we’re the only ones gaming or streaming together. I think 250 is already quite fast, and it only speeds up when I download a lot.
You're on a 400mbps plan and using this modem. Did they mention DOSIS 3.1 specifically? The SB6190 supports 1.4gbps/262mbps, which is more than enough for your needs. It's not essential, but it sounds impressive to claim gigabit speeds. You're currently handling about 20mbps with servers and Plex without issues. Probably worth considering an upgrade if you hit any bottlenecks later.
additional $360 each year for four times the download/upload rates (provided the server can handle it) and significantly reducing the upload link makes it a solid offer.
It definitely needs DOCSIS3.1, though upgrading later would be better. It seems buying the 3.1 modem is unnecessary since 250/12 should suffice. Nice to know that works for you—I might run some stress tests this weekend to check it out.
Absolutely, it's nice to have a stable connection again after those past speeds. Excited about finding an ISP with better options now.
I understand. For the duration of the agreement, this approach will be beneficial.