Configure WiFi 6 connection
Configure WiFi 6 connection
Hey there! I’m excited about starting my new home and setting up a reliable internet connection. I live in Utah, where the main ISP is xfinity by Comcast. I was thinking about getting their 1 gigabit download plan along with a decent modem and router. I came across the Nighthawk mesh setup (Netgear Ax1800) which claims support for up to 1.8 gigabits, and the Nighthawk Ax6 (Netgear Ax4300) that should handle over 2 gigabits. But xfinity only provides coax cable, which neither of these models have. So I’d need a separate modem to connect the coax to whatever router I pick.
Would it be better to buy an all-in-one modem/router that supports WiFi 6, or should I get two devices and configure them separately? If I go with one, which model would work best for a good balance of performance and cost? Also, I’m curious about setting up a WiFi 6 capable network in my new house—including the basement apartment—and whether I’d need a new access point or just change the SSID on the router to create separate networks. I hope this helps, and thank you for your advice!
These rates are quite unusual; typical real-world speeds range from 300 to 500 megabits per second for most gadgets. A separate modem is usually the better option. Most devices offer a guest network, but it won’t function like a Chromecast would. If you need two distinct networks, you’ll require something more sophisticated than what a standard home router provides.
When acquiring a standalone modem, focus on compatibility and performance. Check if it supports the latest standards like WiFi 6. Look for features that enhance speed and stability, ensuring it meets your internet needs.
Modem shouldn't support Wi-Fi; it merely transforms coaxial signal into Ethernet for the router, similar to models like the SB8200, CM1100, or CM1200 which are ideal for gigabit connections. The switch links to the router's LAN ports and adds more LAN ports.
Comcast operates as a cable ISP. Their coaxial connections link into an Xfinity gateway, which can be linked to either Ethernet or Wi-Fi. You can link your own wired equipment directly to the gateway using Ethernet, not through the coaxial setup. The marketing claims often oversimplify things—check the product specs for details. For instance, the RAX20 is marketed as 1800Mbps, but in practice it delivers 600Mbps on 2.4GHz (802.11n only with channel bonding) and 1200Mbps on 5GHz (typically 80MHz channels). Real devices won’t hit these numbers all at once, and no one will have a gadget that connects to both bands simultaneously. Also, Netgear’s Wi-Fi gear isn’t performing as well as it used to, and WiFi 6 is still in development. Companies keep pushing features they believe consumers want, hoping early adopters will drive sales despite the uncertainty.
If you wish to avoid a 1TB data limit, you’ll likely prefer using their modem instead. Comparing the cost of unlimited data with your own modem versus XFi’s setup using theirs is worth noting—it tends to be more affordable that way. I usually keep it in bridge mode. If you’re not concerned about that, the Arris SB8200 seems viable since they permit it. Xfinity restricts most third-party modems on their gigabit plan, and all listed routers would be affected by the limited gigabit Ethernet ports, making those speeds more of a theoretical figure than real-world performance. For two separate networks, you’d need two distinct access points. Personally, I’d suggest Ubiquiti’s Lite products, though they come with a higher price tag and don’t yet offer WiFi 6 APs. They’re more reliable and customizable compared to Netgear’s offerings.
Unless you need something beyond the ISP router's capabilities, I'd opt for the provider's router. Wait for WiFi 6 to be officially approved and WiFi 6e access points to launch. Once ready, insert a new WiFi 6e access point into the router and disable its Wi-Fi function.
It's more than just a modem—it's a combo device that includes a modem, router, access point, and switch all in one 6E unit. It doesn't make it faster; it simply offers additional channels, using the same encoding as a standard 6E connection. Unless you're utilizing 5G bands, the speeds will remain consistent.