Improve your home internet connection beyond what your ISP provided.
Improve your home internet connection beyond what your ISP provided.
Your top pick for modems is a 24x8 Docsis 3.0 or a Docsis 3.1 model. The problem with the current Docsis 3.1 setup is that older devices struggled, whereas some supported rates exceeded 1 Gbps using several Ethernet ports and Link Aggregation. Modern Docsis 3.1 units employ 2.5 Gbps Ethernet connections. The key is locating a router with a 2.5 Gbps WAN port. Your choice depends on the speed tier you need. I wouldn’t recommend anything under a 24-channel modem since it doesn’t offer much value. Eight-channel models cap around 200 Mbps, and I’ve noticed cable providers rarely exceed 100 Mbps with them. Avoid 32x8 Docsis 3.0 units—they contain the problematic Intel Puma 6 chip. Docsis 3.1 supports Gigabit speeds and beyond. The main drawback is the price, typically $150–$200 for a standalone unit without a built-in router; you’ll need to budget for a router separately. The Netgear CM600 is a solid option. I’ve heard good things about the Arris S33 and SB8200. The S33 features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet WAN port. I’m mentioning this because Comcast now offers 1.2 Gbps to its Gigabit customers, plus a 20% boost, which can reach around 1400 Mbps depending on available bandwidth. For routers, the Synology RT2600AC works well, but its performance in a 1300 sq ft space is uncertain. A mesh network from ASUS could be a smart move for larger homes.
As mentioned, with WiFi 6 becoming more widespread and matured, it's tough to predict the future. I’m still using a WiFi 5 router, but we’re getting close to WiFi 6 becoming standard. Many smartphones and tablets now support it as well. Eventually, more devices will adopt it, so the choice mainly depends on your budget. ASUS is a solid option to explore routers, especially thanks to their AI mesh technology that simplifies building a home network. I’ve heard varied opinions about Netgear routers—hardware is solid, but the software feels average. TP Link is a good budget choice. If you’re okay with the recent data breach, Ubiquiti is another reputable brand for both home and pro users.
You're comparing the Motorola MB7621 to the Netgear CM600, noting similar specs like DOCIS 3.0 and 24x8 at comparable prices. It's worth considering if these features truly make a difference for your needs or if you're being influenced by marketing claims.
Before making any purchase, have you checked for possible fixes? You mentioned paying for 100Mbps but only receiving around 30Mbps. How did you verify that 30Mbps? If the concern is about signal strength at your location, it doesn’t matter which router you choose. For Wi-Fi issues, a new modem isn’t necessary. I believe we lack sufficient details to make a solid recommendation, and I would advise against spending money on a new router until the problem is properly identified.
They usually give guidelines from the ISP about the channels needed for your speed. For instance, my SB6141 claims around 363 Mbps, but Comcast won’t offer more than 200 Mbps. A Docsis 3.0 32 channel modem is listed at 1.4 Gbps, yet no provider offers speeds close to that on those devices. In my area, most ISPs charge for modem rentals, so investing in one can save money later. Additionally, the gateways they supply perform poorly with WiFi connections. I think the person in question is probably dealing with WiFi problems, and the ISP won’t address it or might push extra services like range extenders for a monthly charge.
I don't have a personal opinion, but you can check the review on Newegg for insights on the ASUS RT AX55 AX1800.
The specifications look good. The only guidance I can offer is to check reviews online.