Inquiry about maximum speed performance
Inquiry about maximum speed performance
I’m just starting out here and not very familiar with network configurations. I’ll apologize if this subject has been discussed before. I’m setting up my new home and have a new internet plan offering up to 500 Mbps via fiber optic. My main concerns are figuring out what will limit performance and choosing hardware that matches the speed I get. For example, if I buy a modem that supports 100 Mbps and connect it to a router that can handle 1 Gbps, does the full 500 Mbps end up being used by all devices? I’m worried that investing in the newest gear might not deliver the expected speed or could be wasted. Thanks ahead of time!
Usually fiber optics don’t require a separate modem; your ISP will handle that. Check what your provider offers. Yes, the connection will be divided, but most devices won’t need much bandwidth, so each can use the full 500Mbit if needed. Are you looking for Wi-Fi? What’s your budget? Does your ISP include a modem or router?
My internet company offers the chance to buy a modem/router, but from my past experiences with their equipment the performance feels weak compared to the cost, and the coverage on each device is limited—sufficient for a small apartment with one or two bedrooms. I need reliable WiFi throughout the house, but most heavy users should be hardwired to the wall for devices like gaming consoles, TVs, work computers, and security systems. Only laptops and phones will typically rely on the wireless connection. If the gear could last a year or two without needing replacement, spending $300–$400 might make sense.
Determine whether your ISP offers only an ONT or also provides a router. Since you can't purchase an ONT directly, understand the setup: Verizon FIOS typically includes both, while AT&T Fiber gives you an ONT and router together, leaving you with limited options. You might switch to another router but cannot change the device itself.
Cox isn't Fiber. It's Docsis Cable Internet. The key distinction is that the FCC mandates cable providers to permit customer modems. I recommend contacting Cox to confirm whether they offer a compatible list of retail modems. I’m aware Comcast does, but I’m not certain about Cox’s options.
They offer a supported selection of modems that should work. Most devices from Docsis 3.0 onward were compatible. They mentioned the internet service at my house would come from a fiber optic connection at the utility box in the front yard. I might have been a bit vague about that in my initial message. Thanks for clarifying.
Docsis service delivers directly to the node. Your device needs to be positioned at the front. Occasionally they install fiber straight to your home with a small node inside. This setup is becoming less common.