Is there a good cable modem to pick from?
Is there a good cable modem to pick from?
Is this cable modem a good choice between Arris TM1602a and Hitron E31N2V1? Any details would be helpful, thanks!
If those are the only two choices available, I have never had problems with an Arris modem on many jobs. But I would suggest buying the Arris Surfboard S33 instead, since it is DOCSIS 3.1 and you listed one that was only DOCSIS 3.0. Some plans worked fine for just a few dollars more than the cheaper option.
That specific model will slow down your speed, but the real limit depends on which ISP you pick from. A lot of ISPs are now selling basic packages that go over 100mbps. Even though a 16x4 device can handle about 700mbps on paper, most ISPs just cap it at around 300mbps or even less. So if you only have those two devices, the Hitron will likely support faster internet as long as your ISP gives you a higher connection speed. Generally speaking, all cable modems of the same type should perform the same way because they follow the same Docsis standards. Cable companies also test each modem to make sure it works on their network. Basically, if you buy from an ISP's list, you know it will work for them. Most ISPs won't activate a modem that isn't on their approved list since they have to patch the software and just want to keep costs low by sticking with well-known brands. Back in the day, almost every cable modem had chips made by Motorola, but after Motorola sold off much of its business and then those parts were resold many times, it's hard to tell what a box with a Motorola name on it is right now.
I have two modems. I used the Hitron for a few years already. My ISP just gave me an Arris and upgraded my speed from 200 Mbps to 300 Mbps. But this Arris looks old; it's Docsis version 3.0, which is several years older than the Hitron. So I'm not sure if I should keep using the Hitron or switch to the Arris.
I'm going to use the Hitron because it's a brand new thing, but when it comes to how well it does stuff, it probably won't make much of a difference. The Hitron will still run that same Docsis encoding since it supports older versions too.