Looking for modem or router options?
Looking for modem or router options?
Looking for a fresh router and modem setup? Based on your needs and budget, consider a mid-range option that balances performance and features. A solid choice would be the TP-Link Archer AX1100 or the Netgear Nighthawk R7000. Both fit within your $300 range and offer good speeds for your current setup. Since you're managing multiple devices and streaming heavily, prioritize a router with robust MIMO support and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. For a home with varied usage—gaming, streaming, and gaming—opt for a device that supports dual-band or tri-band to handle both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels efficiently.
I suggest using separate devices. Modems with built-in Wi-Fi aren’t my preference. For the modem, consider the ARRIS SURFboard SB6190 or the SB8200 if you anticipate needing higher speeds later. As for the Wi-Fi, I’m uncertain—there are many options available. I’d recommend something compatible with pfSense, as it’s a personal choice. I don’t know your setup or what’s accessible. It hasn’t been my experience to shop much recently. ASUS offers solid products with good firmware right out of the box. I currently use a Netgear Nighthawk running DD-WRT, but that might not suit everyone. I’ve had long-term success with ARRIS SURFboard modems without issues.
Surfboards remain the best choice for modern modems; a friend recently switched to the SB8200 and found it performing well. Currently, there are two key advantages to using a DOCSIS 3 modem: the protocol offers better efficiency in terms of frequency and modulation, allowing providers to extract more value from existing infrastructure, and there’s less demand at the moment, reducing congestion on the DOCSIS network. When it comes to routers, I struggle to suggest strong consumer options. For casual use, mesh systems such as Netgear’s Orbi are a solid pick. If you’re open to more advanced setups, the Unifi Dream Machine with additional access points throughout your home could be ideal. Plus, choosing this path lets you dive deeper into networking concepts.