Optimal setup for your new apartment!
Optimal setup for your new apartment!
Hello everyone! I am very stuck on finding the best bang for your buck Modem and Router. Here's what I'm working with! 2 Bed 2Bath Apartment (950sqft) 250mbps download (Xfinity by Comcast) Average devices: 4 (max) devices at once Budget: $125 (for both) I am able to rent a modem from my ISP for $10+ a month.......which is not great for the long run. Also, I've seen some combo Modem/Routers, should I keep the 2 separate or is it smart to grab a 2 in 1.
It seems you're questioning whether you can afford both items at that cost. A good modem usually costs more than sixty dollars, and a solid router will be significantly higher than one hundred dollars.
ARRIS modems generally perform well. This unit appears on the Xfinity Approved Modems list for packages up to 300 Mbps. The ARRIS SB6183 DOCSIS 3.x Cable Modem costs $68.99 plus applicable taxes, which brings the total near $70. https://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-SURFboard-S...53c7c48dbd With a budget of $125, you’ll have about $55 left for the router. You could choose a router for around $50—definitely possible. Many deals make routers affordable in this range, especially during major sales events like Black Friday or Boxing Day. If you can stretch your budget slightly (adding $45 to reach $100), you’ll find a superior router that handles larger spaces and supports faster wireless speeds. In my opinion, investing a bit more pays off for longer-lasting performance without frequent upgrades. Here’s a list of six routers under $50. I’ve tested the larger models from TP-Link, including the Archer C7 and C9. My experience with TP-Link has been solid, though I haven’t used the C9 model directly. If you’re missing any features, consider increasing your budget by another $10 to $20.
If you're comfortable with Comcast having access to your internal network, they already know which devices are connected to their gateways. That's why I avoid using their equipment. For lower speed tiers, the SB6141 would be suitable, though it won't exceed 200 Mbps. The SB6183 or CM600 are better options for modems. You might need a poor-quality router at that price, so check for DDWRT support. A dual-band device would also be ideal.
He might consider getting a slightly more advanced used router or opt for a basic one until he can afford an upgraded model. In my opinion, raising the budget or postponing the purchase to accumulate more funds would be a better approach to reach the $100 range.