Searching for a modem compatible with Gigabit Ethernet internet.
Searching for a modem compatible with Gigabit Ethernet internet.
I just relocated to an area with gigabit internet and am currently using their equipment. Previously, I relied on coaxial modems and never had a straight ethernet setup. Searching for suitable modems is challenging since there aren’t many resources available. I’m looking for something with four ports and prefer avoiding a modem/router combo. In the past, Moto Surfboards worked well, but I haven’t found one that isn’t coaxial.
If you don’t need a combo unit, chances are you won’t find a modem with many ports since it should be paired with a switch. In such situations they often install a router as well because otherwise the modem wouldn’t support DHCP and you’d have to add devices manually.
You're asking about a Fiber connection since that's the only other option I know of offering gigabit speeds. It's going to be tough to locate a modem that supports fiber, and most providers I've seen ask you to use their equipment.
I use Comcast Xfinity with gigabit down speeds of 900MBps+ and up to 45MBps. It’s not quite the same as a true fiber connection, but channel bonding gives me stable downloads in the 105-115MB range—about 840-920MBps. Those with real gigabit links see perfect 1000/1000 performance. The challenge is finding affordable wireless AC that can handle speeds near gigabit. I’m sure it’s possible since someone on another forum said a $600-700 router can deliver 800MBps+ with speed tests confirming it. My advice is to install a standard cable modem with a built-in router, then add an external 5 or 8-port gigabit switch for extra ports if needed. I also have a powerline AV1200 kit that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, plus AC 1850, and it reaches about 150-160MBps even with the gigabit port.
I personally use a MikroTik RB3011 that connects directly from the provider via gpon SFTP (after configuring VLAN tagging, PPPoE, and fast tracking). It’s unlikely you’ll be able to achieve this since most ISPs aim to restrict access, but if you switch your provider’s modem to bridge mode and then add another router, you might have a more affordable setup. What ISP do you currently use? Could it be one that lets you work around restrictions with your own equipment? Also, when you get a modem, try enabling hardware acceleration—it’ll help maintain gigabit speeds during heavy usage.
I believe more details are needed about this setup. This device is the current modem provided by CentruyLink ZxyXEL C3000Z. The fiber connection is housed in a box outside the home, transforming it into standard Ethernet Cat5e that enters a network box inside. That box then feeds the signal into the modem.
It functions as a DSL modem, yet it doesn't rely on a DSL connection. The fiber arrives outside and gets processed in a unit (see attached photo), after which it moves inside the home via the router/modem connected through Ethernet.
In short, you don't require a modem—this device handles the connection. The unit you're placing inside functions as a router.