Searching for a trustworthy modem/router package.
Searching for a trustworthy modem/router package.
Afternoon, everyone. I'm looking for a modem/router package that will last me at least three years. Right now I have a Netgear c7000v2 Nighthawk AC1900, which only seems to deliver around 100 Mbps. My ISP (spectrum) says I should be getting 500 Mbps. I've tested nearby with my S21 and connected a laptop directly to the router, but it still caps at about 120 Mbps. Any advice would be great.
The router seems to be the likely cause based on the symptoms. You used a standard speedtest to check performance.
Your ISP (Spectrum) is limiting your speed to handle overall bandwidth needs across their network. I’m paying for gigabit, yet during the day my connection might only reach 400mbps on average. When I finally achieve full speed, it usually happens late at night when no one is around. Routers operate continuously and are likely to slow down after a few years. The best solution would be to create your own router using an old PC. Modems are even more crucial for performance and also run constantly. Both devices contain processors that heat up over time, eventually reducing their efficiency. Unfortunately, the most practical alternative is to purchase a modem/router package from Spectrum. If it ever slows down, you can simply return it and receive a replacement—perhaps once a year or every couple of months.
You can check Ookla, Spectrum, and the browser by searching online. Also, during my test around 2 a.m., I kept experiencing the same connection speeds.
I checked performance both during the day and at night. The outcomes were identical. It seems the issue likely lies in the hardware. I recently returned mine yesterday, stating I no longer need it since I already have a reliable device at home. I’ve been considering building my own router. Is there a method to create a modem that won’t cause too much performance loss? Or am I forced to purchase one off the shelf?
I’m not sure about building your own modem, so I don’t know what to expect. A quick tip is to keep devices separate. If you return to Spectrum, just pick their modem and connect your own router. That’s the setup I use.
You can't design your own cable modem. Before I created my own router, I noticed my connection always dropped during long downloads or required frequent restarts. I added heatsinks, extra heatsinks, and fans to both the router and modems, and the issues disappeared. I continued this process for a while without further problems. Improving airflow inside the devices made a noticeable difference, even if placing a fan wasn't possible in the best spot. Here are some pictures of my previous gear to illustrate: Modem: Routers:
You can’t install a modem yourself. However, as demonstrated earlier, you can add cooling to one. If you prefer not to modify the device like this, consider using a laptop cooler. I used one on a router I updated with DDWRT—it performed well despite overheating tendencies. The Netgear CM1000v2 is an option if you’re seeking recommendations. It supports up to 940 Mbps thanks to Gigabit Ethernet, but according to the documentation, it only reaches 400 Mbps with Spectrum. So reaching 500 Mbps seems unlikely. If you purchase a new modem, opt for a Docsis 3.1 model. One potential problem might be weak signal strength. I’m unsure if Spectrum provides detailed signal data; Comcast does. If some downstream channels are limited, it could reduce available bandwidth. Also, congestion could be the issue—running at full capacity on a slower service tier may cause slower speeds. Having more channels on a less-than-ideal plan can help distribute traffic and mitigate congestion effects.