Upgrading to your personal modem and router setup
Upgrading to your personal modem and router setup
Hey everyone, I’m trying to stop renting a modem/router from my ISP (Comcast or similar). The speed I get doesn’t match what I’m paying for or what they advertise. I need two things: first, which router/modem combo would work best for me? I have a 400 Mbps down speed and think around 15 Mbps is typical, though Comcast doesn’t share exact numbers. I’m open to separate devices for better performance. Second, what should I look for when buying these so they actually deliver the promised speed? The advertised figures often don’t reflect real-world results, so any tips would be super helpful. I already have a Gigabit switch in my apartment and only need WiFi for phones, tablets, and guests.
I don't assist with modem settings; you're welcome to switch your ISP if you wish. However, I can offer some guidance on routers. 1. The standard model usually includes gigabit WAN and gigabit LAN ports—most mid-range ones do. 2. Consider your requirements; brand matters. For instance, if you need WOL support, only TP-Link supports ARP binding via telnet, which resets on restart. ASUS and certain Netgear models allow ARP binding through telnet but lose it after a reboot. ASUS also lets you wake the PC via its internal GUI, though this can be cumbersome. 3. For speed and simplicity, ASUS is a solid choice, but I don’t recommend it unless you value customization. Bypassing the GUI with changes often slows things down or causes issues. 4. Cisco/Linksys offer strong performance; avoid WOL features if possible. 5. Netgear provides good wireless coverage; ASUS is an alternative if you prefer. 6. Unless your laptop has a powerful external AC modem, wireless speeds will suffice. 7. Check how many connections the router handles at once—it’s useful info but rarely critical.
For a reliable modem, choose the Arris SB6183 or SB8200 based on your pricing tier. If you’re on a gigabit plan or already have one, opt for the SB8200 because it supports DOCSIS 3.1. For the router, models like the TP-Link Archer C7 or Netgear R7000 tend to deliver strong performance. To maximize speed, look for devices with solid WAN to LAN throughput—consumer routers usually cap around 900–950Mbps, often between 600Mbps and 800Mbps, so aim for something that can reach at least 900Mbps or higher within your budget.
US Federal Law affects ISPs in the US, many of which charge a rental fee. The government requires them to sell modems. @DemonSlab follows any advice from @Lurick. Observing the suggestions focus on modems only, I’d compare ASUS, Netgear, or Synology for the router part. Also, according to my knowledge, anything under 1 Gbps equals 10 Mbps upload speed.