Use compatible routers or modems for Sparklight connectivity.
Use compatible routers or modems for Sparklight connectivity.
Reviewed the compatible modem options and assessed the performance of your current setup. Considering an upgrade, I’m weighing the pros of buying a complete combo versus purchasing the modem and router individually.
Separation is preferable. Looking at modems, there are three main types of Docsis 3.1 devices. Class A only includes Gigabit Ethernet, which caps speeds around 960 Mbps because of the overhead. Class B uses 2.5 Gig Ethernet and can handle the quickest downloads available from cable providers, though it’s limited to roughly 50 Mbps upload. Class C combines 2.5 Gig Ethernet with faster upload capabilities. Now, the key question is why ISPs are pushing for quicker uploads. My provider, Comcast, has been rolling out Mid Split upgrades to achieve this. Some ISPs are doing extensive split upgrades, while others are focusing on high-speed segments. This matters because Comcast specifically chose certain modems that support faster uploads. You might want to steer clear of devices with the PUMA chipset, as older versions caused significant problems. I’ve personally used a Netgear CM1000v2 and found it reliable. That’s something to note. I’m not sure about your ISP’s upgrade strategy, but Docsis 4 from Cable Labs is now being rolled out by many providers. Retail Docsis 4 units aren’t available yet; you’re limited to equipment from your ISP. There’s been talk that Docsis 4 could be very costly, possibly keeping it off the regular market. Comcast doesn’t charge for Docsis 4 gear and has started bundling the gateway with many of their older plans. Just a thought.
Google reports the CM1000 was limited to 400 Mbps on certain providers, while the CM1000v2 reaches up to Gigabit, around 960 Mbps with some overhead. Be mindful that if your ISP offers speeds beyond Gigabit, this modem won’t deliver them. This information is relevant since most cable companies now support download speeds over Gigabit. In my region, downloads can reach up to 1.2 Gbps, while some areas offer 2 Gbps down. Keep this in mind if you plan an upgrade later. I’m using the Synology RT 2600AC, which is outdated, but WiFi 5 still works well for my setup. The decision hinges on your needs. I pick my router because it shows data usage per device, which was useful when my ISP had 1.2 TB caps plus overages, charging $30 extra for unlimited data. Obviously we avoided that cost. I’d recommend considering WiFi 6 if possible. For bigger homes, a mesh system or ASUS routers with AI mesh support could be worth exploring to customize your network.
I remember the S33 was once a good choice. However, it's an older model now. I haven't kept up with the newest ones because our service was costly and faster connections weren't really important to us. We typically didn't exceed 300 Mbps. Still, a cable modem with a 2.5 Gbps port should handle quicker downloads. For quicker uploads it depends on your ISP. Be aware you'll need a router with a 2.5 Gig WAN port to support speeds beyond gigabit. Even then, most devices are limited to gigabit unless they have a 2.5 Gig port and WiFi performance is unreliable for reaching gigabit.
In that scenario any Docsis 3.1 modem listed should be compatible. For future upgrades to speeds beyond Gigabit, consider a model with a 2.5 Gig port. You might find good offers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I remember Docsis 3.1 modems were generally priced well over $100, especially considering tariff changes.