What is a good modem?
What is a good modem?
He needs an affordable modem to connect his PC and Xbox. He’s considering Ethernet for the PC and Wi-Fi for the Xbox, but he believes routers are meant for Wi-Fi, not modems. For gaming, especially multiplayer, a decent speed is important. A 10 Mbps connection is the cheapest option, while 30 Mbps offers better performance. Since his download speeds range from 120 to 100 Mbps, you’ll want to confirm actual speeds once connected.
The individual ahead presented solid arguments. If you're checking 10mbs, the service from your ISP should work well. If you prefer not to rent, consider following the advice of the person before you.
Thanks for your reply! It sounds like he’s looking for a setup with COAX cables, a modem, and a router. If there’s a 2 in one of those, it could help. I’d say the router and modem you mentioned might work well together. Since he’s not sure about buying unnecessary items, aim for a good MBPS speed—typically around 100 Mbps or higher would be ideal for reliable performance.
I’d aim for a setup between 50 and 100, though it varies. Streaming in 4K helps, but speed mainly affects gaming lag. Node connection matters more than raw speed for most games.
I think it's possible to adjust your speed during the contract, allowing him to upgrade if needed.
Modem-wise, my SB6141 has worked well so far. Since it's an older 8x4 model, upgrading to the SB6183 or CM600 might be a smarter choice. These are regular cable modems without built-in routers, which is what people usually recommend. Just remember to steer clear of the SB6190—it’s faulty. All Intel Puma 6 chips seem to have issues. It’s important to check with your ISP about compatible models. Speed depends on how many devices you use; more users mean higher bandwidth needs. I’d suggest around 10 Mbps, though 30 Mbps should suffice. For routers, an 802.11AC model is ideal. The TPLink Archer C7 works fine but lacks advanced features. My setup uses the Synology RT2600AC, which performs well despite its price. TP Link offers decent budget options, and brands like ASUS and Netgear are also worth considering.