What router to buy
What router to buy
I’m planning to relocate soon and mediacom appears to offer the most affordable internet plan for my location. I’m looking for a router under $100, preferably not too poor in quality, since my connection needs around 100 Mbps. The apartment is smaller than 700 square feet.
The situation involves many routers supporting Gigabit Ethernet yet not all can access Gigabit Internet speeds. Remember that your ISP usually provides a gateway device—either a modem or router. You’ll likely need to purchase one yourself or configure it in bridge mode. I’m not familiar with Mediacom’s rules, but most providers supply a gateway. Some, like Spectrum, offer standard cable modems and let you rent routers. Generally, you’ll pay for equipment rental fees.
Popular brands include Asus, Netgear, and Ubiquiti. TP-Link is also acceptable, though it’s considered a budget option. I own a Synology router and find it reliable, but my current model costs around $200 USD. When choosing, focus on the WAN to LAN throughput—it shows how much data transfer your router can handle.
Keep in mind, cable providers typically deliver slower upload speeds compared to fiber connections.
Verify the options your ISP offers. While you like to purchase your own router, given your budget it might be wiser to use theirs. A router under $100 may not deliver reliable gigabit speeds once multiple devices are connected. If your provider doesn’t supply a suitable model or adds extra charges, and your budget is strict, this device could fit. https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-R6700-Nig...011&sr=8-6 is a reasonable choice. At this price you’ll likely get 400–500mbps on WiFi (shared among all devices), which is typical for that range. Unfortunately, WiFi 6 models aren’t available yet, and the technology is still emerging, making it hard to suggest one now. The router plays a crucial role in your network; its processing power affects every data stream you send. In my view, it’s worth investing more—around $200 would be ideal. You might explore a WiFi 6 device or a robust 802.11ac model with a quad-core processor.
I'm really confused, my speed will be 100mbps instead of gigabit. Why is the internet so costly in the US?
In that scenario the TP Link archer C7 works fine. It lacks advanced options but performs adequately. From a router perspective, any Wireless AC (WiFi 5) setup should suffice. However, I should check what your ISP offers first. Connecting a router to a gateway could cause double NAT and conflicting Wi-Fi if the ISP’s device isn’t turned off. I’m not sure about Mediacom’s service in my area—they aren’t listed locally. Generally, spending around $80–100 on a router is reasonable since cheaper models often come with lower quality.
Are you certain it's a router or gateway? Since a gateway would also function as your cable modem, you'll need a cable modem to connect to the service. Please verify this before buying anything. Your cable provider only offers gateways; Charter for instance gives a free modem but charges for a router. Make sure you know what you're paying for. If you'd like recommendations for a cable modem as well, just let me know.
I understand you corrected my earlier statement. I aimed to address your query accurately. 100mbps appears more reasonable given your router's capabilities. The recommendation remains strong, though you might consider a slightly more affordable option if desired.