Choosing the right modem & router

[Robertino7]

I recently took occupancy of a small studio, about 150 sq ft. and need help choosing suitable equipment for 4k HDR streaming on an LG OLED55C7P TV with the only additional device I require Wi-Fi service for, my Samsung Galaxy s7 Android phone.


While I understand OLED TVs require faster download speeds, it occurs to me that the need for a high powered router may be overkill given the size of this very small apt.

It's been suggested to me that'd a high quality Gateway modem/router combo might work very well, especially if hardwired, although I noticed a special deal on Amazon for $98 which included the following two items:

NETGEAR Nighthawk R6700-100NAS AC1750 Smart Dual Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router and CM400 (8x4) Cable Modem DOCSIS 3.0 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LX6R3JK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_28YDBbA2Z1E69

and question whether this may be the better choice in that they're separate components, despite the modem being one of the 'lower end' models. Then again with a room this size, perhaps a Gateway, as long as it's a good one, might be the better and more convenient choice.

Any thoughts?

 

[VirtualLarry]

First of all, what ISp do (will) you have?

If it's a cable ISP, then some of them allow you to purchase your own modem and router.

I should note that Newegg has the Arris SB6183 16x4 DOCSIS 3.0 modem for $34.99, REFURB. This is a decent deal, on a decent Cable Modem.

Then just pick out a decent router.

TP-Link Archer, or Asus AC66U, AC68U/R, are good ones.

 

[JackMDS]

Almost any AC Wireless Router would do for such enviroment.

The bundle that you link to is a Good deal, just make sure that the Modem is compatible with your ISP service.

 

[VirtualLarry]

just make sure that the Modem is compatible with your ISP service.

Thanks, Jack. That's really the primary thing. The secondary is making sure that the router has gigabit WAN and LAN ports, for wired, if you plan on ever subscribing to a cable internet plan faster than 90Mbit/sec, and then the wifi, most routers these days are AC standard, and most of the name-brand ones are decent.

One also important thing to consider, when you buy a router, is if it is going to get continued firmware support. Recent router firmware issues like the WPA2 "krack" issue, and the VPNfilter malware, make it important that your router mfg issues regular updates. (Asus does, and their factory firmware makes it easy to update. I will say that I'm a big fan of Asus routers.)

 

[Robertino7]

I've never used a router before as I'm new to streaming after formerly subscribing to Comcast, whom I may choose for my ISP, and a top quality Gateway combo could provide as good reception than I might otherwise receive from purchasing a separate modem & router in such a small area, that would be my first choice.

 

[VirtualLarry]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/TP-Link-...st-XFINITY-Spectrum-Cox-Archer-CR700/45066729

I'm using one of these. If space is at a premium, and performance is wanted, these are decent. I only have 15/2 service from Comcast, and I barely use it, but that Gateway works.

I paid $40 for a 50% off refurb at Newegg, and it seemed brand new to me, just not retail-boxed. These have been discontinued, as I understand it, so that I might have actually received a "new" unit, sold as "refurb" / "whitebox", just so they wouldn't have to honor the retail warranty.

 

[Burner27]

Virtual Larry- what do you consider a decent modem and what do you consider a level or two above that? brand names would be helpful along with models.

Thanks

 

[VirtualLarry]

What speed plan are you going to order, and what is your ISP? I'm most familiar with Xfinity.

Like I said, I'm using that TP-Link Gateway, which uses a Broadcom chipset.

There are some others, the Linksys CG7500 that uses a Puma 6 chipset (Intel inside). That chipset was known for latency issues, in the past, which was not good for gaming or streaming.

That one, BestBuy in USA wants $199 for, but you can get it on ebay for $65 USD. (I picked one of those up, too.)

That one is 24x8, which is better.

I would avoid 8x4 modems, unless you are only going to get 100Mbit/sec internet, and are on a strict budget.

At least with Xfinity, more channels, means less lag during heavy node usage. So you want "more channels", within reason.

If you are planning on getting Gigabit DOCSIS 3.1 service through XFinity, then you'll need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, not a 3.0 modem.

The Arris SB6141 was an "old reliable", but they are getting long in the tooth these days, and are only 8x4. You can get them on ebay for $20 used/refurb. Likewise, with the Motorola 8x4 modems.

I would probably pick up that SB6183 from Newegg for $34.99 refurb, that was a solid non-Intel-chipset modem model, and it is 16x4, which should be fast enough for up to 250-300Mbit/sec service.

 

[Burner27]

What speed plan are you going to order, and what is your ISP? I'm most familiar with Xfinity.

Like I said, I'm using that TP-Link Gateway, which uses a Broadcom chipset.

There are some others, the Linksys CG7500 that uses a Puma 6 chipset (Intel inside). That chipset was known for latency issues, in the past, which was not good for gaming or streaming.

That one, BestBuy in USA wants $199 for, but you can get it on ebay for $65 USD. (I picked one of those up, too.)

That one is 24x8, which is better.

I would avoid 8x4 modems, unless you are only going to get 100Mbit/sec internet, and are on a strict budget.

At least with Xfinity, more channels, means less lag during heavy node usage. So you want "more channels", within reason.

If you are planning on getting Gigabit DOCSIS 3.1 service through XFinity, then you'll need a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, not a 3.0 modem.

The Arris SB6141 was an "old reliable", but they are getting long in the tooth these days, and are only 8x4. You can get them on ebay for $20 used/refurb. Likewise, with the Motorola 8x4 modems.

I would probably pick up that SB6183 from Newegg for $34.99 refurb, that was a solid non-Intel-chipset modem model, and it is 16x4, which should be fast enough for up to 250-300Mbit/sec service.

I have an Arris SB6183 that’s 3 years old now with Spectrum’s 200/10 service. No complaints. Was just curious though at where it ranked. I saw this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Next-Generat...6464&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=arris+sb8200&psc=1

But it isn’t yet approved by Spectrum.

 

[JackMDS]

I have an Arris SB6183 that’s 3 years old now with Spectrum’s 200/10 service. No complaints. Was just curious though at where it ranked. I saw this one:
.

In New York Spectrum takes away from clients the above Docsis 3.0 Modem and replace it with Docsis 3.1.

As a result a 200 Mb/s account produces 200/230 Down and about 30/35 Up.

 

[Burner27]

In New York Spectrum takes away from clients the above Docsis 3.0 Modem and replace it with Docsis 3.1.

As a result a 200 Mb/s account produces 200/230 Down and about 30/35 Up.

Which modem do they give you?

 

[Burner27]

Which modem do they give you?

I have been using the SB6183 for the past 3 years. Since TWC was bought by Spectrum (I am in NY too) they gave me a Ubee DDW36C which I didn’t use.

 

[Burner27]

Hey JackMDS, which modem did they give you?