Getting Comcast - Want to bring my own model/router

[varneraa]

Looking for recommendations on a modem/router to use for Comcast.

I'm considering getting one of the Motorola surfboards with built in wireless, just to reduce clutter in my network setup:
http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorola...odem+surfboard

I've heard some people making a big deal about having separate modem/wifi(usually because of issues with the devices), but unless there is a real gain to a separate router I'm not sure I care too much.

Anyone using this mode/router or have a setup they would recommend?

I have a 32 port gigabit switch that the router will managing. All of my critical systems are hardwired. However I do have a work laptop that I sometimes run vncs over wifi and a handful of phones/tablets. The vncs are probably my most latency sensitive item.

I do a fair amount of streaming(netflix, etc.) and I use Crashplan for online backups. I also have a dedicated media server and do some on network streaming(including some Steam in-home streaming.

 

[Fardringle]

How much area needs to be covered by the wireless? And are there a lot of walls and other obstructions that could limit the signal? Lots of other wireless networks in the area?

If you don't need a large range and don't have significant interference issues, a combo device can work just fine. If you do need extended range and/or need to deal with interference, a separate router would probably be better.

 

[Elixer]

I really dislike combo units. If one part break, then your stuck.
I also like the ability to have different firmware on the router, in case the OEM version blows chunks, and usually, the 3rd party firmware offers much more options.

I have never used a arris router, so, I don't know how generic, or feature rich it is.