Looking to buy modem/router with Wi-Fi.

[tvfreak]

Currently I have comcast/xfinity for my internet. I currently use the comcast modem with built in Wi-Fi that's provided.
I should of done this a long time ago, but I rather get my own modem/router and I could save $10 a month.
I play games, have couple of laptops, cell phones connected to Wi-Fi.
I do stream when I watch TV.
Can anyone suggest a good quality modem/router? I'm a newb when it comes to this.
I'll do more research on my own of course but I would like some opinions.
I've been told that it is better to a get a stand alone router/built in Wi-Fi and than a modem. Instead of having all in one system.
So, any suggestions on brands would be great.
Thanks.
Also, when is it good time to get the best deals? 4th of July? Black Friday or cyber Monday usual?

 

[VirtualLarry]

What plan, region, and speed do you have?

I'm on their 15Mbit/sec plan in the Northeast, and I am currently using an SBG6400, Docsis 3.0 8x4 channel modem and N300 router combo. It was only $30 on a 50% promo at Newegg some months ago.

If you're a "Gamer"-type, or possibly a heavy multi-4K online streaming junkie, then I suggest a faster modem, and a higher-end router.

My (cheap) suggestion for an N300 router, if you have under 100Mbit/sec internet, is an Asus RT-N12/D1 router. You can flash alternate firmwares to most Asus routers.

For a faster plan, or more demanding usage, a (refurb) AC66U, or AC1750 (same H/W), for $50-80 would really hit a sweet spot.

For a gigabit plan, don't go lower than an AC68U/R/P/AC1900/T-Mobile "CellSpot" router flashed with Asus CFE/Firmware (check ebay). You can get those refurb starting at around $80-120.

The AC68U is what I'm using. It's a tiny bit dated these days, but I still consider it and the AC66U to be the "gold standard" of versatile (alternate firmware support) and performance routers.

For modems to go with your high(er)-end Asus router, get a 16x4 or 24x8 Docsis 3.0 modem (could get refurb, but there are risks with refurb cable modems that they are stolen, or from accounts that went delinquent, and can't be re-activated). AVOID any with the Intel "Puma"-series chipset, they have serious issues.

Or, if you want to be a bit more future-proof, and your are likely to upgrade to Gigabit Docsis service SOON, then get a Docsis 3.1 modem. Most of them are all good.

If you also have phone service through Comcast, you'll need an EMTA, either combined with a modem and/or router, or have them provision a seperate EMTA for voice-only, and then have a splitter, and have the cable modem separately on the other leg of the splitter, and wired into your router.

Another good web forum / resource, is DSLReports.com . They have dedicated ISP forums, and their Comcast / XFinity forum is a wealth of information.

 

[vailr]

Presently using a cable company supplied Cisco DPQ3212 Docsis 3.0 cable modem (without WiFi; includes a land line telephone port) & then a separate self-owned router, which is connected via ethernet cable.
Cox does not charge a rental fee for using their DPQ3212 modem.
Might check with Comcast & see if they offer a similar "rent free" modem as an option.
Edit: checked eBay, and there's several pre-owned DPQ3212 modems listed for under ~$40 shipped.

 

[tvfreak]

What plan, region, and speed do you have?

I'm on their 15Mbit/sec plan in the Northeast, and I am currently using an SBG6400, Docsis 3.0 8x4 channel modem and N300 router combo. It was only $30 on a 50% promo at Newegg some months ago.

If you're a "Gamer"-type, or possibly a heavy multi-4K online streaming junkie, then I suggest a faster modem, and a higher-end router.

My (cheap) suggestion for an N300 router, if you have under 100Mbit/sec internet, is an Asus RT-N12/D1 router. You can flash alternate firmwares to most Asus routers.

For a faster plan, or more demanding usage, a (refurb) AC66U, or AC1750 (same H/W), for $50-80 would really hit a sweet spot.

For a gigabit plan, don't go lower than an AC68U/R/P/AC1900/T-Mobile "CellSpot" router flashed with Asus CFE/Firmware (check ebay). You can get those refurb starting at around $80-120.

The AC68U is what I'm using. It's a tiny bit dated these days, but I still consider it and the AC66U to be the "gold standard" of versatile (alternate firmware support) and performance routers.

For modems to go with your high(er)-end Asus router, get a 16x4 or 24x8 Docsis 3.0 modem (could get refurb, but there are risks with refurb cable modems that they are stolen, or from accounts that went delinquent, and can't be re-activated). AVOID any with the Intel "Puma"-series chipset, they have serious issues.

Or, if you want to be a bit more future-proof, and your are likely to upgrade to Gigabit Docsis service SOON, then get a Docsis 3.1 modem. Most of them are all good.

If you also have phone service through Comcast, you'll need an EMTA, either combined with a modem and/or router, or have them provision a seperate EMTA for voice-only, and then have a splitter, and have the cable modem separately on the other leg of the splitter, and wired into your router.

Another good web forum / resource, is DSLReports.com . They have dedicated ISP forums, and their Comcast / XFinity forum is a wealth of information.

I'm in the northern Cali (greater Sacramento) area. I currently have up to 55mb a sec. But looking to go faster if possible.
I don't want the cheapest.

 

[tvfreak]

And I don't use their phone service

 

[tvfreak]

I prefer a modem that's compatible with comcast and other cable company just in case I decide to move.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I prefer a modem that's compatible with comcast and other cable company just in case I decide to move.

Simple. Check Comcast's device list. Find out where your moving to, find out what cable company is franchised there, and look up their device list too. Then cross-check both, and pick one out.



But seriously, if you're not immediately planning to move - don't bother.

Edit: Some modems will state on the box, "Compatible with XFinity/Comcast, Charter/Spectrum, and Time Warner".

Most of the biggest brands of modems are fairly cross-compatible.

 

[tvfreak]

Simple. Check Comcast's device list. Find out where your moving to, find out what cable company is franchised there, and look up their device list too. Then cross-check both, and pick one out.



But seriously, if you're not immediately planning to move - don't bother.

Edit: Some modems will state on the box, "Compatible with XFinity/Comcast, Charter/Spectrum, and Time Warner".

Most of the biggest brands of modems are fairly cross-compatible.

What about this modem brand?
https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Gigabit-download-Compatible-Gig-Speed/dp/B01I5TJGSE

 

[VirtualLarry]

Should work, but a bit pricey. Are the odds good that you would upgrade to Gigabit cable in the next six months?

if so, than get one. If not, explore the 16x4 and 24x8 non-Puma modems, at half or less of the price.

 

[tvfreak]

Should work, but a bit pricey. Are the odds good that you would upgrade to Gigabit cable in the next six months?

if so, than get one. If not, explore the 16x4 and 24x8 non-Puma modems, at half or less of the price.

How do u know if it uses the puma modems?