Proper hardware choice?

[Breyden]

Since I do not fully understand networks and current tech and hardware, can someone assist me with the following decision?

During a recent sale, I purchased these two items from Amazon. One is a wifi router and the other is a cable modem and wifi router in one. My question is, would it be at all helpful to use these two items together, or is it prudent to send one back? Further information is discussed below the links.


ASUS Wi-Fi Router with Data Rates up to 1900 Mbps (RT-AC68W)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=...TXBRPUQKK1QW8A&H=M5AQCRSTPCXI0NVQ5PKQQUAHHLIA


NETGEAR AC1600 (16x4) WiFi Cable Modem Router (C6250) DOCSIS 3.0 Certified for Xfinity Comcast

https://www.amazon.com/gp/r.html?C=...VFWOOGKEPRHAEA&H=4NTDALAYPQG5VRFO2A8CFAQHATMA


If I were to keep the Asus router, and send back the Netgear cable modem/router, I would need to purchase a cable modem to use with the Asus wifi router. I am going with Xfinity by Comcast internet service, probably at their 150 mbps, but possibly up to 250 mbps speeds. If you recommend keeping the Asus router and returning the Netgear modem/router, please recommend a cable modem that is less than $130, that would work better.

I want to be able to stream hi def video, play console games online, be able to access the internet and do regular surfing or work online. There are currently only two people that would be doing any of these activities at once, but I really want to have things set up the best I can for any visitors to use, and for any future household items that work through the wifi network. Of course network security is always a priority as well, but I hope any current products out there come properly equipped.

Helpful advice on this from someone in the know is much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Ketchup]

With my cable carrier it was dirt cheap to rent the modem, and they swapped it for a new one at no cost when lightning struck. So I would keep the Asus unless CC wants something outrageous for their modem.

 

[Breyden]

With my cable carrier it was dirt cheap to rent the modem, and they swapped it for a new one at no cost when lightning struck. So I would keep the Asus unless CC wants something outrageous for their modem.

Thank you for your reply. That is a helpful point of view. With CC it would pay for itself in about a year, which is half of the contract time. If I went with a cheaper modem, that doesn't have a router with it, it would probably pay for itself in six months. So owning my own equipment is something I would like to do.

Any help offered in making the decision based off of me owning my own hardware would be great.

Thanks.

 

[Ketchup]

A combo item is great until it breaks, then it's like losing two units. But Netgear items haven't given me an issue unless I am going with their dirt cheap models. Those units don't last. Just make sure the Netgear works with your service (even though the Amazon link says it will) before sending the Asus back.

 

[bigboxes]

Keep the Asus and get an Arris Surfboard modem. If one breaks you don't replace the other. Upgrade one as you need to.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Keep the Asus and get an Arris Surfboard modem. If one breaks you don't replace the other. Upgrade one as you need to.

That's what I would do. Like the other posters, I prefer to keep the WIFI router and cable modems separate.

You'd want either the ARRIS Surfboard SB6183 or the SB6190, neither of which have built-in WIFI. The SB6183 has 16x4 channels, like the Netgear you bought, while the SB6190 is 32x8. Either one will work at speeds well over 250 Mbps. I'd go with the cheaper SB6183.