Want to buy backup/spare cable modem and WiFi router...

[GoodEnough]

Both of these are on 24/7 and have to die eventually.
I think I am going to buy a spare of both for no downtime if they die.

I am currently running:
Router: Netgear RangeMax Wireless-N WNR3500
Cable Modem: Mororola SB5100 Surfboard

Should I just buy a used of the same model?
Or, know of a good deal on something newer?

 

[Cerb]

How customized are your router settings (IE, lots of port-forwrads, multiple networks, VPNs, etc.?)? If not very, just buy a new one if it dies; or if you have no spare, get a cheap N150 one. I got an Asus just to have around for about $5AMIR awhile back.

You will still have downtime, with a spare modem, as the new one will need to be provisioned.

 

[VirtualLarry]

If you are buying a new router, get AC-whatever, with Gigabit LAN and WAN ports. If you are buying a new modem, get a Docsis 3.0 modem, and one that is capable of AT LEAST "8x4". (8 downstream, and 4 upstream.) That would be the Motorola / Arris 6141. The 6121 is cheaper, but it's only a 4x4, and is already obsolete. There's another one out, a 6381 or something kind of like that, that's 16x4 or 16x8. That's probably the best one to get, if you're going to spend money, but cable providers may move to Docsis 3.1 soon, and from what I understand, it's really "Docsis 4.0" as far as backwards-compatibility goes (not very).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Combo...-EMC-091015-Latest-_-Combo-_-Combo2493196-S0K

 

[GoodEnough]

I can get a used SB5100 for $10 on Ebay.
And a used WNR3500 for $15.

I might just do that.

 

[Ketchup]

If you don't get the same model modem you had, check with your ISP to make sure that it is supported. I had one that I used with my ISP, didn't use it for a few years (they brought me a new one with a service upgrade), and found that the only was no longer supported by them when I wanted to make sure it still worked.

 

[VirtualLarry]

If you don't get the same model modem you had, check with your ISP to make sure that it is supported. I had one that I used with my ISP, didn't use it for a few years (they brought me a new one with a service upgrade), and found that the only was no longer supported by them when I wanted to make sure it still worked.

That's why I suggested a Docsis 3.0 modem. They may not activate any Docsis 2.0 modems on their cable system any more. At least, I don't think Comcast will.