All in one or separate modem and router?

[lancerplayer]

I currently have cable internet service and use a Arris DG860 modem and router all in one from the service provider.

I would like to purchase my own instead of paying monthly for the one they provide. I have no idea what to purchase.

My home has 1 desktop that plugs in directly to the modem and then has 3 laptops that use wi-fi and 2 tablets that use wi-fi.

I'm not really tech savvy when it comes to networking, but do want speed, reliability, and simplicity at a fair price.

Current speeds: 30mbps download & 5mbps upload

My internet service provider stated any DOCSIS 3.0 modem is compatible with their service.

I'm unsure if I should get an all-in-one modem/router like I currently have or separate equipment?

Will I see significant performance improvements by going with separate equipment? There is some "lag" when streaming movies. This is a small annoyance, but makes me wonder if it is the all in one modem and router that is causing this.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Who is your service provider? You can google their name and "approved modem" to find a list of devices that will work.

As far as all-in-one vs separate, here is a recent thread on a similar topic:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb......#Post4011977

Personally, I would go the separate route, but for someone who is not tech savvy, possibly a single device might be simpler to manage.

 

[Danno]

I have your setup, service provider modem with wireless. I don't use the wireless portion of the service provider modem and have my own wireless modem.
3 computers are hard wired, as is yours, and the other 8 devices or so are wireless.
I use this modem connected to the service provider modem. Works well, fast and reliable. I have 150/10 Mbps service and it gives me that throughput wired and wireless.
http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C7-Wireless-1300Mbps/dp/B00BUSDVBQ

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Danno
and have my own wireless modem.

I think you mean wireless router.

 

[lancerplayer]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Who is your service provider? You can google their name and "approved modem" to find a list of devices that will work.

As far as all-in-one vs separate, here is a recent thread on a similar topic:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb......#Post4011977

Personally, I would go the separate route.






My service provider is WOW! - http://www.wowway.com/

Using the FAQ tool, the question of "Can I use my own modem?" gives the following answer:

"Yes, you can use you own cable modem for WOW! Internet service, but customer-owned modems may not be capable of getting the full speeds from some of our Internet packages. A DOCSIS 2.0 modem is required to receive Internet service and a DOCSIS 3.0 modem is required for 30Mbps and 50Mbps Internet customers."

I then noticed a PDF list of compatible modems, which can be found here - http://www.wowway.com/docs/wow/documents-support-internet/modem-compatibility-list.pdf

 

[JMJNet]

That list is almost all modem available out there.
There are a lot of seller that have those modem.
Check Newegg.com or Amazon.com or Best Buy or even office supply store like Office Depot and Staples and Ebay.

As far as speed, it depends on the service quality.
The modem and router can only do as fast as the speed from the service provider.

 

[Danno]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Danno
and have my own wireless modem.

I think you mean wireless router.

Yes, correct - thanks.

 

[buck91]

I originally switched to my own modem and router to save money over the long run. Found out that you get the added benefit of your ISP being unable to snoop around your home network.

I don't know how tech savvy you are, if yuo are trying to get the best or the best value or just get it working. Whether you go with a combo or seperate units consider getting a modem with multiple bonding channels- the more the better. 4x2 would be MINIMUM. Likewise, a dual band router will give you greater options in the house. I like to set up my wifi so mobile devices run on the 5ghz band and computer/laptops/etc run on the 2.4ghz with the smartTV hardwired to conserve wifi bandwidth on all that HD video.

Now that I think about it, the 2.4ghz actually tends to have better range despite the lower bandwidth. Maybe it would work better to swap my wifi bands. Anyways, also consider which channel your wifi is using; the more routers on the same channel within range the more crosstalk and hence the lower data speed. There are multiple free tools to scan for the best channel in your house using either your PC, mac or phone.

 

[skyactiv]

I switched from a separate cable modem and Wi-Fi router to an all in one. Dumb move on my part. Should have just kept the cable modem I owned and bought a modern Wi-Fi router instead. My all in one is a dual band with AC and touted as having a high powered signal. But it needs rebooted once a day.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I bough Cisco DPC3010 DOCSIS 3.0 for $14.xx shipped from an Amazon seller, it's good to about 100 mbit. My Cox Cable charges $6.xx a month for their cable modem Cisco DPQ3212 DOCSIS 3.0, so this will pay for itself in about 2 months.

 

[alarmguy]

Separate, I have a TPlink tc 7610 docsis 3.0 modem and TPlink Archer c7 v2 ac1750 router. Rock solid stable, no issues, priced right.

 

[razel]

Originally Posted By: lancerplayer
Will I see significant performance improvements by going with separate equipment? There is some "lag" when streaming movies. This is a small annoyance, but makes me wonder if it is the all in one modem and router that is causing this.


In terms of WiFi signal strength then yes. Primarily because you can more easily relocate your router without having to also run the COAX the goes to the modem.

In terms of Internet speed your current modem is 8 channels. You can buy a 16 channel modem or higher (ask them what's the max they support) and your connection will not slow as much when your ISP starts to get congested.

As for that lag, if that lag happens on your wired connection, then your ISP is congested and more channel may help. If it's on wireless, what you can do right now is relocate your modem/WiFi combo. The easiest solution is to elevate it. 2nd easiest is if it's against an outside wall then just put foil against that side of the modem to reflect the wasted signals back into your home.

Best of luck.

 

[gonefishing]

I have a Motorola SBG6580 which is an all in one router/modem. It has been very reliable and I hardly ever have to restart it.