#Comcast modem vs router update#
#Comcast modem vs router software#
#Comcast modem vs router password#
#Comcast modem vs router series#

Check for firmware updates frequently, and update the device as soon as one is available.The cable-modem router combo should match at least that speed. Double-check your internet subscription and the speed that you’re paying for (25Mbps, 50Mbps, 100Mbps, or the like).Expensiveįor peak performance in the gigabit-plus speed range and compatibility with fiber-optic internet providers, cable-modem router combos start around $250 and go as high as $350. Mid-rangeįor just a bit more, starting around $120 and moving up to $190, you can get a reliable device with a range of features that are compatible with most cable companies’ DOCSIS standards. Low-end cable modem-router combos start as low as $63 and range up to about $105, though they may not have the performance you need. Cable modem-router combo prices Inexpensive For example, there may be 24 x 8 - 24 downstream and 8 upstream channels. There will always be fewer upstream than downstream channels. Look for a combo with at least 16 downstream channels to handle faster internet speeds. It’s a separate WiFi network with a separate password that provides internet access, but doesn’t allow access to any other devices or information on your local network. Guest WiFi networkĬable-modem routers increasingly include a guest WiFi network option.

#Comcast modem vs router password#

Users with a WiFi-enabled device and the cable-modem router password can access the internet from anywhere in the home. Most models will work with major Internet Service Providers (ISP), but you'll want to double-check before you buy. Most ISPs publish a list of cable modem-router combos that they work with.īestReviews Electronics Expert Multiple WiFi connection If you have a large house, a mesh networking system may work best.

#Comcast modem vs router series#

Mesh WiFi systems use a series of modules placed around your house to create a strong WiFi signal everywhere. Type of WiFiīefore you choose a cable modem-router combo, consider the kind of WiFi it supports. Does it support WiFi 6 speeds, or only up to WiFi 5? The more users and devices that will use a WiFi network, the faster you'll want the network to be.Īlso, consider if you need a mesh networking system. You want to pay attention to which version the router adheres to because gigabit connections require DOCSIS 3.1. Check your service provider bill to see what speeds you’re paying for. DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1?ĭata Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) is an international telecommunications standard. The tradeoff for fewer features and options is a single device that takes up less space, is easy to set up, and will run reliably for quite some time. Also, combo routers tend to have fewer features than standalone routers.

#Comcast modem vs router software#

For example, if the router becomes obsolete or can’t be upgraded through a software update, you may need to replace the entire combo. One downside to the cable modem-router combo is that putting both a modem and a router into a single device limits some of your options. And if the cable company doesn’t support the cable-modem router, it won’t work at all.īestReviews Electronics Expert Inflexibility For example, if you have a 50Mbps (megabits per second) internet connection, a cable-modem router designed to handle 1Gbps (gigabits per second) is overkill. It must be compatible with the service and internet speed your cable company delivers. That screamingly fast cable modem-router combo at the top of the price range may not be the right device for your needs.

It’s important, before making a purchase, to make sure a particular cable-modem router would deliver optimum performance for your particular internet setup. That data signal is processed by the cable modem and delivered wirelessly throughout the house via its onboard WiFi transmitter. It receives a data signal from the cable provider via a coaxial cable running from a nearby network node to the device. Key considerationsĪ cable modem-router combo is a highly efficient setup. Often, the provider has software available to handle this part of the setup.

Register your cable modem’s MAC address with your cable provider so the system will be properly set up to work with the provider’s signal.