- BEST CABLE MODEMS FOR 2018 FOR FREE
- BEST CABLE MODEMS FOR 2018 HOW TO
- BEST CABLE MODEMS FOR 2018 UPGRADE
This means that getting a brand-new modem gives you no more benefits than getting a refurbished one of the same type. For this reason, they can work for a long time and tend to become obsolete before they actually stop working. There are also no moving parts inside modems (most of them don't even have ventilation fans). You never have to change any settings or customize anything at all. It never hurts to buy a brand-new modem, or router, but you can save quite a bit and lose nothing if you go for a used or refurbished one.Ĭable modems are simple devices, and once set up, they remain in one place. In a typical cable-internet-based home network, you connect the modem to a Wi-Fi router's WAN port using a (preferably) short network cable, to share the internet connection with multiple devices. For most homes, the broadband speed tends to be the lowest common denominator. Your actual internet connection speed depends on the speed of the modem, the router, the Wi-Fi connection, switches, the connected client itself and the broadband data plan you pay for, and whichever is the lowest at a given time. (Those using DOCSIS 2.0 or earlier are obsolete.) That said, when looking for a modem, make sure you first check to make sure it's on your provider's approved list examples of such lists are this list from Comcast and this one from Time Warner Cable. This standard is called "data over cable service interface specification," or DOCSIS, and currently they all use DOCSIS version 3.0. The biggest difference between them is the standard they support, which determines the internet speed capacity they are capable of delivering. Modems are generally very simple devices and work the same.
BEST CABLE MODEMS FOR 2018 UPGRADE
Or when you want to upgrade your broadband speed, you just need to upgrade the modem. Getting a separate router and modem gives you a lot of flexibility because if you want to upgrade your home network to have faster speed or more features, you just need to replace the router. Once the modem is activated, just connect its network port to the WAN (internet) port of a modem and you have a "gateway." After getting the modem, just pick up one of these routers or Wi-Fi systems according to your needs.
BEST CABLE MODEMS FOR 2018 FOR FREE
Unless the combo device is provided for free (not likely), or if you're a Comcast customer and you like the new xFi features, always get a standalone modem and a separate router.
Should I get a router/modem combo or two separate devices?
The most popular gateway is the Comcast XB3, which has recently been renamed to Xfinity xFi Wireless Gateway. To make it simple, most service providers combine a modem and a Wi-Fi router into a single box and call it a gateway. In order to connect more devices in a home - many of them are Wi-Fi devices, like your tablets or your laptops - you also need a Wi-Fi router.
Note the LAN port (top) and the coaxial port.Ī modem can only connect a single device to the internet. The back of a typical DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. Whether you're a current cable internet customer or you're thinking of switching, this Q&A should set you up to get the most for your broadband buck.
BEST CABLE MODEMS FOR 2018 HOW TO
I've included in-depth answers to each, including suggestions on how to save on your monthly bill (spoiler: buy your cable modem, don't rent). To that end, I've boiled things down to the seven most popular questions I generally receive from readers on the subject of cable internet. Indeed, many users can save upward of $10 per month on their current cable internet service. But what many people don't know is that they may be paying more than they need to for cable broadband - especially if they use equipment provided by the cable company. If you're looking for the best home broadband speeds, cable internet service is still the go-to choice since fiber optic is only available in limited areas. Editors' note: This post is regularly updated.
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