Best modem & router for small area

[richman.robert]

I'm looking for the best modem and router for a 150 sq ft room to stream on my LG OLED TV which I'll hardwire, with my only other devices, a Galaxy S7 phone + eventual Soundbar or Home Theater equipment. I'll be using Comcast Xfinity Performance Pro Internet Service and while I've considered purchasing a Gateway combo - which should be sufficient - have heard that it's far better to use a separate modem and router. Still, I wonder for a room this size. whether the difference would be that significant. Any thoughts?

 

[jsmithepa]

Coverage-wise for u, it won't matter one box or two boxes, better though to have multiple-antennas for dead spots.

 

[richman.robert]

Coverage-wise for u, it won't matter one box or two boxes, better though to have multiple-antennas for dead spots.

 

[richman.robert]

Thank you. Your response does pose another question however. By multiple attenae, are you. referring to the external ones found on routers? Gateway combos, as far as I can see, don't have them.

 

[jsmithepa]

Yes externals, the boxes that look like spiders.

 

[bill001g]

You can not always see the antenna they many times build them into the case. Used to be external antenna were always better but some manufactures have figured out how to built high quality internal antenna. Although you would have to dig through fcc filings to really be sure most devices have antenna and radios that in combination put out very close to the legal maximum allowed. This means in general all routers have very similar coverage.

In a single room it likely does not matter much.

It all depends what other features you need/want. Many combo boxes are pretty basic. If you need something like vpn or maybe NAS support a seperate router and modem will give you more choices. If your need are fairly simple there may not be much difference.

 

[failboat]

modem->router->AP is nice.

When one needs an upgrade you can buy just the one needed.

from a savings view, if you can use an all-in-one modem,router,wifi you can cover 150sqft easy and not pay them monthly for modem. wireless N or AC ones are less than $80 for DOCSIS 3.0. if you have hardwired the important stuff spending a lot for wifi won't be practical.

 

[richman.robert]

modem->router->AP is nice.

When one needs an upgrade you can buy just the one needed.

from a savings view, if you can use an all-in-one modem,router,wifi you can cover 150sqft easy and not pay them monthly for modem. wireless N or AC ones are less than $80 for DOCSIS 3.0. if you have hardwired the important stuff spending a lot for wifi won't be practical.

 

[richman.robert]

So an AC 1200 combo under $100 would be just as effective for my needs as say, a 1750 or 1900 3.0 Docsis selling close to $200? I get it; why pay for so much routing ability if only hardwiring a TV with an internal web interface & using Wi-Fi service for my phone and tablet. I have heard however - true or not - that Comcast does tend to monitor the use of internet only customers more frequently, while providing weaker speeds than advertised were they otherwise suscribing to their Cable TV service too.

 

[failboat]

the best wifi really just helps more clients get on. the devices are the weak link.
make sure the wires are 1Gbs on LAN and the DOCSIS is fast enough for your plan/ can be used with your isp.