Best Modem/Router to buy? + Other internet help

[ophaq]

Hi guys. With black friday and cyber monday coming up, I figured it would be high time to buy a new modem and router. I'm not really sure what to look for though, because I've had my current ones for about 6 or 7 years. My modem is an Arris WBM760 and my router is some sort of small Belkin one.

Every year around winter time, where the temperature drops to around 40-60F, the internet will go out sporadically. This happens especially on the lower end of that spectrum and it will continuously power cycle until it gets the internet connection back. This usually happens around 2-4am in the morning and it can take until 3 or 4pm to get the internet back at worst. In the summertime with temperatures up to 80-90F and high humidity, this problem never happens.

Recently, the modem has been giving me all good to go green lights as well but the router's internet "world" icon would flash red indicating there was not really an internet connection. I even confirmed there no was no internet connected as my desktop is directly hooked to the modem and has wi-fi as well. It took a lot of restarting both of them to miraculously get the internet to work.

My ISP is Comcast so I've been thinking of calling them again if I keep getting this problem. In the past I've called them down for service tech a few times. Each time they said nothing was wrong with the internet. At most they would try replacing the coaxial cable port in the wall/the cable itself or look in the wiring in the roof.

Since my modem and router are so old, it might be best to try replacing them and eliminate the "old tech" factor from my troubleshooting. I really don't know what to pick though.

Is there any difference in speed between a router and modem separated to a router/modem in one? If the router/modem combined ones are better and more convenient, I will probably settle for that so I don't have to mess with the constantly irritating syncing between my router and modem every time I want internet.

My budget is around $150-200. I don't mind spending a fair amount on a nice modem/router that will last me another 4+ years as these two have. I'm honestly surprised they have lasted this long with little problems.

Thanks in advance for any helpful advice! 😀

 

[Eximo]

Start here: https://mydeviceinfo.xfinity.com/

A good FAQ: https://customer.xfinity.com/help-and-support/internet/list-of-approved-cable-modems/

No real speed difference between a modem/router and modem + router. If you are renting the modem from Comcast, then you are basically paying them for something they paid off a long time ago. The advantage of having a separate modem and router is that you can upgrade/replace the router with ease.

I went with a Netgear modem/router myself and it works well DOCSIS 3.0 so it supports up to 300Mbps in case they ever decide it go faster on my connection. Only drawback is that it only has two ethernet ports, but I could easily get a switch to remedy that.

 

[ophaq]

My modem also supports DOCSIS 3.0. The router and modem combo is one that a relative got so it's not a rented one. I don't care for the rented ones anyway because it's just a reason for them to suck more money out of you. I'm looking for a modem/router that performs very well and will fully utilize my internet connection with is pretty quick. It should also last quite a while like my former ones.

 

[Eximo]

I guess you would have to be more specific.

As long as the router is at least Gigabit for ethernet and supports wireless N or higher you aren't likely to need to replace it. If you have many devices and need 5Ghz, and possibly multi-channel support, you would be looking at around the top end of your budget.

But an actual increase in performance from a router is only as fast as the internet connection and the devices connected to it.

 

[ophaq]

Oh, okay. Well it's been so long since I have needed a new modem and router. I was thinking that there would be DOCSIS 4.0 or something out by now lol.

Anyway, I guess I'm looking for any good, reliable router and modem in one that people like with handy features such as easy port forwarding. I don't really know much about the router and modem market because they aren't something that need to be replaced very often unless they were manufactured poorly.

 

[Eximo]

That is why I directed you to Comcast's list of approved devices. It varies by geographic location so my choices won't necessarily be your choices. (Not all of their infrastructure is/was built by them, they moved into a lot of places and bought existing networks)

Very rare to see a round up of modem/router combos. Occasionally you will see router testing. There are some impressive wireless AC multi-channel routers out there. But for most users a dual band router is enough to service a household full of devices.

I stuck with reviews on the listed devices and pricing. I wanted a dual band AC modem/router and picked between a few brands and settled on Netgear. Doesn't look like my model is still available, but I would cast an eye on this one since it has my coveted four ports.

https://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/cable-modems-routers/C6300.aspx?cid=wmt_netgear_organic

 

[ophaq]

I see... thank you for your help. I'll look into them.