Do I need a new router and modem?

[GrannySmith1]

I currently have Comcast cable internet. I pay for around 20mbps download and 4mbps upload. Right now I am using a Arris tm604g/ct modem and a Linksys wrt54gs router.

In my apartment, I have a bunch of stuff connected to the internet. I have one computer, a PS3, and an att microcell connected by ethernet. I also usually have 3 iphones, a printer, and 2 ipads connected to the internet as well.

When I use speedtest, my speeds are usually around 20mbps download and 5mbps upload with 20ping. I would like to get better speeds and ping mainly because I game A TON. Faster internet gives you an advantage for the FPS games I play.

Do you guys think it would be worth it to upgrade my modem and router? If so, do you guys have any recommendations on which ones I should get based on my internet usage?

Update: Just upgraded my comcast internet to blast tier which is supposed to give me 50mbps download. Given this new internet, do I need to upgrade my modem or router?

 

[boosted1g]

The wrt54g are very dated and wont keep up well with the amount of devices we have, so upgrading your router might not be a bad idea. Look for something by asus or buffalo or someone who allows opensource firmware.

With that said, you have 20mbps download and 5mbps upload and that is what you are paying for then a new modem or router is not going to make it go any faster, only paying for a faster connection will make it faster. 20ms ping is pretty good as well.

 

[GrannySmith1]

Correction: Just updated my interent to blast tier which is 50mbps.

Will this modem and router be able to handle that amount of speed? If not again which routers/modems do you recommend?

 

[boosted1g]

Your router will hold you back at 50mbps speed.

Your modem on the other hand will definatly hold you back. Your modem is a docsis 2.0 (docsis is the communication protocol used by cable providers, the "modem" then coverts it from docsis to ethernet format), docsis 2.0 can only support up to 30mbps so you will need a newer modem with docsis 3.0.

If you got the modem through your cable provider you can most likely get it switched out. If it is your personal modem then you should go get a new modem, any of the motorola surfboard modems that are 3.0 should work. FYI dont buy a modem/router combo devices, they usually take a subpar modem and combine a subpar router and sell it to you for $5-10 less then the cost of a decent modem and a seperate decent router.

If you tell me a little more about your internet and network use (like file sharing, video streaming, backups, etc) and what kind of devices you have I can suggest you a good router.

 

[GrannySmith1]

I game a lot on my ps3 and i wanted to upgrade my internet so i could get an advantage while playing fast paced fps games. A majority of my internet usage is through gaming and light internet browsing. Aside from that i also have 3 iphones, 2 ipads and a microcell from att that is a cell signal booster connected to my router. Everything is wired except for the iphones and ipads.

What would you do in this situation? The router and modem i have right now are mine. I could get a modem/router combo from comcast which i believe is an n series router docois 3 for $5-$10 a month. Or i could just downgrade my internet and pay less while keeping the same modem and router. If i were to buy completely new routers and modems, my budget would be tight (under $150).

The current internet setup i have gets me like 20 ping, 20 download and 5 upload average. I just wanted less ping for gaming .

Update: Did a quick browse on the internet. Are these good?

Router: Netgear n300

Modem: Motorola sb6121

 

[boosted1g]

I have the sb6121 and it is pretty good, you can get one from amazon or walmart for less then $70.

I have this router and it is a very capibile router, especially if you put tomatousb firmware on it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122334

I have a 1700 sqft home and If it is at the far end of the house I can get 4 bars at the opposite side of the house.

If you have a large floor plan then I would go with one of these two:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127215
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162069

There are routers with faster speeds, but since everything is wired except your iDevices there is really nothing for you to gain with a dual band n600 or n900 router.

 

[GrannySmith1]

I live in an apartment so I don't need better routers.

Also, coincidence that I was looking at the exact same router as that a second ago!

Thank you for the help!

So to confirm, the 6121 is NOT a modem/router combo like I thought correct?

 

[boosted1g]

They make a router/modem combo using the 6121 chipset i believe.
Here is what you want. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825122015

 

[GrannySmith1]

I only see one ethernet cable on the back. are you sure there is a router included in that?

 

[boosted1g]

Based on your needs you will be good. That 3500lv2 router has good cpu and memory in it and will handle the network traffic better then that 54gs can. If your internet speed the same, you would probably notice some slightly better pings from the router alone.

If you want to get the most out of that netgear you should flash it to tomatousb and then you can tune the QoS very nicely for gaming. From the firmware you can scan your neighbors wifi to find the best channel for you to use so that way you and your next door neighbor are not blasting wifi on the same channel and interfering with one another.