(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best modem router combos

First, for a modem+router to work you need to receive service from a internet service provider (Cox, At&T, etc.) not from a mobile carrier (T-Mobile, Sprint). Do you already receive receive service from a internet service provider? Someone would be paying them a monthly fee and you would be receiving internet to your home from a cable/coax outlet or a DSL outlet.

Second, Nighthawk equipment is typically targeted to intense internet usage. Nighthawk's maximum capabilities will generally not be realized unless you are paying for the highest internet subscription from your ISP and also using multiple network-taxing PCs for gaming, livestreaming, and downloading. If all you want is faster internet for a few home devices like phones, you can use a cheaper modem and a cheaper router.

The first Nighthawk router you linked is designed for train stations and mansions with all smart appliances, not for typical home use. There's probably no reason for you to fork over $450 for it.

The second Nighthawk router you listed for 60 GHz, which means super fast speed but doesn't work outside of close proximity (like 10 feet). While 60 GHz chips have been developed, basically no commercial devices use them, only prototypes. I imagine 60 GHz will eventually be used for 4K streaming to smart TVs located near the router, but it's just not worth forking over $400.

Third, pick a modem that matches the speed of your subscription with your ISP. Here is a guide for picking a cable modem. Basically, higher DOCSIS version number (3.1 vs 3.0) and higher number of channels (32 vs 16 vs 8) means higher capabilities and more expensive. For typical home internet use, DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with 8 channels is plenty. This is the type of cable modem I have, and it supports my 100 Mbps internet subscription. A DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with 8 channels should be about $50. If you really want to make sure you match your internet subscription, you can get a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem with 16 channels for about $80-$90. You probably don't need the Nighthawk DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with 32 channels that you listed, which is about $150.

Here is a guide for picking a DSL modem. Basically, a VDSL modem has higher capability than an ADSL modem. An ADSL modem might not be fast enough for your typical home use, but you can get an ADSL modem for about $40-$50. VDSL modems should work for your typical home use. VDSL modems are usually sold a as a combination modem+router, rather than a standalone modem. You can get a VDSL modem+router with a faster router half for about $120+. You can get a VDSl modem+router with a slower router half for about $70.

Fourth, pick a router that suits your home use. You want a router that (1) has fast speed and (2) has enough range for a signal to reach you based on your home size. Here is a brief guide of routers speed. Basically, WiFi "AC" protocol is the standard for home use, and higher numbers after the "AC" (AC 1900 vs AC 1750) means faster speed. AC 1200 routers are typically about $405-$50. AC 1750 routers are typically about $80. AC 1900 routers are typically about $120. You might notice the speed difference between 1200 and 1900. You probably won't notice the speed difference between 1750 and 1900. Anything above 1900 you probably won't be able to tell the difference.

There isn't really a guide on router range. Router manufacturers have collectively agreed not to advertise their signal strengths. So you have to look around the internet for reviews, or do your own tests. You can do you own tests by buying multiple routers, using any of the millions of free Wi-Fi strength apps on the app store, and returning the the routers with lower strength. I tested some routers this way and ended up keeping this router.

I prefer standalone routers. They sometimes perform better than combination modem+routers because designers didn't have to worry about incorporating a modem. Also, I can swap them out without having to buy a new modem. However, you can also buy a combination modem+router to save space. But make sure the modem half matches your internet subscription, and the router half matches your home use. By paying for a decent internet subscription, matching my modem to the internet subscription, and matching my router to my home, I have the best in-home WiFi of any of my friends.

EDIT: Fifth, wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday electronics deals. Electronics usually go on sale the weekend after Thanksgiving. You might be able to pick up compatible modems and routers for cheaper.

I have CenturyLink 20mbps (I believe) for the 12-month price of $29.95. After 12 months it goes to whatever their "market price" is, BUT I'm only on a 12-month contract--so I can either switch to Comcast (and get their new subscriber deal), adjust my speed, or work some other magic if the price for 20 mbps is too high.

I'm not too worried about prices increasing--I went back and tracked their prices over the past couple of years, and the $/speed has been falling. Basically, they keep getting faster, so mid-tier speeds become bottom-tier speeds, and get bottom-tier pricing. I imagine this is also the case for Comcast, but their bottom price seems to be higher than the bottom price for CenturyLink

I've also heard a few reports say that CenturyLink will give you a pretty substantial discount if you call to cancel (I wouldn't fake cancel in hopes of getting a discount--but it could be a semi-unexpected perk).

Also, the 20 mbps is a guaranteed minimum, which makes a difference--I test my speed every couple weeks to make sure it's hanging around 20 mbps; it has been so far, but I totally intend to call and get some $$$ back if it ever slows down.

Just a note: they'll say some routers aren't supported when they really are. I got this one for $65--it isn't on their list of supported routers, but it works perfectly and there are set-up guides online.

You can also buy a router from them for $90. At $7/month to rent, even the ones they sell will pay for themselves in just over a year.

All that being said, my decision basically came down to two things:

• I didn't want TV (I would've gone Comcast if I did)
  
• The renter before me had CenturyLink (so I didn't have an install fee, but would have had one with Comcast)

Fancy! I never thought about flashing other routers to do this. Hmmm. The first router is not available in my country and the second router charges $39 for delivery :) The flashing site looks pretty easy if I follow steps. I have a D-Link DSL 2750B router with a USB port for NAS. Will try figuring out if there's some useful flashes for that router. It's anyway a piece of garbage since it was a DSL router. If something is possible this will be a free upgrade. I was looking for this adapter because this seems to be the cheapest interface available subject to compatibility. Around $10-$15.

Would this combo do the trick? https://amzn.com/B01HDZME3A

Looking at them separately, they seem to be pretty expensive, however, it looks like there is about $70 saved if I bundled.

Then it looks like I could purchase WiFi extenders that just plug in. Would that be a route to take or is it better to have the APs hardwired?

Would the APs you suggest work with the above bundle?

It's not a problem! That's why I am here!

That device is totally different. I'm sorry for not asking, but if you have DSL, you need a DSL modem. Typically those are combo units of modem and router.

I use a Netgear router at home (I have cable) and have used exclusively Netgear at work, and really do like their products. You need to get something like this. You can buy a different one, or a cheaper one, but you need a DSL Modem/Router combo to accomplish what you are looking for.

100% yes. You'll recoup your costs quickly with that price. I would recommend a separate router and modem, however.

If you ever switch to anything but DSL, you can keep your router. This will also allow you to have a greater variety in choosing routers, and the ability to customize it, for example, with DD-WRT.

However, that's not to say that a router/modem combo is a terrible idea. If you just want it to work, then check out some of these. Not personal endorsements, just options. Ask your DSL provider if they have a modem compatibility list. When I bought my cable modem to use with comcast, I checked their website for a handy list. They should also be able to tell you which standards you'd want your modem to be compliant with in order to get full DSL speeds. Hope this helps!

http://amzn.com/B004NBZ98K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825112005

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-AC1900-Router-CenturyLink/dp/B0111MRL4S/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1495128145&sr=1-5&keywords=ADSL2%2B%2Bmodem&th=1

if you want the best LAN network. But note, the internet speed will be whatever the ISP gives you.

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-TD-W8980-Wireless-Non-Cable-Compatible/dp/B00C4OANW0/ref=sr_1_17?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1495128382&sr=1-17&keywords=ADSL2%2B+modem

this'll be ok too, but won't let you use the 802.11ac that your adapter supports, but honestly, it's not a big deal in most cases.

I have a modem/router question. My download is 7Mbps and my upload is like 0.4 (when plugged in) or not even. Kinda shitty but can't get anything better.

Would I benefit from a better modem/router when I'm using WiFi?
This is the one I'm looking at atm Link

My current one is whatever I got from eircom. Its N, not AC.

Two best routers to replace the stock router you get are;

Cheap:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-Wireless-Support-UK-TD-W9970/dp/B013OXVA6M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511602663&sr=8-1&keywords=w9970

Less cheap:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Billion-8800NL-R2-Wireless-Connections/dp/B01EVNR22K/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1511602711&sr=1-1&keywords=billion+router

The cheaper one should be fine if you're in a city area, the latter is good for rural (slower) connections.

This is the exact model (https://www.amazon.com/TECHNICOLOR-TC8715D-WIRELESS-ROUTER-GATEWAY/dp/B01DFM5Q12). It looks like its gigabit but I'll have to do some testing later tonight. Thank you so much for the help!

This is my motherboard for reference (https://www.asrock.com/MB/Intel/X99%20Extreme4/index.asp)

I can't find any 32 channel downstream telephony modems that are certified on Comcast.

However, Comcast has a 24 channel one that is certified: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-XFINITY-Internet-services/dp/B01M1AOEDA

It's good for up to 648 Mbps.

You might need two separate devices, which is fine. Comcast has straight telephone devices.

First check and see what speed you can get at your exact address as if it is lower than 1-2mbit you may look at satellite if you don't mind the data cap. I ended up buying the [TP-Link Archer D9] (https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-D9-Wireless-Beamforming/dp/B00RGMDGGA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469583279&sr=8-1&keywords=archer+d9) for about $140 however it doesn't look like its in stock anymore. They have a simple one for cheaper here If you want good wifi you may look at getting this modem and one of the better rated wireless routers here. Both of the modems are compatible with centurylink's dsl and should have instructions on how to connect it and you should just have to call in to get your login information.

Alright then, something simple like this should do fine https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Wireless-N-Modem-Router-GT784WN/dp/B004NBZ98K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503030680&sr=8-1&keywords=adsl+wifi+802.11n

Please excuse my ignorance, but would this router be better than POS router

Yeah sure.
It is wireless.
It is a Zoom router (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Gigabit-5354-Certified-Providers/dp/B00UVOV82E#customerReviews)
I got the speed detail based on the number of ping I saw in the game.

NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 (24x8) DOCSIS 3.0 WiFi Cable Modem Router Combo (C7000) for Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, more (Renewed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DCZ7C65/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zZ6UDb0FN9A0P this is the modem I been using for 6 years I never had an issue with it running spectrum 500mbps down 20up the only thing I don't like netgear doesn't release firmware updates that's often otherwise is great

I unfortunately also get phone service from xfinity, so if I were to buy something similar it’d be this. NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 (24x8) DOCSIS 3.0 WiFi Cable Modem Router Combo For XFINITY Internet & Voice (C7100V) Ideal for Xfinity Internet and Voice services https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1AOEDA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jAMLBb0VP3FN7 looks just like the box that I rent from them. ARRIS SURFboard SVG2482AC 24X8 Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem/Telephone/AC1750 Wi-Fi Router Certified for XFINITY - White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDGWKSB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cBMLBbP77DECA

Motorola modems are overpriced IMO. I cant recommend them. The one listed below is only capable of 4 downstream channels. Thats not good in 2016.

Id get this Zoom modem that is 8x4:

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-DOCSIS-Certified-Comcast-XFINITY/dp/B0063K4NN6/

There is also a newer model from Zoom that offers 16 downstreams for $80.

I would recommend a Netgear N300 for your router. But if you want a all in one unit Zoom offer that modem I linked you combined with a N300 router:

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Gigabit-5354-Certified-Providers/dp/B00UVOV82E/

Then why would it put 4 ports on the back if 1 is active?

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Cable-Modem-CM1200/dp/B07Q5VM51Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=netgear+cm1200+cable+modem&qid=1563028972&s=gateway&sprefix=cm1200&sr=8-3

Actually, they're still modems. They just use a different technology (ADSL) to do their Modulation and Demodulation. You can't connect to an ADSL connection without a modem.

You can buy routers both with and without modems integrated today, or buy a modem separately.

Downstairs I have a dedicated modem that hooks into my phone line, which passes a demodulated signal to my wireless router, which routes internet traffic to my computer.

Haha I was just looking into that. My plan is to purchase the Netgear Nighthawk X4S DOCSIS 3.1  and use Google WiFi in bridge mode to cover some areas in the house.

Ok thanks for working with me on this. I am not really pushing a lot over bandwidth i do not think. Just a family of 3, and my wife uses the wifi to stream shows on her ipad. We do have several devices using music but i do not think that takes much. Based on what you were saying i was thinking of maybe this one?
https://www.amazon.com/Asus-Modem-Router-Combo-All/dp/B06Y3XQ8M9/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=asus+router&qid=1571343617&refinements=p_89%3AASUS%2Cp_n_intended_use_browse-bin%3A9647497011&rnid=9647496011&s=pc&sr=1-6
I use xfinity was kind of why this caught my eye.

It's got good reviews:


http://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Q1000-Qwest/dp/B005GGD51O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372539209&sr=8-1&keywords=q1000

I've had no end of problems with the BT Hubs. They're all trash. I think I had to give my parents my old HH4 because their HH3 was causing problems with Netflix on Samsung TVs..

What you need is a modem compatible with BT, and then a WiFi Router.

Alternatively, you could get a VDSL Modem Router like I did: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01132GCP0/

EDIT: Looks like you've linked directly to the V2 of the one I have. Get one of those, you'll be happy

I've had absolutely zero issues with WiFi since I begun using this, and get a solid 69Mbps down when using WiFi. I was only getting 38Mbps using the HomeHub and BT told me it was an issue with my home.

Regarding your DNS server, try and use Google's DNS servers. IIRC though, the HomeHub overwrites any local DNS settings on devices, and from what I recall, you can't actually change the defaults on the Home Hub..

Here is one CenturyLink told me would definitely work - I found it for $35 on Craigslist. They'll give you a list if you call.

The wireless devices were affected, this started happening as soon as we got the router.


But, I did fix the issue, thanks to your suggestion, not sure why it happened, but I'll take it.


Our modem has 4 LAN ports on it, I swapped to another port on the modem, and everything is now fine. (We got the modem for about $140 on a sale)

https://www.amazon.com/SURFboard-SB6190-DOCSIS-AC3200-Router/dp/B01HDZME3A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468263768&sr=8-1&keywords=ARRIS+SURFboard+SB6190+DOCSIS+3.0+Cable+Modem+%26+ARRIS+SURFboard+AC3200+Wi-Fi+Router

This is the top of the line modem with the top of the line router.

Joesph,

I called and after a discussion it seems like not many customers exist in eastern NB. I decided to give Teksavvy a shot and placed my order. Paying $47 beats $85 for the same service. I also went with the tp link adsl2+ modem

I bought a cheap router and worked really well: https://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0031SUB4S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I looked at the back and it says Technicolor. Looks exactly/probably is this exact one:

https://www.amazon.com/TECHNICOLOR-TC8715D-WIRELESS-ROUTER-GATEWAY/dp/B01DFM5Q12/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Just about - you can buy second off ebay for virtually nothing.

Even new £20 or less e.g.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-TD-W8960N-Wireless-Router-Connections/dp/B0031SUB4S/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1464253703&sr=8-6&keywords=amazon+wireless+routers

Description for this item on Amazon says, "Not compatible with Verizon FIOS, AT&T U-verse or cable systems such as Comcast,Time Warner, Cablevision, Cox, Charter etc."
If you have Cincinnati Bell FIOS - or cable Internet - this thing likely just not compatible.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y3XQ8M9/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_LN5RCbKFHK7BK

Netgear also offers a Nighthawk C7100V that triples as a modem/router/voice gatway

With WiFi.....



NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S DOCSIS 3.1 Ultra-High Speed Wifi Cable Modem Router Combo Compatible with Xfinity from Comcast, Cox, Gig-speed from Xfinity (C7800) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I8KA48G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WBl7BbAT581AY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-D2-Wireless-Gigabit-Connections/dp/B00OA4YJFY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1469190578&sr=8-5&keywords=adsl+routerhttps://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/4u26ie/best_cheap_router_less_than_40/#

Hello!

I should mention, I have wired a 24-port gigabit network around my house, which is running on a gigabit switch (Netgear GS724T-400EUS), so I guess all the internal traffic (streaming from NAS to TV for instance) will bypass the router entirely?

So the routers I was thinking of are...

£54 TP-LINK TD-W9980 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-TD-W9980-Wireless-Gigabit-300Mbps/dp/B00NEQZ12Y

£59 Asus DSL-N17U - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-DSL-N17U-Wireless-Modem-Router/dp/B01537QD0A

£76 TP-LINK Archer VR200 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-Archer-VR200-Beamforming-Technology/dp/B0161AC69A

£125 TP-LINK Archer VR900 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-Archer-VR900-Beamforming-Technology/dp/B01132GCP0

Would rather spend less!!

https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/tl-wr841n/ this will work with VDSL modem

but buying only this vdsl router +modem

is cheaper

No problem sorry for late reply it is a TP-Link TD-W9970 https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TD-W9970-Wireless-Support-UK/dp/B013OXVA6M/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1480943291&sr=1-1&keywords=TP-Link+TD-W9970
I was playing last night again with 3 others without any problems, of note though you mentioned above 3 others if they are also using bt homehub's your still gonna have the same problem. They also need to ditch those routers and use something else, two of you try connecting to each other without homehubs and see how you get on. This situation is crap to be honest we shouldnt have to buy new hardware to play together with our friends all the other game's in my game library work fine with friends but the 7daystodie patch team are so slow to get new updates out I lost patience.

Actiontec 300 Mbps Wireless-N ADSL Modem Router (GT784WN)

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NBZ98K/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

wouldnt it be better to replace the whole thing? I dont know much about networking or hardware.

NETGEAR CM500V - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B075XGZ6GL

Arris SBG2482AC - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XDGWKSB/

Netgear C7100V - https://smile.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-XFINITY-Internet-services/dp/B01M1AOEDA

There is also the Arris TM822R and TG862G but those are only being sold as used/refurbished so it can be a coin toss if Comcast accepts it (usually because it was one of theirs originally) - plus both are only 8 downstream channel modems so you are limited to speed plans no faster than 200Mbps.

I see. Would 1 of these work? They seem really cheap, so maybe they're bad quality?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Westell-Modem-Router-6100-DSL-ADSL-ADSL2-PPPOE-NAT-Firewall-Security/253515873366?epid=1666429047&hash=item3b06b93c56:g:Zj0AAOSw5E5atar1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ACTIONTEC-M1000-DSL-ADSL2-MODEM-CENTURYLINK-NO-ADAPTER-ONLY-UNIT-FREE-SHIPPING/332415413014?epid=111102541&hash=item4d6580ab16:g:uUcAAOSwfjRZ5Yig

https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-Broadband-ADSL2-Modem-DM111PSP-100NAS/dp/B0085MRFVW/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1522890112&sr=1-8&keywords=adsl+modem

or would I be better off getting a pricier one such as one of these?

https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Wireless-N-Modem-Router-GT784WN/dp/B004NBZ98K/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1522890112&sr=1-3&keywords=adsl+modem

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Non-Cable-Gigabit-Ethernet-DGND3700/dp/B005276QSQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1522890112&sr=1-5&keywords=adsl+modem

https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-ADSL2-Modem-Router-TD-8816/dp/B0037D922Y/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1522890112&sr=1-10&keywords=adsl+modem

That router was like $70 edit so should be of high quality

http://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Wireless-N-Modem-Router-GT784WN/dp/B004NBZ98K

Not a fifteen dollar Belkin, which is really a torture device, not a router: the pain is awful.