Shopping for a new modem and router combo.

[_Grid21]

I am shopping for a new router and modem, either in one whole unit or 2 separate units since I have Comcast and I want it to work with their network. I have a list of things the router has to meet for my networking needs.

 

Port Speed:

We run CAT6 Gigabit for our network so the router has to meet that LAN speed.

 

ISP Network:

We'er with Comcast so we need the Modem to work on their network whether as a separate device or all-in-one. 

 

Security:

First and foremost Security. Solid Firewall with some good options. 

Can Port Forward and allow normal gaming traffic and Twitch Streaming traffic as well as general use traffic.

The Ability to monitor network traffic, ports, and the ability to do DHCP reserve list. 

 

Wi-Fi

It HAS to have 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz with a high range of channels and bandwidth so I don't have to compete with my neighbors for wi-fi traffic.

It'd be cool if I could see other wireless networks in the router so I can tune my wi-fi to work well.

 

Other Features:

I don't mind if the router has other great features too and I like having options. I just wanted to list the MOST needed ones first. 

 

Price:

The most I am willing to put in it is $400 but I don't think networking gear is expensive

[Donut417]

10 hours ago, _Grid21 said:

Modem

SB6183, CM500, CM600, any Docsis 3.1 modem. Stay away from 32 channel Docsis 3.0 modems. 

[_Grid21]

1 hour ago, Donut417 said:

SB6183, CM500, CM600, any Docsis 3.1 modem. Stay away from 32 channel Docsis 3.0 modems. 

What brand is it? Also, can you think of a router that would meet my needs?

 

Also, ironically, our Arris Surfboard has a DOCSIS 3.0. Why is that bad?

[Donut417]

1 hour ago, _Grid21 said:

Also, ironically, our Arris Surfboard has a DOCSIS 3.0. Why is that bad?

Its not 3.0 that is bad. Its the 32x8 3.0 modems that use the Intel Puma 6 chip that are bad. What you gotta understand is that starting with Docsis 3.0 they started Channel bonding. So what you have is this:

Docsis 3.0 (The first number is the number of downstream channel, the second is upstream channels) 

4x4

8x4

16x4

24x8

32x8

 

Docsis 3.1

32x8 

 

The more channels you have, the faster the speeds. Also, having more channels than you need means that if congestion on the channel happens, you wont be effected or as effected. Also, take the speed specs that the modem manufaucture puts on the box with a grain of salt. An 8x4 cable modem should be able to hit over  300 Mbps accroding the modem makers, but Comcast wont push them past 200-220 Mbps. PERIOD. You can check out Comcast's support device list for what channel configuration you need for your speed teir. OR say FUCK IT, and just get a Docsis 3.1 modem as they will support the fastest speeds currently, being the 1 Gbps down 45 mbps up tier. 

 

My advice is stay away from 4x4 and 8x4 modems, there are indications Comcast might EOL all of them at some point, meaning you WILL have to replace the modem. The models I stated above are ARRIS and Netgear, they are the top two I see suggested. 

 

Router wise, that really depends on you. Also depends on how fast your internet is. Most consumer routers cant handle Gigabit connections. I personally have the Synology RT2600 AC, its works great, but for $200 it better. 

[_Grid21]

1 hour ago, Donut417 said:

Its not 3.0 that is bad. Its the 32x8 3.0 modems that use the Intel Puma 6 chip that are bad. What you gotta understand is that starting with Docsis 3.0 they started Channel bonding. So what you have is this:

Docsis 3.0 (The first number is the number of downstream channel, the second is upstream channels) 

4x4

8x4

16x4

24x8

32x8

 

Docsis 3.1

32x8 

 

The more channels you have, the faster the speeds. Also, having more channels than you need means that if congestion on the channel happens, you wont be effected or as effected. Also, take the speed specs that the modem manufaucture puts on the box with a grain of salt. An 8x4 cable modem should be able to hit over  300 Mbps accroding the modem makers, but Comcast wont push them past 200-220 Mbps. PERIOD. You can check out Comcast's support device list for what channel configuration you need for your speed teir. OR say FUCK IT, and just get a Docsis 3.1 modem as they will support the fastest speeds currently, being the 1 Gbps down 45 mbps up tier. 

 

My advice is stay away from 4x4 and 8x4 modems, there are indications Comcast might EOL all of them at some point, meaning you WILL have to replace the modem. The models I stated above are ARRIS and Netgear, they are the top two I see suggested. 

 

Router wise, that really depends on you. Also depends on how fast your internet is. Most consumer routers cant handle Gigabit connections. I personally have the Synology RT2600 AC, its works great, but for $200 it better. 

The bit about the channels, would that explain why I have some times upload issue with streaming to twitch? Our normal upstream is 11.0Mbps. But even though Comcast has done work in my area and finish the work that my area needed I still have issues with upstream and I either have to wait it out or reboot my router/modem. Also does EOL mean "End Of Life"? we actually bought our router modem combo so we didn't have to rent it.

[_Grid21]

@Donut417 Wanted to follow up with you on my last message. You can probably see what I replied back to you on. Thanks! 

[Donut417]

On 10/5/2019 at 4:50 PM, _Grid21 said:

would that explain why I have some times upload issue with streaming to twitch? Our normal upstream is 11.0Mbps. But even though Comcast has done work in my area and finish the work that my area needed I still have issues with upstream and I either have to wait it out or reboot my router/modem

No. Comcast has shit upload. 10 Mbps is the normal rate in my area if you have service under 1 Gbps I think. If you do get Gigabit service its 45 Mbps. Comcast doesnt have more than 4 upstream channels in any area I have read. 

 

On 10/5/2019 at 4:50 PM, _Grid21 said:

Also does EOL mean "End Of Life"? we actually bought our router modem combo so we didn't have to rent it.

Yes. Even if you buy stuff, if Comcast decides they no longer want to support it, you have to upgrade. 

[_Grid21]

On 10/7/2019 at 2:25 PM, Donut417 said:

No. Comcast has shit upload. 10 Mbps is the normal rate in my area if you have service under 1 Gbps I think. If you do get Gigabit service its 45 Mbps. Comcast doesnt have more than 4 upstream channels in any area I have read. 

 

Yes. Even if you buy stuff, if Comcast decides they no longer want to support it, you have to upgrade. 

I found this CM500 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XH46MWW Even though it's DOCSIS 3.0 is it still a good pick?

Edited January 4, 2020 by LogicalDrm
Shortened links not allowed

[Donut417]

14 minutes ago, _Grid21 said:

I found this CM500 https://tinyurl.com/y24ocrvy Even though it's DOCSIS 3.0 is it still a good pick?

As long as it does the speed tier your subscribed to, it should. 

[_Grid21]

1 minute ago, Donut417 said:

As long as it does the speed tier your subscribed to, it should. 

I know our upload is 16Mbps, actual speed is 11, and our download is 200Mbps, actual download 250Mbps. I see it supports the down stream, but it doesn't say what the supported upstream is.

[Donut417]

14 minutes ago, _Grid21 said:

I know our upload is 16Mbps, actual speed is 11, and our download is 200Mbps, actual download 250Mbps. I see it supports the down stream, but it doesn't say what the supported upstream is.

It will be fine. Because the highest end modems only support 8 upstreams. Comcast doesnt supply more than 4 upstreams to any area from what I have seen. 

[_Grid21]

1 hour ago, Donut417 said:

It will be fine. Because the highest end modems only support 8 upstreams. Comcast doesnt supply more than 4 upstreams to any area from what I have seen. 

Ok I think I will settle on the Netgear Modem. Now as for Routers. I really like customer support so I think I am gonna look into getting an Asus Router. Can you recommend any good ones? Also what is Netgears support like?

[Donut417]

26 minutes ago, _Grid21 said:

Ok I think I will settle on the Netgear Modem. Now as for Routers. I really like customer support so I think I am gonna look into getting an Asus Router. Can you recommend any good ones? Also what is Netgears support like?

I have a synology router. Never owned Asus or Netgear routers. Asus is known for having crap support. At least on their pc components. Like the products are good when they work but their support is iffy. I just know that Asus and Netgear routers are heavily suggested here. 

[_Grid21]

4 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

I have a synology router. Never owned Asus or Netgear routers. Asus is known for having crap support. At least on their pc components. Like the products are good when they work but their support is iffy. I just know that Asus and Netgear routers are heavily suggested here. 

That's weird you should say that because I have always gotten top support with Asus and they have never failed me most of the time I've called them. I'll look into synology and see what they have. Do most routers support Port-forwarding and have really good firewalls these days?

[Donut417]

12 minutes ago, _Grid21 said:

That's weird you should say that because I have always gotten top support with Asus and they have never failed me most of the time I've called them. I'll look into synology and see what they have. Do most routers support Port-forwarding and have really good firewalls these days?

They have firewalls, are they good, I’m not that much of an expert. All routers should have port forwarding. 

[_Grid21]

2 hours ago, Donut417 said:

They have firewalls, are they good, I’m not that much of an expert. All routers should have port forwarding. 

Alright. It's hard to pick a router because since most "tech reviewers" don't go over the UI interface of the software it's hard to know what I am getting for it.