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Best modem

Joelbanks5
By Joelbanks5
in Networking
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AFAIK a modem is a modem, use the one that your ISP gave you. If you are talking about a router or modem router I have no idea, but looking at reviews and Amazon reviews of people who have bought them is always a good start. A router with Wireless AC is also recommended. 

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You need a modem for connecting to DSL or Cable or 3G/4G LTE - so very important.

If you're on Fiber/FIOS, you'd need a fiber compatible router.

 

You dont need an expensive one - but normally the more expensive ones come with advanced features like better quality WiFi (a must if you have a large place or large number of devices - and dont have a seperate Wifi Access Point), and advanced QoS and Port Redirection features - some even have monitoring and bandwidth control.

 

First and foremost you need to make sure that the Modem/Router suits your connection type (ADSL, VDSL, Cable, Fiber, 3G, 4G, etc...).

Then you can look at whats available at your local electronics store (e.g Best Buy) from some of the cheaper but good brands like TPLink, Netgear, Xfinity, Arris (Cable), etc....

 

You may need to be careful though as some ISP's do lock connections to MAC addresses, so you should check with your ISP first if you can use a 3rd party router/modem - especially if they provide you voice services over SIP (VoIP). Your ISP also may only give you the required settings for connecting, but may not support configuring the modem. Often you can get help from the modem vendor though for configuring their device.

 

 

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24 minutes ago, Joelbanks5 said:

What's a guide for buying modems or recommendations? 

 

And how inportant is one? Do I need to get a good one or can I just get a cheap one and be fine?

It would help to know who your ISP is and what area you are receiving service in.  Your ISP will generally have compatibility lists online.  If you can provide us with that list or the information about your ISP we can help you find a suitable modem.

Malo Periculosam Libertatem Quam Quietum Servitium

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18 minutes ago, Comic_Sans_MS said:

AFAIK a modem is a modem, use the one that your ISP gave you. If you are talking about a router or modem router I have no idea, but looking at reviews and Amazon reviews of people who have bought them is always a good start. A router with Wireless AC is also recommended. 

A modem isn't just a modem.  Not only do they perform differently based on the model, the ISP generally charges monthly 'rental' fees for the pleasure of using their hardware on top of your service fee.  In my area I was paying $7 a month for modem rental from Time Warner.  I was able to buy a modem for less than $80.  I made my money back in a year and now I now longer have to pay the excess fee.

Malo Periculosam Libertatem Quam Quietum Servitium

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9 minutes ago, Corrupt_Liberty said:

A modem isn't just a modem.  Not only do they perform differently based on the model, the ISP generally charges monthly 'rental' fees for the pleasure of using their hardware on top of your service fee.  In my area I was paying $7 a month for modem rental from Time Warner.  I was able to buy a modem for less than $80.  I made my money back in a year and now I now longer have to pay the excess fee.

So what does a better modem do that a cheap one does not or not as well? Isn't it just converting frequency from the phone line or whatever you get your internet from to a digital signal? 

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23 minutes ago, Corrupt_Liberty said:

It would help to know who your ISP is and what area you are receiving service in.  Your ISP will generally have compatibility lists online.  If you can provide us with that list or the information about your ISP we can help you find a suitable modem.

Bright house 

 

I live in the Sarasota area in Florida.

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25 minutes ago, Joelbanks5 said:

Bright house 

 

I live in the Sarasota area in Florida.

If you just need the modem I'd go with an Arris Surfboard SB6190.  If you want a built in router (I don't really recommend this as you can't upgrade later if needed) Arris Surfboard SBG6900 AC.  Make sure you call them directly to verify before purchasing.  You will also have to call them for activation.

Malo Periculosam Libertatem Quam Quietum Servitium

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34 minutes ago, Comic_Sans_MS said:

So what does a better modem do that a cheap one does not or not as well? Isn't it just converting frequency from the phone line or whatever you get your internet from to a digital signal? 

Faster modulation leads to lower latency.  A better modem also gives you better stability.  Not to mention you don't have to pay the telecoms extra for the privilege of using their hardware.  

Malo Periculosam Libertatem Quam Quietum Servitium

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27 minutes ago, Corrupt_Liberty said:

If you just need the modem I'd go with an Arris Surfboard SB6190.  If you want a built in router (I don't really recommend this as you can't upgrade later if needed) Arris Surfboard SBG6900 AC.  Make sure you call them directly to verify before purchasing.  You will also have to call them for activation.

How about something cheaper. I can't spend that much on a modem. That's more than I'm spending on the router.

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29 minutes ago, Joelbanks5 said:

How about something cheaper. I can't spend that much on a modem. That's more than I'm spending on the router.

Maybe a Motorola MB7420 or a TP-Link TC-7620?  I know the Arris and the Motorola shows up on Woot as a refurb from time to time.  If you aren't in a hurry maybe just keep an eye out for deals.

 

And all of these that I've listed are DOCSIS 3.0 and rated for up to 300 mbps. 

Malo Periculosam Libertatem Quam Quietum Servitium

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1 hour ago, Corrupt_Liberty said:

Maybe a Motorola MB7420 or a TP-Link TC-7620?  I know the Arris and the Motorola shows up on Woot as a refurb from time to time.  If you aren't in a hurry maybe just keep an eye out for deals.

 

And all of these that I've listed are DOCSIS 3.0 and rated for up to 300 mbps. 

If you go to bright house website and go to the Internet plan section I have the plan for $107 a month. If you the information there helps you at all. 

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43 minutes ago, Joelbanks5 said:

If you go to bright house website and go to the Internet plan section I have the plan for $107 a month. If you the information there helps you at all. 

http://support.brighthouse.com/Article/Use-Own-Modem-With-Hsi-Service-9109/

 

You will need one of the modems rated at 300mbps to get your full speed.  So the ones I listed are still accurate.  

Malo Periculosam Libertatem Quam Quietum Servitium

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