Can You Change Routers Without Changing Plans?

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fchung0712

fchung0712

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Dec 30, 2012
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I have a router with very little bandwidth, but a plan that has unlimited internet usage, so I am wondering if i can change the router but keep the plan
 
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zdbc13

zdbc13

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Feb 7, 2012
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The modem is what connects with the internet. It usually comes from your ISP unless you bought your own. It's the choke point and it's speed is set by your provider. The router just distributes that connection to all the devices in your place and does some other good stuff like firewall, etc. Ask your provider if they support DOCSIS 3.0 and can provide faster service. You may want to buy your own modem so you don't have to pay a monthly fee but check with them first.
 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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Most people use router and modem interchangeably. If you're talking about a passthrough between the wall and your computer, then yes, you can just buy a new one - it's not very expensive at all, and if you buy a nice one, you can continue to use it for many many years.
 
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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Not if your current modem is too slow to deliver the speed you're paying for. If it's holding you back, you'll get an upgrade. If not, then no.
 
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Hawkeye22

Hawkeye22

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Feb 10, 2006
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Older DOCSIS 2 modems are good up to 30Mb/s. If your service is less than this, no need to upgrade to a DOCSIS 3 modem. I have a mototola surfboard sb5101 that I purchased in 2002. I'm still using it just fine today on time-warner 20Mb/s connection. In fact speedtest.net usually reports I get 26Mb/s download.
 
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