Help choosing new modem/router

litegrace

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Feb 12, 2015
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Hi, I spend a lot of time playing games (mainly online games and MMORPG's) and lately I have been experiencing a lot of in-game lag. Every time I get it, resetting my router seems to fix the issue for the rest of the day. My thoughts are that the modem/router combo I am "renting" from Comcast is pretty terrible (I believe it's an N300 Motorola), and that I should instead opt to buy my own modem and router.

The main issue here is that my family uses the phone service by Comcast right now so I am stuck. I need a modem with a phone line (which only Comcast seems to offer), but I don't want the terrible speeds/dropouts that I am getting now. My other question is if all modems are equal (since I know you will never be getting 300+ Mbps anyway), or if it's better to buy a cheaper modem and a more expensive router.

On top of that, would it be worth buying something like the Netgear Nighthawk? I mainly use a wired connection to my PC, but I do use wifi for my phone, laptop, and consoles. Will a higher end router like that make any difference for a wired connection or just wireless connections? Also, any suggestions? Thanks.
 
Solution
yes... get a straight modem from Comcast w/ voice and get a decent router. The Nighthawk is good, it has the gigabit ethernet and good wifi.

litegrace

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Feb 12, 2015
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Okay, didn't know I could just get a modem from Comcast only. Is there any benefit to trying to get a "higher end" modem though? My understanding is that the router does most of the leg work, while the modem simply connects you to the signal itself. Is this correct? Also, any specific recommendations for a router? I have heard that the Nighthawk line and Asus routers are both good, but I would appreciate it if anyone has specific recommendations based on their own experience. Thanks again!
 
Yes, Comcast will give you a new DOCSIS3.x modem w/ 2 voice ports. You just need some time and patience... and a Router (before you swap)

Find the local Comcast store front and make sure they have some on hand and what you need to take with you when you swap.

Router... You said that most of your connectivity is wired, you'll want a router w/ Gigabit Ethernet. The WiFi portion is more flexible, if your wired connection is not near where the wifi devices in the house are, you might want to consider cabling out an ethernet connection to a central part of the home, if it is smaller, or 2 locations dividing the house into thirds. @ this/these locations put WiFi Access Points. Now the WiFi devices have good coverage and your wired devices are solid.

There are many ways to go here... Wired and Wireless. Unifi (https://www.ubnt.com/products/#all/routing) make some great products that work together to make a seamless wired and wifi network, they are a bit $$. When I upgrade my home inn the next year-ish, I'm going to use one of there Routers and 3 of the 802.11AC AP's. This will give me total WiFi coverage w/ AP roaming in my Aluminium framed house (can you say Faraday Cage?) It will cost me about $400 for the hardware.

Other options are the NightHawk (which is starting to age) or the newest from D-Link, Asus and such. The newest have Band Steering and other controls on the WiFi side as well as Gaming QoS functions. With these Consumer systems you should get the Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11AC, QoS, Band Steering, but the coverage on the single WiFi is totally dependant on its location and the surrounding building. For any of these, I've seen anything from great whole house coverage down to 1 room coverage.

:) TMI? I hope this helps.