A modem question

[hilmart]

I'm new to having a modem separate from my router and I've been wondering about this.
Is one modem better than another modem? What should I look for in purchasing a modem? Is it a gigabit port on the back? Also, does any modem work with any ISP?

Thank you for your time.

 

[eibgrad]

Modems are like any other devices, some good, some not so good, and most of the time just as many good reviews as bad reviews. Some work better w/ certain ISPs. That's why it might be helpful to know or ask what your ISP recommends (or perhaps even requires). A gigabit port only matters if your ISP can actually deliver those speeds. If the ISP only offers say, 10-20Mbps, gigabit offers no advantage. OTOH, if they offer 120Mbps, then your more common 10/100Mbps modem would leave you short 20Mbps.