Modem and separate wifi router vs a modem/router combo unit?

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Dittlest

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Aug 28, 2014
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I'm replacing my sbg6580. It's been good to me for that past 5 or so years but it's starting to fail. I'm wondering if there are any advantages to having a separate router and modem? I am looking to spend about $130 on a new combo unit. Can I get a good modem and seperate router for that price? Is it a pain to configure the units separately or might I get more customization that way? And does anyone have suggestions on modem router models you guys use together? I only have 1 wired component. Everything else is wireless if that matters. And I'm obviously looking for the max bandwidth I can get. Thanks in advance!
 
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why_wolf
better to be separate. The modem is basically hard wired into the ISP to grant you authorization to get onto their network and the internet at large. So changing it or a combo modem/router can be a lesson in frustration because you can't just plug and play you have to call up the ISP to get any new device authorized. Depending on the ISP as well not every modem out there is even on their approved list.

So get a stand alone modem, get it authorized and leave it alone. Get a stand alone router to go along with it and you can do whatever you want with it, the ISP only cares up to the modem after that it's your business.
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michaelahess

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Jan 30, 2006
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Modem technology changes less frequently (relative to offered ISP speeds) than Wi-Fi standards. If your ISP provides a "free" modem, take it, if not, get a replacement modem by itself. There is no configuring of a modem, plug and play. So put the most money into a solid router that fits your needs.
 
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br00n0

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Nov 18, 2015
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When you update your WiFi router, sometimes it needs to restart. It happens to me often as I regularly update security rules, QOS settings and other settings. By doing so, it will disconnect, re-connect to your ISP and get a new IP address. With my ISP, this can take minutes. If you have a separate router, you can manage your WiFi router without interrupting the link to your ISP. So in a way, you do have more customization options.
 
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why_wolf

why_wolf

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Aug 28, 2015
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better to be separate. The modem is basically hard wired into the ISP to grant you authorization to get onto their network and the internet at large. So changing it or a combo modem/router can be a lesson in frustration because you can't just plug and play you have to call up the ISP to get any new device authorized. Depending on the ISP as well not every modem out there is even on their approved list.

So get a stand alone modem, get it authorized and leave it alone. Get a stand alone router to go along with it and you can do whatever you want with it, the ISP only cares up to the modem after that it's your business.
 
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