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Buying guide for Best cable modem-router combos Subscribing to internet service through a cable provider can entail a whole new set of fees in addition to your base subscription price. Often, the provider has software available to handle this part of the setup. Our research has shown that a cable modem-router combo can help you take advantage of high-speed internet, even up to gigabit-class connections.
During research, we investigate some of the most reputable brands of cable modem-router combos, which tend to offer reliable designs and consistent connectivity. A cable modem-router with multiple ports can be advantageous. In our research, we look for combos that have a minimum of four Ethernet ports.
Some of the top cable modem-router combos we recommend are compatible with home WiFi mesh systems that are especially easy to configure. Just like all-in-one computers and wireless peripherals, the cable modem-router combos we review and recommend can help streamline the electronics in any room. In our product research, we look for cable modem-router combos that offer relatively simple management using a single browser-based portal. The device likely has onboard software to help walk you through the configuration process.
Not everyone enables the guest account feature on their gateway, but if you do, make sure it has a separate password. This way, visitors can access your internet without gaining access to your home network. The old-fashioned way is to plug the thing in and connect it with your modem via Ethernet cable, then type its IP address into a browser's URL bar to begin the setup. The easier, more modern way is to use the router's app, which will typically walk you through setup in about minutes.
After setup, you can also use either approach to access the router's settings or change your Wi-Fi password. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic.
We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Ry Crist. Jump to details. Best mesh value Netgear Orbi dual-band, AC Best mesh performance Netgear Orbi tri-band, AX Read more: Best internet providers for Best budget router. Best mesh router. TP-Link Deco W Best mesh value.
Netgear Orbi dual-band, AC Best mesh performance. Netgear Orbi tri-band, AX Best gaming router. What does a Wi-Fi router do? How much should I spend on a router? How do I set up a Wi-Fi router? Discuss: Best Wi-Fi routers for The negative other than the name, come on companies, pull yourselves together : modest performance. Who is this model aimed at? There are only two ethernet ports, which let you plug in devices with a cable, which is faster and more reliable - but obviously you have to trail a cable between them.
Overall, despite its modest performance, it can handle Zoom calls and 4K streaming i. If you consider yourself a power user and you're an Xfinity, Spectrum or Cox user, the Netgear Nighthawk C might check all the boxes. Capable of a pretty fast connection? Four ports for lots of additional devices? Good range for big homes 2, square feet : Check! Not ugly: Check mostly! Another bonus is that if you're an Xfinity phone service customers, you can plug your landline handset right in.
Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 6 The Orbi CBK is different from the other products on this page because it is a different product. Instead of having strong and weak sections of your home, the Orbi units talk to one another to make sure the signal is strong everywhere. Thanks to friendly software, configuration is really quite easy. The main unit has four Ethernet ports and each satellite has two as well.
We hesitate to bring up any of the complex technical differences between them, but one Arris product is for slower connections and one this one, the SBG , is for faster connections. This is a very specialized product. If you meet both of these requirements, then this is a perfectly fine product.
Routers increasingly are offering multiple data bands think of traffic lanes in an effort to reduce bottlenecking and increase efficiency in directing network traffic.
Dual-band devices typically supply 2. Tri-band routers provide an additional 5GHz band to sort devices into, further reducing congestion when multiple devices are attached to a network at once. Make sure your router has enough Ethernet ports for the devices you'll want to plug in, and if you have an internet plan that offers speeds above Mbps, you'll want to get one with Gigabit Ethernet ports to take maximum advantage of your plan.
Unless you have a fairly basic internet plan, you'll want support for relatively modern Wi-Fi standards. You may also have heard of the newer Wi-Fi 6 It's not a bad idea to invest in technology for the future, but it will be a while before you're likely to really need Wi-Fi 6 in your home, or even be able to fully take advantage of it.
You plug it directly into your coaxial cable just like you would a cable modem, and then connect your computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices directly using either wired Gigabit Ethernet connections or via Wi-Fi. And if you're renting your cable modem, you can save even more by returning that to your ISP, reducing your monthly bill. It's been around for over 20 years, so there are lots of different version of it.
Unless you've got a really high speed internet connection, it's not usually something to worry about. The speed of your cable modem is determined by the DOCSIS standard it supports and the number of channels that it offers, although your ISP also has to support these standards on the other end. In most cases, yes.
Fortunately, most major cable providers in the U. Think of it like the difference between how fast your car can actually go and the varying speed limits on your local highways. Jesse Hollington is a freelance writer with over 10 years of experience writing about technology and three decades of experience in information technology and networking. He's installed, tested, and configured just about every type and brand of router, firewall, wireless access point, and network extender in places ranging from single-family dwellings to office buildings.
Don Reisinger is a full-time freelance writer based in New York City. He has been covering technology, video games, sports, and entertainment for more than 12 years.
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