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    Best Cable Modem/Router Combination?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by itsjinx, Feb 22, 2013.

  1. itsjinx

    itsjinx Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello, i'm new to the forum!

    I'm hoping to get advice on what the best/fastest cable modem/router device is? I currently have a motorola surfboard sbg6580. It works good, but it interferes with my direct tv so I can't use it and need to find another....

    So, what is the best??? Price doesn't matter. I just want the best one.

    thanks!
     
    itsjinx, Feb 22, 2013
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  2. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    The best solution would be to buy a cable modem and a separate router. Combo devices are never the best- only the most convenient.

    As for cable modems themselves- Motorola is indeed a way to go. As for the routers- see the sticky (especially the high end portion of it if you don't care about the money too much.
     
    downloads, Feb 22, 2013
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  3. itsjinx

    itsjinx Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks for the reply.... Why do you think a combo unit isn't as good? I would think they would atleast be as good as two seperate units....?
     
    itsjinx, Feb 23, 2013
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  4. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    Combos are made for convenience. Modem part is exactly the same in both but the router part of the combo is never as good as a separate router.

    There are several reasons why separate devices are better:

    1. Modem has its own CPU, RAM and firmware (not very complicated) and router has its own CPU (more powerful), RAM (more of it) and firmware (more complicated).
    2. Router's firmware being more complicated is also in need of more updates- separate routers get firmware updates from manufacturers far more often than combos. Also in case you're not satisfied with stock firmware, or if the update is not coming, you may use a 3rd party firmware (DD-WRT, OpenWRT, Tomato, Gargoyle) on your router. Combos are not compatible with those firmwares.
    3. You may upgrade the router while keeping the modem (modem standards don't change often) or for that matter change the modem to ADSL one in case you move or change your ISP, while still keeping the same router.

    To sum it up with two separate devices you get better hardware, better firmware support (and more choice) and better flexibility.
    And of course in case the device dies on you- usually only one dies- so it's cheaper to replace it than to replace both.

    Admittedly two separate devices are more expensive but it's well worth it.
     
    downloads, Feb 23, 2013
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