Router vs. Modem?

I've just upgraded my modem from an old Motorla Surfboard (DOCSIS 1.0) to a new Surfboard (DOCSIS 3.0), and I've definitely noticed faster download speeds (I've got Comcast internet, mid-range service; while I used to get ~.5 Mbps, I'm now getting 1+ Mbps pretty consistently).

I've also got a Linksys wrt54g. While most of the devices in my house are capable of receiving wireless n signals (I think I have one old laptop that only has a wireless g-capable card), I wasn't sure if I should upgrade. Since I've got a new modem, is getting a new modem worth it?

Ancillary question: If I do end up getting a decent modem, is it worth getting a dual-band modem for a house with ~3 laptops, a couple of smartphones, and an XBOX 360?

 

No reason to upgrade a router for 1mbps connection. WRT54G will handle this easily and you won't notice any difference between 802.11g and 802.11n with this sort of Internet connection.

 

As the previous guy said, wireless b is 11mbit wireless g is 54mbit and n is up to 300mbit. When you've only ever had a maximum of 5mbit you can see that upgrading your wireless speeds won't affect anything.

Z.

 

Wireless N is 150 per channel, up to 900Mbps for dual band with 3 channels each. If all you want to do is get internet on your devices, wireless G is more than enough.

 

You will need a 6x6 card for that, which does not exist. You can only gain a maximum of 450Mbps regardless of band since wifi cards now only have 3x3 max anyway.

 

True- 900mbps is sum of 450mbps on 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
It's like saying your car has 300bhp while in fact you have two cars 150bhp each- technically it is 300bhp but you can use one car or another.
The same thing with dual band routers- you're either connected to 2.4GHz band or 5GHz band- one computer can't connect to both at the same time.

 

Technically 900mbps is correct, but realistically it's not possible atm

 

I wouldn't say it's technically correct- more like legally correct but other than that it is a lie.
Customers ens up buying N900 routers thinking they would see 900mbps end up being connected at 450mbps and the actual throughput reaching 120mbps (if they are very lucky).

802.11n standard tops at 600mbps (4 streams)- although that is an overkill. Even at 5GHz that would mean four 40MHz channels- which would overcrowd the band if to or three routers used it, let alone any more.