BethK's profile

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Preferred customer needs new modem and router

i had a service call about a month ago and the tech told me the signal was fine the modem was the issue. I have been trying to figure out the best option and since I am constantly having to reboot the router figured I would just get one new as well. I don't know the pros and cons of the various types but I will be purchasing not through Cox since they can't tell me what I would be buying other than it would be a wifi router combo which I am not sure I want and they can't tell be the manufacturer. I need to do something fast it is getting worse. I have preferred service but should I get a modem that can accept any level of service. What do people think of getting the combination versus a separate modem and wifi. Thanks!

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Indeed if you buy from us you'd be getting a wifi modem/router gateway.  From our perspective the brand doesn't matter, we're primarily a service provider.  It would basically be Netgear or Cisco device depending on what is available in stores.  Both devices have firmware developed for Cox with a very simple feature set.  If you prefer a specific brand device or have specific feature requirements you probably wouldn't be happy with our offerings.  They're simplified for the customer that want's something that is plug in play and doesn't want to know how it works.  

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Right-so since I don't want what Cox is offering could someone help me out with suggestions?  I have been told it's better to not get a combined one-I also am not sure if I should get one that is compatible will all levels of service Cox offers or stick to one for preferred as they are less expensive.

I have looked at the list Cox provides for compatible ones I am leaning towards one but I would really appreciate any help.

Valued Contributor III

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The two modems everyone seems to like are the Motorola SB6141 and the Cisco DPC3010. There are cheaper 4x4 channel models like the SB6121, but you would only be saving ~20$ and might need to upgrade again in a year or two.

As for what kind of router, that more depends on your needs. My blind, default answer is the Asus RT-N66U, but are your requirements.

1. How many devices will be connected? Wired and wireless

2. If wireless, what bands and radio? IE Wifi G,N,AC? Do you only use 2.4Ghz or have any 5Ghz devices?

3. Any secondary devices? Network printers or wireless printers? NAS, VPN, Apple TV, etc

4. Whats your general technical comfort zone? I ask this to explore if 3rd party firmware is a option, or if hands off, plug and play, is better.

5. Budget. With so many routers out there a price point can help narrow the parameters. 

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Health Edge said:

The two modems everyone seems to like are the Motorola SB6141 and the Cisco DPC3010. There are cheaper 4x4 channel models like the SB6121, but you would only be saving ~20$ and might need to upgrade again in a year or two.

As for what kind of router, that more depends on your needs. My blind, default answer is the Asus RT-N66U, but are your requirements.

1. How many devices will be connected? Wired and wireless

2. If wireless, what bands and radio? IE Wifi G,N,AC? Do you only use 2.4Ghz or have any 5Ghz devices?

3. Any secondary devices? Network printers or wireless printers? NAS, VPN, Apple TV, etc

4. Whats your general technical comfort zone? I ask this to explore if 3rd party firmware is a option, or if hands off, plug and play, is better.

5. Budget. With so many routers out there a price point can help narrow the parameters. 

I did get that SB 6141 prior to reading. I also got a Netgear router WNR 1000 pretty base. We use Netlix and laptops and smartphones I have no idea what a 2.4 v 5 ghz device is I do have a printer that is attached to my desktop but is wireless and is used sometimes to print wirelessly. Right now I have an old router Linksys WRT54 2.4 ghz.

Valued Contributor III

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pepper03 said:
I have no idea what a 2.4 v 5 ghz device is

If you don't know what kind of Wifi devices you have, its hard to tell you what wifi router you need. WRT54G is a old Wifi G router. WNR 1000 is a newer Wifi N router, so I will assume you atleast want a cheap single band, Wifi N router. The Dlink DIR-655 fits the bill, but its on the old side and outside Dlink's support.

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16 Messages

Health Edge said:

pepper03 said:
I have no idea what a 2.4 v 5 ghz device is

If you don't know what kind of Wifi devices you have, its hard to tell you what wifi router you need. WRT54G is a old Wifi G router. WNR 1000 is a newer Wifi N router, so I will assume you atleast want a cheap single band, Wifi N router. The Dlink DIR-655 fits the bill, but its on the old side and outside Dlink's support.

I don't want to spend more than I need on a router. If there is a better alternative that isn't crazy money I'm interested. Is the Netgear WNR 1000 nit much of an improvement over what I am currently using?

Valued Contributor III

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54$ is a crazy amount of money? Your not going to find a Wifi N router for much less than that.

As for if the WNR1000 being better than the WTR54G, I would give a guarded yes. YMMV

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Health Edge said:

54$ is a crazy amount of money? Your not going to find a Wifi N router for much less than that.

As for if the WNR1000 being better than the WTR54G, I would give a guarded yes. YMMV

No $54 isn't crazy money not sure where that amount is coming from. I am open to suggestions my research indicated the Netgear was fine and an upgrade but if it's not really much better I am all ears!

Valued Contributor III

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pepper03 said:
No $54 isn't crazy money not sure where that amount is coming from

Thats the price of the Dlink DIR-655 I mentioned above...and gave a link to. 

Also, why do you have two routers? Perhaps I am misunderstanding. Did you buy the WNR1000 as a replacement or the WRT54G? If so, the best way to see if its better is to try it out. 

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16 Messages

Health Edge said:

pepper03 said:
No $54 isn't crazy money not sure where that amount is coming from

Thats the price of the Dlink DIR-655 I mentioned above...and gave a link to. 

Also, why do you have two routers? Perhaps I am misunderstanding. Did you buy the WNR1000 as a replacement or the WRT54G? If so, the best way to see if its better is to try it out. 

I got the Netgear as an upgrade but I will return it. I will set up the new modem now with the existing router and look into what you have suggested. I am off to attempt the router setup with me luck!

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16 Messages

Modem went online Sunday night after a few issues.  Cox tech on the phone was great and told me I am all set for the speed upgrade which is going to happen in my area this week or next. He told me to wait on a router to see what my speeds are this WRTG54 may be fine-he even googled the router for the specs and told me it should be good up to 100mps but until I get the upgrade in speed to just wait.

No issues other than my iPhone 6 drops the connection often but every other wireless device including my iPad are great so it's probably an iPhone 6 issue.

If I want to get a router that will last for a while I am OK with paying more-I am just glad to get the modem resolved now I can deal with the router.

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pepper03 said:

He told me to wait on a router to see what my speeds are this WRTG54 may be fine-he even googled the router for the specs and told me it should be good up to 100mps but until I get the upgrade in speed to just wait.

The WRT54G is an 802.11g router. The 802.11g spec has a max wifi thru-put of 54mb/sec.  No way will it support 100mb/sec.  In practice, you will not come anywhere near the max rating of 54.  I would guess you would be lucky to get 20-25mb/sec, maybe less.  You want at least an 802.11n router, to future-proof your installation a bit more an 802.11ac if you can get a deal on one.

I was lucky, I picked up a dual band 802.11ac dlink router on sale for just $30.  I received my double speed update this am and wifi to my cell phone is running as fast as my hardwired desktop.  I would go for a dual band "ac" router so I won't have to upgrade again within the next few years.  HTH.

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I got a Linksys EA 6300 refurbed for $55.  Easy to set up-seems great other than an issue with the Bluray players and Netflix.  The phones are switching from the 5ghz band to the 2.4 but that seems to be lessening.

I don't really understand it but it's working well other than that one issue-it seems the range is the problem but speeds are much better and the signal doesn't drop anymore.

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7 Messages

You never did answer his question. Is it better to get  separate modem and router than an all in one?

Valued Contributor III

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4.2K Messages

I thought I mentioned you should start your own thread? In general, separate modem and router will give better performance. 

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