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Bikerbrent

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Upgrade to DOCSIS 3.0 worth it?

I am currently a Cox Preferred internet user. I am running a DOCSIS 2.0 modem with a G wireless - 10/100 Ethernet router. Per the COX speed test I am getting 30 Mb/s down and 5.7 up on my desktop. Since my desktop will support a Gigabyte Ethernet connection, would I see a significant speed gain getting a DOCSIS 3.0 modem (such as the ARRIS / Motorola SurfBoard SB6141) and a Gigabyte router (such as the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND). Would the performance gain be enough to justify the $100+ expense of the upgrade or are there some other benefits to doing the upgrade at this time?

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Health_Edge

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Valued Contributor III

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I would say keep the modem and invest in a new router. As long as the internet connection is stable and doesn't slow down at busy parts of the day, your find with a D2 modem. You might see a small increase in upgrading modems,  but I think you would see a large increase in wireless performance upgrading to Wifi N.

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ChrisL

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The biggest advantage to upgrade to a DOCSIS 3.0 modem on the lower tiers of service would be a more consistent performance experience.  When a single channel 2.0 modem has to content with the periodic issue of peak demand performance may take a hit whereas a 3.0 modem will have additional channels to pick up the slack. Customers who upgrade also generally report better Powerboost performance as well.

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Bikerbrent

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Well, I invested almost $100 in a new router (an ASUS RT-56U). This router is running great, just like my old Linksys WRT56G. Unfortunately, I don't notice any performance increase. Perhaps my download speed is up a couple of Mb/s, per the Cox test, but this is well within the realm of no real change. My real disappointment is despite having a 1Gigabyte desktop, my wired network speed is still being reported as being 100 Mbps rather than 1000 Mbps.  I should have done more homework before before making the plunge and realized that my new Samsung Smart TV network speed is only 100 Mbps and even the old wireless G rating of 54 Mbps is much higher than the 30+ Mbps I am getting from Cox. Well perhaps during peak times when watching a HD download, it will make a difference!

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