Wireless Router versus Cable Modem with WAP

They actually work better without the external antennas.  The new internal antenna array configuration is optimized such as to minimize the effect of reflective distortion.  The wireless gateway solutions we offer are a great option for the novice user that needs a little help with remote management however if you want more features to tinker with you might be better off with separate a separate modem/router.

It;s actually up to you. The only advantage of having a cable modem with routing capability is that your getting 2 birds with one stone. You're getting a router and a modem in one package. This would render your netgear router useless. Unless of course you want to put disable the routing capability of the new modem. I usually go for stand alone modems. Since I am able to make use of my router. 

Macbookproi5 said:
It;s actually up to you. The only advantage of having a cable modem with routing capability is that your getting 2 birds with one stone. You're getting a router and a modem in one package. This would render your netgear router useless. Unless of course you want to put disable the routing capability of the new modem. I usually go for stand alone modems. Since I am able to make use of my router.

I have to agree.

There are three primary benefits of our gateway devices. First is simplicity. You don't have to worry about connecting and configuring two separate devices. Second is the Home Network Management system. If you add our Home Networking support ( http://ww2.cox.com/residential/internet/home-network-equipment-and-support.cox ),  we can log into the gateway and adjust settings for you, but even if you don't, you can still use the management system on cox.net Internet Tools yourself. Third is that the gateways are available for rental or purchase, while standalone modems can only be purchased.

There are also two primary drawbacks of our gateway devices. First is that if you want to make more radical changes to your wireless setup, say to a 802.11ac radio, or to a custom firmware, or something else unique, you'll have to shut off wireless in the gateway and get a new router. If you know you plan to do this, you're best off starting with a separate modem. Second is that if one part or the other, the modem or the router, has a hardware problem, then you basically need to replace the whole thing. Not so bad if you rent it from us, but a bit of a hassle if you buy it and it's out of warranty.

Personally, I've always had them separate, because I void warranties for fun (but I cannot officially recommend this practice  ). If you're not that type, then the gateway is better.

I used to work as  tech support rep for at&t while I was still based in the Philippines. The modem that At&T caters to is a 2wire modem. It's a DSL modem/router in one. I found out the advantages and disadvantages of having one. But if you're just gonna use your modem/router just to surf the web and perform simple applications on your computer then just get that netgear modem/router.