Modem and Router or Modem/Router?

Here is my current plan:

INTERNET

Cox Internet Ultimate

Includes:
Download speeds up to 500 Mbps*
1.25 TB (1,280 GB) Monthly Data Plan

I have this plan because the "package deal" was the cheapest I could get. I do not need or use speed or volume - I primarily work on this platform - no streaming gaming mega move files...

You didn't mention your budget. Also it sounds like you now don't want to replace your modem/router combo. If you still do, I suggest the SB8200 and RT-AX86S as a good compromise between value and performance. D3.0 modems will be severely limited once Cox switches to focus on OFDM channels.

The Asus unit recommended is a "gaming router". As I stated, I just email, send files, download files, watch uTube how to fix and that's about it. No streaming movies, gaming, so do I need a "Gaming Router"? Is that the catchphrase advertising equivalent of  "New & Improved"? In terms of budget, the cheapest possible equipment and ISP to accomplish what I do, being careful of the "500gigaspeed ultaGold package" for free for 12 months then it is $500 a month deal....

Router research from 2 years ago.  It should steer you in the right direction for what you need.

forums.cox.com/.../117536

The reason people are recommending the newer and more powerful routers are simple. As more people use WiFi, there is an abundance of background noise and interference, and the newer more powerful units will assist in getting through all that and connect your devices. 

Also the newer device have better antennas and transmitters, so while you don't have a large space, or need for Formula One racing equipment to drive to the store and back, with todays increased amounts of EMI and RF, it will make a positive difference in remaining connected. 

The Netgear C7000V2 has been in service 3 + years. Oddly enough, after the Tech left the signal has returned to OK = it was 1 M & .5m last nite . I took a computer off life support enet cable and Voila
NOW DOWNLOAD Mbps 28.33 UPLOAD Mbps 10.06 OOkla

All the devices (Alexa leeches) are now operating just fine. Soooo, maybe I do not need a new piece of equipment - I will wait and see. If it aint broke...but it is curious that the Modem/Router Netgear oddly starting working like new when he left...hmmmm

Thanks

Why did a tech come to your house?  Were you having problems with your router or connectivity to Cox?

Problems with Router that Cox could not ascertain remotely as to the cause, so they offered to send a tech, which was appreciated. The Router is working OK after Tech left. No idea why....

Problems come and go day to day. I tried to connect with my router and I get "Your computer is correctly connected but the device 192.168.1.1 is not responding". I am baffled - how is the Netgear modem / router working but I cannot see it?

It is also connecting and disconnecting like crazy. Speeds are all over the map...???

not entirely true. I have been using a combo unit for a LONG time with no problems at all. 

So just the new Cox gateways are trash?

LOL Seems so. I think, (THINK), technicolor bought Cisco home modem/and modem router line and used it to make their line. I say that because I ran across a Cisco DPQ3212m and it was marked Technicolor, not Cisco. 

Quick google search finds this

https://blogs.cisco.com/news/spvideocpe#:~:text=Today%2C%20Technicolor%20announced%20it%20has,equivalent)%20in%20cash%20and%20stock.

• The Connected Devices business’ industry-leading video and modem technologies will allow Technicolor to continue to innovate, deliver scale, and provide enhanced customer service
• So, they bough Cisco and ruined their product line. :(

I put a clock 120v switch on the router power line. It turns off once a day at 2 am for 5 minutes and then back on. I started this 3 days ago and I have had no problems with my "Combo Router" so far. Download speeds from 15-30, Upload 10-15. All day. Amazing. It seems that restarting the router daily solves the issue (for now). No new Modem. No new Router, combined or separate needed. No spending over 3-400$ as suggested by experts. I called Cox and I got them to take the $75 service call off my bill. Very pleasant and quick customer service on the phone. Pretty amazing (much better than all of my past experiences). So,  the "old" Netgear C7000V2 that has been in service 3 + years  is still working just fine in concert with the Harbor Freight timer. If it acts up I'll have the timer turn off and on more frequently. I do appreciate the time that some of the forum experts took in trying to help me solve the issue. Maybe I provided something so disgustingly low tech simple that can be used by others......

Sometimes low tech solutions work best with high tech problems. However it still a work around. If you get tired of it or if that solution no longer works, feel free to post here and we will try to help more.