MrB
I invented modding!
Registered: 08/28/03
Posts: 8210
Loc: SE Kansas
A friend of mine wil be getting cable Internet . So I'm looking for a decent modem and wireless router either as a combo unit or separate units. Any help would be appreciated
Dave
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MrB
I invented modding!
Registered: 08/28/03
Posts: 8210
Loc: SE Kansas
Her ISP will be Cox Communications. . They would offer a modem, ar least, but my friend doesn't want to rent it . One reason is that I offered to purchase it for her.
On their website, they have preferred units , but I can't find much about them and don't know much anyway.
steveg
Making a new reply.
Registered: 04/19/02
Posts: 27495
Loc: D'OHio
The average modem rental is less than $6/mo with most providers. At retail, modems run from the mid-$50s to the mid-$70s, so at best, it takes a year for the modem to pay for itself. Plus, depending on the provider, some user-owned modems can be problematic if the ISP issues service changes or updates.
That said, if router signal strength (as in punching through multiple walls or outside use) is not an issue, some cable modems — like Motorola Surfboard Gateway series — have a built-in wireless router, so you can reduce equipment and cable clutter. Mine works fine within my office, but upstairs and outside it's useless, so I use a Belkin N750DB router (which has a much more robust signal than even Apples's APX) as a bridge.
Perfect, that's what I needed. You can get the Motorola SBG6580 modem/router combo on Amazon for $123.97 shipped. They have used ones for a bit cheaper but for $30 more you get new. I recommend the Motorola Surfboards.
The other wi-fi one, Surfboard SBG6782, is a newer model with dual band wi-fi, 2.4 and 5Ghz. If she is in a densely populated area where there are a lot of other wireless routers the 5Ghz helps to eliminate interference. You can bring your iPad over and see how many networks are in the area. It is close to $200 though. Your call there.
Hmmm... most cable internet providers that I'm aware of supply you with theirs.... unless you're trying to save money by buying your(his) own?
With rental at 7-10 a month though it pays for itself in a year or so.
The advantage to renting is if it goes out the cable company will come over and replace it right away as compared to one having to go out and buy another.
You could go with a regular modem and a wireless router that hooks up to it also. The all-in-one modem/wireless is a simpler and cleaner setup. With separate ones if one goes out you only have to get either the modem or the router. Combined cost of separate ones is about the same as an all-in-one.
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