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Cake day: October 25th, 2023

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  • I wouldn’t buy any of those. Nor would I buy a router or any sort of networking device from Best Buy.

    If a particular router looks more like an insect or an alien spaceship, instead of a simple rectangular enclosure, it is likely overpriced and overhyped.

    In fact, you’ll get more for your money if you use wired-only router, and a separate wifi AP - similar to the benefit of using a separate modem from your router rather than a modem/router combo - you can choose devices that are best at their own job, rather than trying to either compromise or overspending.

    Here is an article describing some good gigabit wired routers:

    https://approvedmodems.org/best-wired-routers/








  • One, I would generally not recommend a modem/router combo at all, but instead separate devices.

    Two, you only want a cable modem if you are subscribed (or are going to subscribe) to a cable ISP service. A cable modem would be absolutely useless for a fiber or VDSL service. (And if its a DOCSIS compliant modem, it should work with any DOCSIS compliant cable ISP)

    So the first step before deciding what (or if) device you want to obtain, is to at least be certain what ISP/service you’re going to subscribe to.

    And often, unless you have very specific needs and know exactly what you’re doing in advance, you’re usually better of starting by using whatever device the ISP you subscribe to provides, and THEN consider whether you need something different or additional. And if you’re seeking advice on reddit at that time, you should be sure to give the exact brand and model of the ISP provided device.

    All that said, if I was going to buy a cable modem either to replace an ISP device or for a new service, I would probably get something like this:

    https://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-SURFboard-SB8200-RB-Approved-Spectrum/dp/B07M8BNVSD/

    And I would continue to use my existing wired router and separate wifi AP. I can see it probably making more sense for most end users to get a router with a wifi AP built in (aka “wireless router” to connect to their modem, and then connect both their wired and wireless devices through it.