Key Points
- Stop renting and start saving money every month.
- Get the speed and connectivity youâre paying for.
- Be ready for tomorrowâs technology.
- Buy a cable modem and router combo for the best of both worlds.
- Get better network security and lower hacking risks.
- Troubleshoot problems yourself without having to call your ISP.
Great home networks include three main things: internet service, wireless or cable modems, and routers. These three things will keep your internet running smoothly. A good internet plan ensures a fast connection while up-to-date hardware supports it.
Let’s break down the best reasons to buy a cable modem today and which are best to save you money.
Some Background on Cable Modems
Modems connect your home to your internet service provider (ISP), often through a coax cable connection. The ISP sends signals to your modem, which it then translates into signals your devices can use.
Each modem has a public IP address for internet identification. The connection between the internet and your house is called a wide area network (WAN). Routers create a local area network (LAN) within your home, allowing your devices to share data, printers, and the like. Routers connect to your modem and then connect your electronics to each other, often through a Wi-Fi signal.
Nowadays, you can purchase a combination modem and router, so you have all the technology you need in one device.
Let’s break down the top reasons to buy a cable modem today!
Stop Renting
Renting Wi-Fi cable modems costs you money every month, but that’s not the only reason to buy a cable modem. Rented modems are not always up to date, so they might not support your surfing and streaming needs, much less let you play the games you love.
Sometimes the equipment you get has had another life in someone else’s home before getting refurbished and rented to you. You also don’t have complete control over your internet connection; the ISP server does, so they can turn Wi-Fi features on or off without you realizing it. When you buy your own, you’ll be in full control.
Speed and Connectivity
The number of connected devices in your home increases regularly, especially if you’re moving toward intelligent appliances. So, when you buy a cable modem, you can purchase one to support all your devices at top speed and with steady connectivity.
Purchasing your modem means you can match it to your needs, with a little room to add another device or two. Even if you upgrade it in three to five years, you’ll still come out ahead, saving more money than if you rented.
Know the broadband speed you pay for, then buy a modem that supports it (at minimum). Some modems are capable of delivering higher download speeds than your service provider may offer.
DOCSIS Technology
Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications (DOCSIS) is a telecommunications standard. It allows high-bandwidth data to transfer over existing coaxial cable routes that were first used to transmit cable TV. So, if you buy a modem supporting DOCSIS technology, it can deliver faster internet speeds.
These modems let you get fast speeds now, but they’ll also be ready for tomorrow’s even quicker service plans and speed tiers. Choose 16×4 (or higher) channel bonding for speeds twice as fast as 8×4 modems.
Router-Modem Combo
Take advantage of modem-router combos to get the best of both worlds. They’re often less expensive than buying two devices. They take up less room, making us happy to have one less piece of equipment crowding the space.
Best of all, you only need to set up one combo device and it’s generally a straightforward setup that keeps your home running smoothly and reliably.
Better Network Security
Our lives are now heavily digitized, so you want to ensure that hackers or cyber-criminals can’t access your sensitive information. When you own your modem, you can use the latest firewalls, encryption, and security features to help prevent unauthorized access.
Easier to Troubleshoot
You can troubleshoot connection issues easier when you own your modem. You won’t need to contact your ISP for help so that you can diagnose and fix the problem faster, so you’ll save time by fixing issues quickly.
©The Toidi/Shutterstock.com
The Absolute Best Cable Modems Today
If you want to buy one of the best cable modems, here are some excellent options.
Netgear Nighthawk
- Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox, and more
- NOT compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service
- Best for cable provider plans up to 2 Gbps
- Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 25 concurrent devices with dual-band WiFi 6 (AX2700) speed (up to 2.7Gbps)
- Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, storage drive, and more with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 USB 3.0 port
- DOCSIS 3.1 and 32x8 channel bonding
The Netgear Nighthawk is our number-one choice for a combination cable modem and router, and that’s because they are durable systems that you’ll find easy to use and install. Combine it with a Cat8 Ethernet cable, and using the multi-gig port will rate you the fastest internet speeds, up to 2 Gbps from your ISP.
Netgear supports DOCSIS 3.1 and 32×8 channel bonding, so you’ll get fast multi-Gigabit internet and lag-free gaming and streaming. Set up is easy with Netgear’s phone app, so you’ll be up and running with faster speeds in no time. Users love that you get such quick speeds over Wi-Fi, so you don’t need a bunch of cords to connect up to 25 devices.
In addition, this system makes for an affordable setup to buy a cable modem and router combo. You’ll save money over renting without a hefty purchasing fee.
Motorola Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router – MG8702 DOCSIS 3.1
- Intelligent Power Boost
- AC3200 Wi-Fi Speed
- Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum
- High speed combo
Motorola has long been a name you can trust in electronics, and this cable modem and Wi-Fi router combo continues to deliver quality. The DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem helps you future-proof your purchase by letting you access the fastest cable internet plans today and tomorrow.
You’ll appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi with this cable modem and top-rate router. But the easy setup is only one part of the mobile app. Use your phone to set up parental controls, monitor your usage, set up a guest network, and get security alerts. Motorola thought of the whole user experience and then made it super easy.
Wrapping Up
A cable modem will give you better network security and the ability to access the internet speeds you’re paying for. In addition, you’ll still be ready for tomorrow’s faster speeds without needing to upgrade again.
| Reasons to Buy a Cable Modem Today |
|---|
| 1. Stop renting and start saving money every month. |
| 2. Get the speed and connectivity you’re paying for. |
| 3. Be ready for tomorrow’s technology. |
| 4. Buy a cable modem and router combo for the best of both worlds. |
| 5. Get better network security and lower hacking risks. |
| 6. Troubleshoot problems yourself without having to call your ISP. |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Blue Cow Studios/Shutterstock.com.
