Choosing the Right Cable Modem or Cable Modem Router

Learn > Cable Modem & Routers > Choosing the Right Cable Modem or Cable Modem Router

So, you decided to buy a cable modem or cable modem router for your home network. Now you need to figure out which is best for you. Choosing the right device depends on your specific home setup and your overall Internet needs. Here are some things to consider when buying a cable modem or combo device.

 

How to Choose the Right Cable Modem

The “right” cable modem depends on your needs. Here are some things to consider when buying a cable modem. You can use this as a checklist:

  • Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 support
  • Does your home have enough space for separate cable modem and router devices? If not, you may want a hybrid device.

Will Any Router Work with a Cable Modem?

Since a cable modem can only connect a single device to the Internet (with a wire) you need a router to connect multiple devices at once and wirelessly. As long as your traditional Wi-Fi router is supported by your ISP, you can use a cable to connect the router’s network port to the WAN (Internet) port of the modem to get Wi-Fi.

If you want to avoid having two separate devices and you want to be certain that the router works with your cable modem, you can get a cable modem router (also called a gateway).

How to Choose the Right Cable Modem Router

The “right” cable modem router depends on your needs.  The checklist above for cable modems also applies to cable modem routers.

The most important features to pay attention to are:

Does a Cable Modem or Cable Modem Router Make a Difference?

Whether you have separate devices or a single device does not matter since they perform the same functions. But there are pros and cons to consider between having separate devices or a combined device.

High-level things to consider:

Pros of using separate devices:

  • Can have more features
  • Often have more customization settings
  • Easier to replace and upgrade individually

Pros of using a combo device:

  • Takes up less room
  • Requires only one power outlet
  • Requires fewer wires and cables

In the end, choosing the right device depends on your situation and needs. Whether you choose separate devices or combined, you can get a solid home network setup.

Hitron cable modems and cable modem routers​ deliver high-speed broadband access and easy home networking. Ask your ISP about Hitron’s DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 cable modems and Wi-Fi 6-ready cable modem routers today. Have more questions about home networking solutions? Check out Hitron’s ​Learn Page for more.

NEW! Now Available at Retail!

CODA DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

Related Articles

What is WPS on my Router?

If you’ve looked closely at your WiFi router, you might have noticed a button marked “WPS” somewhere on it. What is this button? Why is it there and should you press it? Great questions. WPS stands for WiFi Protected Setup.  A router with a WPS button can allow any...

When Should I Reset vs Restart my Cable Modem?

When you should do a cable modem restart or reset depends on the situation. It’s extremely important to understand these terms as the function of these terms have different meanings. In simple terms, to restart or reboot your modem means to turn off your modem and...

What is WiFi 6 and Is WiFi 6 Really Better?

WiFi 6 (also known as 802.11ax) is the most recent version of WiFi. It’s the best version of WiFi to date, with more support, faster speeds, less network congestion, better security, improved battery life for devices, and more. If you are looking for the latest and...

How do I set up my cable modem?

There are differences in setting up your cable modem whether you purchased or rented the device. If you bought your own cable modem, you should check the user manual or manufacturers' support website for specific details. For example, Xfinity (Comcast) and other Cable...

Can I use any cable modem for Cable Internet?

The right cable modem or cable modem router combo to use to get cable Internet in your home depends on a few things: Whether you are renting vs buying Certification and compatibility with your Service Provider Must-have features to consider For example, if your...

These Hitron products are now available on Amazon!

You can own high-quality, Carrier-grade products!

Coax Cable Tester

DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem

MoCA 2.5 Coax to Ethernet Adapter

Featured Articles

3

Buying vs Renting a Router

Should you invest in your own Internet equipment and buy a router instead of renting one from your Internet service provider (ISP)? It depends on the cost and your preferences. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

What is a Router?

A router is a small box that translates data from your modem to communicate a Wi-Fi signal to the devices on your local network. Learn more.

Why Buy a Gateway Instead of a Modem?

Should you invest in your own Internet equipment and buy a gateway or cable modem router instead of a modem? Or, should you rent it from your Internet service provider (ISP)? It depends on cost and your preferences. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

Let me know when the OS2210 is available?