Which is Better? Separate Modem & Router or Modem-router?

Samuria said:

The key difference is a modem generally doesnt have nat so its live ip on the net just right for hackers, if you then have a router the connection between to 2 is subject to noise if its one unit router there is no wires to get extra noise

So I'll be getting a 3nd modem soon and a wifi router for it. So that makes 3 modems in total. But oner is for phone ONLY so that means I'll have 2 modems for internet. Are you saying that my network is ripe for hackers? If so what do I do about it?

MaloK said:

Also Since all components are internal, Communication between them is often much faster then most Ethernet networks.

So youre saying that all-i-one units are better than separate modem and router?

yahanna said:

So youre saying that all-i-one units are better than separate modem and router?

In home setups if the WIFI Router is well positioned to have good signal. The less hops traffic go trough better the performance. Also the fact that the router can dispatch packets directly to the WIFI modules without going trough an Ethernet network is significant in term of packet routing performance.

MaloK said:

In home setups if the WIFI Router is well positioned to have good signal. The less hops traffic go trough better the performance. Also the fact that the router can dispatch packets directly to the WIFI modules without going trough an Ethernet network is significant in term of packet routing performance.

But why does my isp say its better to set up a separate modem and router?

On that note, my isp which is spectrum, will be giving me a free modem in addition to the free router they sent me before. Do you think I should keep these or buy a combo modem router instead in light of this info? Fyi, I'll be using a this set up for my PC in my room, TV in my moms room and TV in my living room.

yahanna said:

Which is better? having an all in one modem-router or a separate modem and router?

I wanna make sure I dont experience any reboots and to have consistently high speeds for 4K viewing on my roku.

I have always used a separate cable modem and wireless router. Although I own both, my ISP (Xfinity/Comcast) has control of the firmware on the modem, and will download updates and reboot the device whenever they feel like it. When they do I lose internet connectivity, but that is all.

Since I have 100% control over the wireless router device, I update and reboot it when I want under my control. I can also replace it when I need or want to. My in home wireless signal is under my control. For example, communication between my fileserver and computer over wireless is not subject to the whims of my ISP.

So that is how I have always done it, and have never had any issues. I can replace the cable modem with another device if and when I need to, and ditto for the wireless router. The line of demarcation for control is between those two devices. Cable company controls incoming cable and modem, I control everything else.

Has worked fine for me for years now using this approach.

yahanna said:

But why does my isp say its better to set up a separate modem and router?

On that note, my isp which is spectrum, will be giving me a free modem in addition to the free router they sent me before. Do you think I should keep these or buy a combo modem router instead in light of this info? Fyi, I'll be using a this set up for my PC in my room, TV in my moms room and TV in my living room.

I think you are spending way too much time over thinking this. In reality, you would not notice the difference between a combo unit and separate units, all other things remaining the same.

If you're in for a crazy Home router, check out the TP-Link WiFi 6 AX11000 Gaming Router. With over 10GBps total Bandwidth, eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and quad core CPU with 1Gig Ram.

MaloK said:

If you're in for a crazy Home router, check out the TP-Link WiFi 6 AX11000 Gaming Router. With over 10GBps total Bandwidth, eight Gigabit Ethernet ports and quad core CPU with 1Gig Ram.

And then connect it to your 500 Mbps internet connection

Hi folks

It depends on whether you have full optical fibre cable (that has it's own box / connection) or the old fashioned ADSL "Copper Wire" type of thing -- I must admit I didn't realize those were still prevalent until a recent visit to the UK where even 20 Mbs was considered adequate -- OK UK is great for a load of things but clearly not Broadband which in a majority of the country is still relatively 3rd world standard for whatever reason.

Possibly parts of rural USA similar. LA, BOSTON , and NYC was fine last time I was there though.

If you have full Fibre then you'll need a router to connect your home LAN to the ISP's WAN via its box. If you are on the old fashioned copper ADSL stuff the ISP will probably have the router that you might need -- but I would imagine even there you could still "Roll your own" and not have to be dependent on ISP's supplying you with 3rd rate gear.

Not sure most domestic routers would handle our 10 Gbs system !!! -- there are some advantages in Small countries !!!!!

Cheers
jimbo

NavyLCDR said:

And then connect it to your 500 Mbps internet connection

You're right, but local network gets a real upgrade.