Personally I’d stick with the SB6121 until you actually have problems. In my experience it’s been super reliable on sub 100mbps plans. I still rock one at my parents’ place
If you want a good cheap replacement option the Arris SBG6580 goes for $24 “Used - Like New” on Amazon. It has WiFi built-in which can be convenient for some and may be worth a look if you were planning on upgrading an aging router as well
I would need both. And are there options for modem/router combos? I saw some surfboards with good reviews that do both, I’m just not too sure if they would be a reliable option. https://www.amazon.com/SURFboard-SBG6580-DOCSIS-2-4Ghz-Router/dp/B0040IUI46
They have a new model that is more expensive, but this is what I have and what I recommended to my neighbor, which he has no complaints. It is a modem/router combo. Works really well with my 60 down 10 up internet.
https://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-SURFboard-SBG6580-DOCSIS-Router/dp/B0040IUI46
I agree, I never said the problem was Comcast, just a way to get around the problem of slow WiFi. Although it could not be anything but the router, this is surprising to me. The router is only 2 months old and wasn't too cheap. There are 5 of us students almost constantly on the network with our phones, computers, and tablets. I would assume that this is real issue, but I'm not sure. Do you have any other thoughts on improving the network?
Here is the amazon page for the router we have: http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-SURFboard-SBG6580-Docsis-Router/dp/B0040IUI46/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456722053&sr=8-1&keywords=router+motorola+surfboard
Replace it with a ARRIS SURFboard SBG6580 Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem and Wi-Fi N600 Router
Also when you say the modem goes down what exactly do you mean ? It loses connection and the lights start blinking ? The internet you receive slows to a crawl ? The modem stops working entirely ?
Also I don't know why you're unscrewing the cable and screwing it back in. You could just reset the modem by unplugging the power cable for 15+ seconds. Or by using a pen tip or paper clip to press the reset button on the back.
Finally what device or devices are you using to receive wifi and or hooked up to via ethernet?
1.) I'm in the IT biz too, its super weird. I've never even have thought it could happen. But yes it is literally crashing my entire internet for all devices connected to via my modem / router (same device). The device I have now is a newer model (with DOCSIS 3.0 (as another commenter mentioned)).
http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-SURFboard-SBG6580-Docsis-Router/dp/B0040IUI46
3.) 250 max pings / minute still doesn't fix it. It just takes forever to load the server list, but then after a minute or two it does the same thing. (normally it takes 10-15 seconds)
I have had mediacom service at 3 houses now. 3 things to learn
I personally have this Motorola Surfboard SBG6580, I replaced the crappy one that Comcast gave me with it and it works great. A plus is that you get $10 off because you don't need to rent their crap.
I used the comcast router for a little while because I had their phone service so a word of advice, if you have comcast as your home telephone provider, look for one with the phone connection. I moved to Ooma recently so that also saved me a bunch of money.
In the future please use the raw amazon link because reddit removes all comments with affiliate or tracking information. That means nobody can see the great advice you just gave until I see your post and approve it 14 hours later! :(
You can sanitize your links like so to avoid getting auto removed: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040IUI46/
I bought one of these last weekend actually for my house. Can confirm: it's great. I also bought a surfboard router. Not the cheapest setup but I've got zero complaints about it.
I have The Motorola SURFboard SBG6580, and TWC is my provider. It supports up to 343/131Mbps. We have a TV with a PS3, XBox360, Wii, and Roku 3 attached to it, as well as a couple of laptops, 2+ android tablets, 2 ipads and 2 smartphones and it seems to handle the load pretty well.
Well I am connected to my android box through Wifi, but if you're using your phone you would be on wifi too so I'm not sure what the reason is. I have this router and I saw an improvement when I switched it to 5Ghz frequency, but there's still a slight lag. It's not huge, but in games where you need split second reactions, it hasn't been perfect. Do you have a high end router?
Thanks for the detailed response. I am looking into Ooma, apparently there's a good price on Amazon. I was researching modem/routers a few weeks back, but several people advised against getting a combo unit. Do you have any recommendations? I was looking at this one: http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-SURFboard-SBG6580-Packaging-570763-006-00/dp/B0040IUI46/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1420304347&sr=8-4&keywords=comcast+compatible+gateway
I am paying $30 a month for cell phone, 1200 minutes, 1200 texts, 500 mb data, which more than meets my needs. With Republic Wireless, I think I'd have to buy a new phone?
this modem would be the closest thing to comcast's top of the line cable modem/router gateway. the only thing it doesn't do is phone service.
top of the line model is either the SMC D3GNV or the Arris TG862G
Not always, they have a special device that they have to use to check the lines so sometimes the techs can't be bothered if they believe they have found the culprit elsewhere. It would kind of look like this
The netgear modems are not brilliant in my experience and I would actually recommend this guy
I suggest ARRIS SURFboard SBG6580 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem/Wi-Fi N300 2.4Ghz + N300 5GHz Dual Band Router - Retail Packaging Black (570763-006-00) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040IUI46/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_kUZCBbRVKGR98
I strongly recommend this one
https://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-SURFboard-SBG6580-DOCSIS-Router/dp/B0040IUI46
If you go on ebay you can find used ones for $20
you can buy a router/modem combo for ~90-120 depending on sale prices. I got this one for about 90 some time around black friday.
Do you use a router with it? Because I've only ever used a modem/router combo to get my laptops and cell phones connected and I have no idea if one is better than the other, I just assume a combo unit is easier.
Between these do you have any suggestions? I'm trying to keep costs low since I may not stick with TWC if I move so I either want something that is cheap or that's pretty universal with other carriers (if that even exists lol)
Thanks for all your help already!!
That's probably the same one I've been using, too. Specifically, mine is this one here, has been working perfectly for the last 2 years.
I recently got this cable modem/router combo and everything has been working out perfectly. Comcast has a complete list of modems and modem/routers and even link to an Amazon page for purchase. It's definitely worth it to buy your own and save the $10/month.
I have this one. I could get a new one if that would help.
Wireless - I actually have a slightly different one that is a router/modem.
http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-SURFboard-SBG6580-Docsis-Router/dp/B0040IUI46
It's a router-modem combo:
Yep that's me. This is the router I am using: http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-SURFboard-Gateway-SBG6580-Wireless/dp/B0040IUI46/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389809396&sr=8-1&keywords=sbg6580. I normally get ~30mbps download and ~3mbps upload around my house on wifi. This meets Nvidias recommended specs but it's certainly possible that an upgrade can improve my experience. Thanks for watching!
The best wireless modem you can use for Comcast: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040IUI46/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1