Internet Setup/Wifi/Cable

[Snipeye]

Alright, I'm stuck with TWC (and praying that Comcast's buy bid is denied for monopoly reasons), and I've been having a ridiculous amount of issues with the cable modem w/ wifi they gave me. I'm thinking of finding my own cable modem, or at the very least, get my own wifi router to hook up so I don't have to pay TWC $5 additional per month for something that's 1) not reliable, and 2) getting crap speeds.

I'm looking for suggestions on how to approach this setup. First, should I really invest in a new cable modem to replace TWC's or just use the one they gave me? Second question: Depending on the first question's answer, should I go get a wifi router (or cable modem with build in wifi)? Third, based on your ideas for the prior two, what would you recommend modem/router wise?

 

[CyganyZed]

Since the wifi/router is connecting to your equipment, I believe you should totally have your own. You can configure whatever security and features you want without worrying about a TWC backdoor to your network. Not saying they do spy, but if it's their equipment, then have one. You also can get whatever features you want.

The cable modem for me is a tossup. I owned my own modem when I had DSL, but now I have the one Cox provides. They don't charge a surcharge on the cable modem, and it's one of the things they always like to swap when troubleshooting. Usually it's still something outside, but twice now the modem swapped fixed it. Since they are providing that modem, get them out on a trouble call and make them swap it.


The router I have now is the ASUS RT-N66U. It's a beast. I think there is a newer version, the RT-AC66U. There are many good routers out there that come in a variety of prices. Look for some reviews that measure performance and compare features.

 

[Geezer]

The Motorola SB6141 is the gold standard for DOCSIS 3.0 cablemodems and is the same model TWC usually 'leases'.

I bought my own immediately when they started the rental fee in Austin.

The Wirecutter has a decent review.

PROS
No rental fee.
Better security with your own router.
Better wifi with your own router.
No need to carry the unit in/wait a week for them to roll a truck and pretend you weren't at home when they supposedly came by, if it breaks.

CONS
If it breaks you have to fork out another $50-$75 to buy a new one. You're already ahead if it lasts at least a year.

 

[Snipeye]

Thanks Cygany and Geezer. I'm leaning strongly towards getting a cable modem of my own though the one I'm eyeing doesn't have built-in wifi, so I may need to find my own wireless router for separate usage...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825390001

Looking over the suggestions and ratings, it's actually very hard to find a good modem with built-in wifi....