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CNET
a day ago
- Business
- CNET
Should You Buy Your Own Router? Here's How It Can Cut Your Internet Bill
US households pay a monthly median of $63 for internet, and that doesn't include the extra fees you get charged for equipment or maintenance. Not to forget, this cost only goes up over time because of price hikes, according to a CNET survey. One easy way to save on your monthly internet bill is to buy your own internet equipment instead of renting it from your provider. CNET's experts are always looking to find ways to help you save money, get a faster internet connection and make sense of all the confusing terms on your home internet bills. Looking to save some money on your broadband service in the long run? You might want to consider cutting out that monthly equipment fee by buying your own modem or router, which means saving on your monthly and yearly internet costs. Can you buy your own router? Nearly 70% of households rent routers from their ISP, and that figure makes sense once you factor in confusing internet bills and terms of service. While some internet providers provide the equipment for free, others won't let you skip the rental -- meaning, you must use the internet provider's equipment even if you already have your own router. Though most ISPs will let you use your own router and modem, it can be confusing to navigate those service policies. The bottom line is that buying your own router is a simple way to future-proof your home while trimming down potential extra fees on your bill. The up-front cost of internet equipment may seem pricey, but you'll find that paying for everything at once actually saves money: You can reduce your monthly internet bill by as much as $15 and save hundreds of dollars over the years, like CNET's Joe Supan who decided to stop renting internet equipment from Xfinity. Plus, you may even find that a new router improves your internet speeds -- especially if you're on a cable internet plan with slow upload speeds. If you have hesitations about the high up-front costs, know that plenty of decent modems cost less than $100. With the average cost of renting a modem from your provider around $10 per month, a device would pay for itself in less than a year and then continue saving you money each month. In other cases, where providers will rent you a high-end gaming router or a decent mesh router for a modest monthly fee, doing so might be a pretty decent deal. Locating local internet providers Let's run through all of the top options from internet providers to see how their equipment policies compare and whether you're in a position to save some money. CNET AT&T Equipment fee: No This is significant because AT&T used to charge $10 monthly for its equipment. The company required the use of its combination modem-and-router gateway device and didn't allow customers to use their own modem. That meant that you couldn't skip the $10 monthly additional fee. In 2022, AT&T scrapped its equipment fee for all internet plans, so customers need not worry about that additional amount getting tacked onto their monthly bill. Read our AT&T home internet review. See at AT&T CNET CenturyLink Equipment fee: Yes ($15 per month for modem/router gateway device rental) Can you skip it? Yes CenturyLink charges $15 monthly to rent a gateway that combines a modem and a router into one device. If you sign up for DSL with CenturyLink, that gateway will be one of three models: the Greenwave C4000, the Zyxel C4000LZ or the Zyxel C3000Z. If you have a fiber plan with Quantum Fiber, your equipment is included at no extra cost for an "initial period," however long that may be. You can skip that $15 fee by using a gateway or modem of your own, but CenturyLink cautions customers not to use anything that isn't on its list of approved devices. You can also opt to buy CenturyLink equipment upfront, for $200 plus tax, an investment that would pay for itself after a year and one month of service. "CenturyLink highly recommends using one of our certified or recommended Wi-Fi modems (gateways), which have been tested and approved to work optimally with our high-speed internet technology," the company's website reads. "Retired and third-party devices are more likely to cause performance issues and may not connect to your internet service correctly." Remember, if you're replacing CenturyLink's gateway with a standard modem, then you'll also need to find a good router to go with it. Read our CenturyLink home internet review. See at CenturyLink CNET Frontier Equipment fee: No Frontier Fiber includes equipment rental fees with the monthly cost, which is already lower than most. For plans 500Mbps and faster, Frontier offers the Eero Pro 7, a Wi-Fi 7 router. The 200Mbps plan comes with the Eero Pro 6E, and all DSL plans come with the Eero Pro 6. For an additional $10 a month, you can add Whole Home Wi-Fi with up to two mesh Wi-Fi extenders for better coverage. Read our Frontier home internet review. See at Frontier CNET Google Fiber Equipment fee: No Google Fiber customers receive a modem and a mesh router with up to two additional extenders at no additional cost. If you subscribe to Google Fiber's fastest plan, with download speeds of up to 8Gbps, then you'll get a faster, multi-gig router to go with it, complete with support for Wi-Fi 6E. Read our Google Fiber home internet review. See at Google CNET Hughesnet Equipment fee: Yes ($15 to $20 per month for modem/router gateway device rental) Can you skip it? No Hughesnet provides satellite internet service to all 50 states. That's the good news. The not-so-good news is that satellite internet features pretty pricey equipment costs. Customers must rent Hughesnet's equipment to the tune of $15 per month or $20 per month if opting for Hughesnet's Fusion plan that combines satellite internet with low-latency fixed wireless internet. There are no options to skip those monthly fees. The only alternative provided is to buy the equipment up front for $300 ($450 with the Fusion plan). That's a tough pill to swallow. Paying that much right out of the gate is not appealing. Once you consider that Hughesnet requires a two-year contract (and canceling early will activate an early termination fee), you may find that the up-front cost will save you money if you foresee staying with Hughesnet beyond your initial term. Read our HughesNet review. See at Allconnect CNET Kinetic by Windstream Equipment fee: Yes ($11 for modem/router gateway device rental) Can you skip it? Yes Kinetic is Windstream's home internet service, and the equipment rental fees cost $11 a month. Paying that fee gets you a combination modem-and-router gateway device, but you can skip the fee outright if you use your own modem and router hardware. The company has different hardware requirements for different customers based on the specific nature of the connection (some DSL subscribers use ADSL technology, while others use VDSL, for instance). Be sure to ask Windstream for some guidance specific to your home's connection before you make a purchase -- the customer service number is 800-347-1991. Read our Kinetic by Windstream home internet review. See at Windstream CNET Mediacom Equipment fees: Yes ($15 per month for modem/router gateway device) Can you skip them? Yes Mediacom is a midsize cable internet provider, and customers need to pay $15 per month to rent a cable modem/router gateway from the company. You can skip that fee by using your own, but it'll need to be at least a DOCSIS 3.1 model plus a compatible router. Here's the full list of approved hardware (PDF). The WiFi360Pro, which comes with two Eero Wi-Fi units (and Eero secure services), is included for one year of service. It supports up to 1Gbps and supports Wi-Fi 6. Mediacom also offers Eero Wi-Fi extenders for $5 a month. Read our Mediacom home internet review. See at Mediacom CNET Metronet Equipment fees: No Metronet is a 100% fiber-optic internet provider in the Midwest that covers Indiana and 15 other states nationwide. Like fellow fiber providers like AT&T and Google Fiber, Metronet doesn't charge customers to use its router. It does charge $10 per month if you want to add Whole Home Wi-Fi, but that is optional, not a required cost. Read our Metronet review. See at Metronet CNET Optimum Equipment fee: No Optimum offers both hybrid fiber and cable connections and 100% fiber hookups. The company provides customers with its Altice Gateway, which serves as your home's modem and router. Your exact model depends on your specific plan and whether your home's connection uses cable or fiber. "Optimum internet customers using service delivered via our HFC network are able to use their own equipment," an Altice spokesperson tells CNET. "Optimum Fiber service is currently only delivered via the Optimum-provided Gateway, which is designed specifically to work with our fiber network." Read our Optimum home internet review. See at Optimum CNET Rise Broadband Equipment fee: Yes ($10 to $15 per month router rental) Rise Broadband is a provider of fixed wireless home internet connections throughout much of the middle of the country, including many rural areas. The ISP covers the cost of the equipment rental fee in select regions (including the modem and antenna that receive the over-the-air signal), but many will have to pay $10 just for the receiver, then an additional $15 to rent a router. The router rental is optional; the receiver lease is not. If you're eligible for fiber internet, that equipment rental is optional. Read our Rise Broadband home internet review. See at Rise Broadband CNET Sparklight Equipment fee: Yes ($14 per month for modem) Can you skip it? Yes Sparklight charges customers $14 per month for its cable modem. For an additional access point, Sparklight charges an extra $10 monthly. Sparklight also offers an "Ultimate Wi-Fi Bundle," which includes your modem, two eero Wi-Fi devices and eero plus for $25 monthly. If you want to skip the monthly charge, Sparklight requires you to use a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem device. If you choose to go that route to save on the added monthly fee, here's a list of Sparklight recommended modems. Read our Sparklight home internet review. See at Sparklight CNET Spectrum Equipment fee: Yes ($10 per month for router rental, modem provided free of charge) Can you skip it? Yes Spectrum includes a free modem with all of its home internet plans, but if you don't have a router, you'll need to rent one for $10 per month if you're on the 500Mbps plan. Users of the 1-gig plan get equipment included in their monthly bills. To avoid that monthly fee, you'll need to use your own router. However, if your equipment malfunctions, it won't be eligible for Spectrum technical support. You can also use your own modem, but make sure to use a Spectrum-supported model. Read our Spectrum home internet review. See at Spectrum CNET Starlink Equipment fee: Yes ($349-$599 one-time purchase) Can you skip it? No Starlink, Elon Musk's internet service, aims to disrupt the satellite internet category by providing faster speeds and lower latency than offered by rivals Hughesnet and Viasat. What Starlink shares with those companies is a stark equipment fee. Instead of an additional monthly charge for your equipment, Starlink requires that you pay for the equipment up front. That means a payout of $349 to $599 for standard service. Read more about Starlink. See at Starlink CNET Verizon Home Internet Equipment fee: No Verizon offers three separate home internet services: Verizon Fios, Verizon 5G Home Internet and Verizon LTE (4G). Each service is a bit different, but one thing they all have in common is that your equipment rental is included in the price. Read our Verizon home internet review. See at Verizon CNET Viasat Equipment fee: Yes ($15 per month for modem/router) Can you skip it? No Viasat charges the same cost for monthly equipment as rival HughesNet and its monthly equipment charge is still inescapable. You could get a slight discount on that monthly price by choosing to pay for the equipment with a one-time purchase of $250, but there are no significant savings to be had there unless you hold on to your Viasat service beyond the initial two-year contract. Read our Viasat internet review. See at Allconnect CNET WideOpenWest Equipment fee: No WideOpenWest -- or WOW, as the company enjoys branding itself -- includes the modem cost in your monthly fee but you can still buy your own WOW-approved modem. Separately, customers can pay $10 per month to rent an Eero 6 router. You can skip that fee if you already have a router that you're happy with. Ten dollars per month isn't a bad price to try out a mesh system in your home, but that older version of Eero sells in a two-pack for $189, and you can often find it on sale. If you plan on using that router for longer than a year and a half or so, it's probably better to buy one of your own. Read our WOW home internet review. See at WOW CNET Xfinity Equipment fee: Yes ($15 to $20 per month for modem/router gateway device rental) Can you skip it? Yes Xfinity offers customers the option of renting the xFi Gateway, which combines a modem and a router into a single device, at $15 per month in select locations. In others, and with select plans, equipment is included at no extra cost. If you have a fee, you can skip the monthly charge by using your own modem and router. Pretty much any router will work, but you must ensure the modem is a DOCSIS 3.1 model. The Xfinity website has a full list of supported modems. Additionally, Xfinity offers xFi Complete, an in-home W-iFi option for $15 to $25 extra a month, depending on where you live. The xFi Complete package comes with unlimited data (a nice perk since Xfinity enforces data caps on most plans), a Wi-Fi Boost Pod for extended coverage throughout the home, and the ability to manage the security of your network through various controls. Read our Xfinity home internet review. See at Xfinity CNET Ziply Fiber Equipment fee: Yes ($15 monthly router fee) Can you skip it? Yes Ziply Fiber features an optimized Wi-Fi 7 router for all fiber plans as well as Whole Home Wi-Fi for $15 monthly. You can also skip that additional monthly fee by using your own router, but to paraphrase an FAQ on Ziply's website, it recommends you use the Ziply Fiber router "for the best fiber internet experience." Read our Ziply Fiber review. See at Ziply Fiber Is it worth buying your own router? It depends on your ISP's terms of service, but in most cases, it makes sense to buy your own router and save $10 to $15 a month, if not more. Most ISPs will let you opt out of a modem or router rental, and if you have that option, you should take it. Investing in your internet equipment can lead to overall improved speeds while trimming down your monthly bill. If you're unsure about what router to invest in, we've tested dozens of top-rated routers and internet equipment, including mesh networks and Wi-Fi extenders.
CNET
3 days ago
- CNET
I'm a Router Expert: Here's Where I Would Place a Mesh Router for a Speed Boost
The truth is, most Wi-Fi routers are pretty ugly. Your first impulse is probably to tuck them away and hide ugly cords to reduce clutter. But if you've noticed your Wi-Fi struggling in certain rooms, it's worth rethinking your router placement -- even with a mesh system. I've been testing and reviewing router performance for years, and I've found that few things are as critical to Wi-Fi speeds as the location of your router. While a traditional Wi-Fi router sends out a signal from a single point in your home, a mesh system uses multiple devices to emit signals from various points. That makes it more like a team of routers that work together to relay your traffic back to the modem. It's a much better approach to home networking, particularly in large, multistory homes, where a traditional, single-point router will likely leave you with dead zones in the farthest away rooms. Still, location is everything when setting up your router and satellite extenders, which are also sometimes called nodes (or "Points" if you use Nest Wi-Fi). Their specific location significantly impacts the system's performance. Internet is already expensive, and if you've invested in a mesh router system, you should be getting the speeds you're paying for. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you go. (You can also check out our tips on the best location for your Wi-Fi router and how to protect your home Wi-Fi network from hackers.) Where should you place your mesh router? Mesh routers and other Wi-Fi devices perform their best when they're located out in the open, and up off of the ground. Netgear First, you'll want the main router, or the mesh device wired to your modem, to be located as centrally in your home as possible. That's the same approach you'd take with a single router, and the reasoning is the same: Routers put out Wi-Fi signals in all directions, so placing your router in a central location within your home will maximize your connection. Locating local internet providers That goes double for mesh systems, where the strength of the connection near your nodes will largely depend on the strength of the incoming signal from the main router. A stronger connection between the two will help ensure you're getting the fastest Wi-Fi speeds throughout your home. Your options for moving the router might seem limited by the location of your modem and the incoming wiring for your home's internet connection, but an extra-long Ethernet cable can come in handy here, allowing you to move the router away from where the modem sits if necessary. If that's impractical or you'd prefer to keep the cables to a minimum, you'll at least want to move that main router out into the open, preferably as high off the ground as possible. This guide from Asus highlights a mesh rule of thumb -- for the best performance, try to keep each device in your setup no more than two rooms away from another one. Asus Move those extenders around Once the main router is situated in the best spot possible, you'll want to pick out good spots for the extenders. With most systems, you can connect each device to the main router with an Ethernet cable for the fastest speeds possible, but most people prefer to connect everything wirelessly to reduce clutter. Since Wi-Fi is slower than Ethernet, you'll want to be extra strategic about where you place the extenders throughout your home. Again, out in the open and off the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you'll also want to consider the layout of your home, as physical obstructions between the main router and the extenders can slow things down. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to try and keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms away from each other. That'll vary from home to home, especially if yours is built with dense materials like brick or concrete in the walls that can be difficult for Wi-Fi signals to penetrate. You'll also want to watch out for electronic interference from TVs and other large appliances. So, if you're sticking a mesh extender in the kitchen, resist the urge to hide it on top of the fridge and move it away from your appliances altogether. Most mesh systems come with companion apps that include placement guides for your devices, signal strength checks, and other diagnostic tools to help you make sure you've got everything in the best spot possible. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET Furniture can also block Wi-Fi signals, so if you have anything large or bulky between two of your mesh devices, consider relocating it. Aquariums are another classic antagonist for your mesh setup, as Wi-Fi has difficulty transmitting through water. The best way to ensure that your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check the signal strength of each device, which is something most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below: Avoid these dead zones If you've got a back corner of your home where the signal drops out, it might be tempting to stick a mesh extender smack in the middle of that dead zone to boost your speeds. In a lot of cases, that'd be a mistake. Remember, like your phone or laptop, your mesh extenders need to connect wirelessly with the main router in your setup. If that back corner is a dead zone for your phone or laptop, it'll likely be a dead zone for your mesh extender too. The better approach is to place that extender adjacent to the dead zone in a spot where it'll have an easier time connecting with the main router. In some cases, that might be halfway between the dead zone and the main router, but you might need to experiment a bit. Hit the sweet spot, and the Wi-Fi signal it puts out should be a healthy one, and one that'll extend into the dead zone to bring it back to life. A good speed test will help you understand how your Wi-Fi is holding up from room to room. James Martin/CNET Run a speed test Apart from the diagnostic tools in your mesh router's app, the fastest way to check on your system's performance is to run some speed tests. There are plenty of free services online that we recommend, any of which will tell you the upload and download speeds on whatever device you're using in a minute or less. For the best intel, grab your laptop or phone and run multiple speed tests in each room of your house where you need a usable Wi-Fi signal. Ultimately, you should have a good ballpark sense of where speeds are the steadiest and where they dip. From there, you could try moving your extenders to try and balance things out, or you could consider buying an additional extender to fill in any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever needed. Running a speed test can help you figure out the best spot to put your mesh router. Chris Monroe/CNET Other considerations for your mesh router Just remember that your mesh router can only offer speeds that are as fast as what you're paying for from your ISP. If speeds are widely insufficient in your home, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster plan (and it might be worth seeing if your ISP will let you try a faster plan for a few days to see if that is, indeed, the problem). Your ISP might also be able to provide you with an updated modem that'll bring better, faster speeds to your mesh system to begin with. Can't hurt to ask. If speeds still seem slower than you'd like, and your ISP isn't the answer, there are a few other things you can try. For starters, if your provider's modem is a gateway device that doubles as a router, you'll want to disable its Wi-Fi network so that it doesn't interfere with your mesh system's Wi-Fi network. Speaking of interference, it's possible that a neighbor's Wi-Fi network is interfering with yours. To remedy that, hop into your mesh router's app and look for channel settings that let you tune your network to a different part of the Wi-Fi airwaves, potentially steering away from whatever channel nearby networks use. You'll also want to ensure that your mesh system's firmware is updates, which should be easy to check within its app. For more, check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, and how to find free Wi-Fi anywhere in the world. Mesh router placement FAQ Where is the best mesh node placement? The best place for your mesh router nodes depends on the layout of your house and whether there are any dead zones. Additionally, you'll have to decide if you want to connect your mesh nodes with an Ethernet cable, for the fastest possible speeds, or wirelessly. If you opt for an Ethernet cable connection, you'll be more limited with how far away you can place the nodes, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the mesh nodes no more than two rooms away from each other, away from blockage from bulky furniture or electronics and in an upraised position. Instead of placing your mesh node in the middle of a dead zone, try placing it adjacent to or near the dead zone. That way, your node will still be close enough to your main mesh router to carry the signal. ...Read more Does mesh make internet faster? A common misconception about mesh routers is that they make your overall internet speeds faster. A mesh router network is perfect for ensuring consistent speeds throughout the house -- and keeping any dead zones to a minimum -- but they won't necessarily bring faster speeds. Like a standard Wi-Fi router, mesh router systems can only deliver the speeds that you're paying for from your ISP. Updated router equipment, optimized router location and an Ethernet connection are ultimately the easiest ways to get faster internet speeds. ...Read more What is a major disadvantage of a mesh network? One of the major downsides of a mesh router system is its high price: High-performing mesh routers tend to be more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers. If you're trying to boost your Wi-Fi, you should exhaust other options before investing in a brand-new mesh router system. Additionally, mesh routers tend to have fewer ports for connecting USB jacks or Ethernet cables, and some don't have any extra ports at all. ...Read more
CNET
3 days ago
- CNET
DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 vs. 4.0: What Are the Differences?
If you have cable internet, then you're using DOCSIS technology. DOCSIS, which stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, is a standard that defines how your modem relays cable internet signals going to and from your home. If you have cable internet, whether from Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity or one of many regional cable internet providers like Armstrong, you're using a DOCSIS-compliant modem. The DOCSIS 4.0 cable modem is ideal since it produces faster upload speeds. But while specifications for DOCSIS 4.0 have been released, DOCSIS 4.0 modems aren't yet widely available for retail purchase. So that means that if you're shopping for a new cable internet modem, you'll likely only have the choice of DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1. As the numbers suggest, the two modem versions are similar, but we recommend opting for DOCSIS 3.1 while you wait for a new 4.0 modem. Modern cable modems are compliant with DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1, with more and more internet service providers recommending DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Which Router Upgrade Is Right for You? Which Router Upgrade Is Right for You? Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 9:01 Loaded : 3.34% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 9:01 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Which Router Upgrade Is Right for You? DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 vs. 4.0: What are the differences? DOCSIS is the standard cable modems use to move data. Dong Ngo/CNET Despite the simple one-tenth difference in versions, DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 modems vary significantly in performance, pricing and availability. DOCSIS 4.0 would imply a bigger jump in performance, but the improvement largely has to do with upstream capacity. Here's a quick look at the advantages of each. DOCSIS 3.0 modem advantages Price : DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems are generally cheaper than their 3.1 counterparts. : DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems are generally cheaper than their 3.1 counterparts. Availability: You're likely to have more options, including used or refurbished devices, when shopping for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. DOCSIS 3.1 modem advantages Speed : DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems support faster speeds than DOCSIS 3.0 modems and are thus better suited for high-speed plans, especially those with gig speeds or higher. : DOCSIS 3.1 cable modems support faster speeds than DOCSIS 3.0 modems and are thus better suited for high-speed plans, especially those with gig speeds or higher. Security: DOCSIS 3.1 modems may offer better online security than 3.0 models, especially if you purchase a modem-router combo device. DOCSIS 4.0 modem advantages Upload speeds : DOCSIS 4.0 is designed to "significantly increase upstream capacity," according to CableLabs, the organization that sets and tests DOCSIS specifications. : DOCSIS 4.0 is designed to "significantly increase upstream capacity," according to CableLabs, the organization that sets and tests DOCSIS specifications. Future proof: DOCSIS 3.1 is the current standard, but 3.0 is still in use, nearly two decades after its introduction in 2006. It's safe to assume that 4.0 modems will be useful for many years to come. DOCSIS 3.0, 3.1 and 4.0 specifications Device Max download speed Max upload speed Price range Specification issued DOCSIS 3.0 1Gbps 100Mbps $50-$150 2006 DOCSIS 3.1 10Gbps 1Gbps $150-$250 2013 DOCSIS 4.0 10Gbps 6Gbps N/A 2019 Show more (0 item) Shop providers at my address The most significant difference between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 is that the latter can support download speeds 10 times faster than DOCSIS 3.0, up to 10Gbps. DOCSIS 4.0 also supports downloads up to 10Gbps but is capable of significantly faster uploads, up to 6Gbps. The symmetrical, or close, download and upload speed capacity brings cable internet closer to matching the speed potential of fiber-optic internet service. Locating local internet providers DOCSIS 4.0 could pave the way for faster cable plans with faster upload speeds Most cable providers already offer a gigabit plan with maximum speeds of around 940 or 1,000 megabits per second. Astound, Cox, Xfinity and select other cable providers offer download speeds above 1,000Mbps. With DOCSIS 4.0 technology, cable providers can offer even faster speeds using their current cable/fiber hybrid infrastructure. The DOCSIS 4.0 modem notably allows for much quicker upload speeds, which cable providers sorely lack. Upload speeds are more important than you think. Many US households are seeing a rising trend in upstream data or upload speeds. Certain activities, such as using smart home devices and uploading photos and videos to social media, utilize your upstream data. According to CableLabs, DOCSIS 4.0 allows for "an increase in upstream capacity and more options for operators to increase downstream capacities." Still, DOCSIS 3.1 is the current standard for high-speed cable internet If you choose speeds above 1 gig and rent your equipment, you'll receive a modem-router combo that comes with DOCSIS 3.1 built-in, so you don't have to worry about your modem's specifications. Otherwise, if you choose to use your own equipment, you'll want to spend a little extra for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem to take full advantage of the plan's speed potential. What if I don't need gig and multi-gigabit speeds? The speed potential of DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0 is impressive, but unless you've got a high-speed plan, that may not matter. Suppose your selected plan comes with speeds up to 200Mbps. If you rent from your provider, the modem included with your equipment may be a DOCSIS 3.0 model, which can support your internet connection just fine. If you use your own modem, you probably won't see much of a performance improvement, if any, by purchasing a DOCSIS 3.1 device over a DOCSIS 3.0 one. Considering the price difference and available options between the two, you'd be better off opting for DOCSIS 3.0 on lower-tiered internet plans. A standalone cable modem sits atop a much larger SURFboard eXtreme combo device. Dong Ngo/CNET DOCSIS 3.0 has more, cheaper options DOCSIS 3.0 is the cheaper option when shopping for a modem or modem-router combo. New DOCSIS 3.0 modems can cost between $50 and $150 depending on the device you choose and the source you buy from, but you may be able to score a used device for less than $50. On the other hand, DOCSIS 3.1 modems can easily cost $150 to $250 or higher. Manufacturers like Arris, Asus, Netgear and Motorola have made DOCSIS 3.0 modems for years. These manufacturers make DOCSIS 3.1 modems as well, but you'll likely have fewer options than you would if you were shopping for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Is DOCSIS 3.0 outdated? In terms of the latest technology shaping how we get online, yes, DOCSIS 3.0 is sorely outdated. With more and more ISPs rolling out multi-gig plans and the overall trend of heavier internet usage in recent years, according to Open Vault, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem will not support the faster speeds many internet users are turning to. If you don't have a need for speed, you'll most likely be fine with a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, especially if you're trying to save money by avoiding an upgrade. Still, nearly all ISPs support DOCSIS 3.1 and often recommend DOCSIS 3.1 to get the most out of your internet connection. DOCSIS 3.1 is more secure and better for long-term use Any major internet protocol update, like the transition from DOCSIS 3.0 to 3.1, will include improved security features. This typically comes with enhanced encryption, so a DOCSIS 3.1 modem will presumably be better equipped to secure your information. Additionally, the best router and modem combos equipped with DOCSIS 3.1 will also include WPA3, a more advanced router security feature than older modem routers that may come with DOCSIS 3.0 and WPA2. DOCSIS 3.0 was released in 2006, and DOCSIS 3.1 arrived in 2013, which is a long time in the tech world -- long enough for initial security measures to become outdated. Modem manufacturers and ISPs release regular security updates to keep your equipment safe. Still, I would recommend additional security software or a good VPN to help boost your online security, especially when using a DOCSIS 3.0 modem. Considering the increase in home internet speeds and the need for up-to-date security, DOCSIS 3.1 is well on its way to fully replacing DOCSIS 3.0. It hasn't entirely done so, mainly because slower, cheaper cable internet plans can still get by with DOCSIS 3.0 technology. Coming to a home near you: DOCSIS 4.0 DOCSIS 4.0 technology is on the verge of improving cable internet service, but it's not here just yet. Since 2023, Xfinity is the only major cable internet provider to have begun rolling out DOCSIS 4.0 in the country, starting with select service areas in Atlanta, Georgia; Colorado Springs, Colorado and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, if you want to get ahead of the game and purchase a DOCSIS 4.0 modem, you're out of luck. There are currently no DOCSIS 4.0 modems available for retail purchase, at least none I could find from a trusted source. According to a press release from Comcast, Xfinity will continue deploying the 4.0 modem to new areas over the next few years. Bottom line: DOCSIS 3.1 will bring you faster speeds Since DOCSIS 4.0 modems aren't widely available yet, your choice of a new or used device will come down to 3.0 or 3.1 versions. If you sign up for faster speeds, especially those approaching or surpassing 1Gbps, or simply want a device you know you can use for years, a DOCSIS 3.1 modem is the way to go. If you're content with a low- or mid-tier cable internet plan, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem will likely meet all your needs and come at a lower price than a DOCSIS 3.1 device. But chances are you're also paying a premium for those faster speeds, so you might as well equip your home with a device to let you enjoy them. DOCSIS 3.0, 3.1, 4.0 Modem FAQs What does DOCSIS stand for? DOCSIS stands for data over cable service interface specifications. This telecommunications standard allows your modem to deliver internet from your cable provider to your home. There are three different versions of DOCSIS: 3.0, 3.1 and 4.0. Is DOCSIS 3.1 the best cable modem? Most cable modems comply with DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 technology since the 4.0 modems are not yet available for purchase throughout the country. That said, most cable internet users will likely have the option between 3.0 and 3.1. We recommend going with the 3.1 standard as it supports high-speed internet plans like gigabit and multi-gigabit tiers. Compared to the 3.0 standard, the 3.1 modem will offer better online security.
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Should You Buy or Rent Your Router? The Wrong Choice Set Me Back Nearly $1,000
I've been writing about the internet for six years, and for most of them, I carried around a shameful secret: I rented a Wi-Fi router from Xfinity. Even though I've always advised readers to buy their own equipment, my rented modem and router worked fine. But all that time, in the back of my mind, I knew it was a waste of money. A monthly charge of $15 for internet equipment doesn't seem too bad when you're first signing up for internet, but after a few years of paying that monthly fee, you'll quickly rack up hundreds of dollars for a cost you could have avoided. When I looked through my old bills and added up the cost of renting internet equipment, I found I spent $873 on Xfinity's equipment fees over those six years. Buying your router and modem may seem like a hefty upfront cost, but it will likely pay for itself in the first year. With the money I've spent renting Xfinity equipment, I could've bought the most advanced router CNET's ever tested and then bought another as a backup. I could've doubled the internet speed I was getting. I could've booked a flight to Oslo. I was finally ready to enter the world of modem and router ownership. Locating local internet providers As satisfied as I was with my Xfinity gear, owning your own equipment is almost always the better option. You'll often get better performance -- my upload speeds increased by more than 2,000%. As I said, it'll usually pay for itself within the first year or two. The average internet bill in the US comes in at $78 per month -- and that's before you add the extra taxes and fees, which you should be able to see on your ISP's broadband nutrition label. Some of these are unavoidable, but equipment rental fees don't fall into that category. You might be perfectly content to pay a bit extra for the convenience of not having to buy and set up your own equipment. But if you're looking to save money in the long run and are comfortable purchasing and managing your own gear, it's a far better deal to shell out for your own router and modem. You may also be able to take advantage of any low-income discounts available in your state if you qualify. Here's what I've learned about making the switch from rented equipment to my own, and here's how you can make a similar change as painless as possible. How to choose the right modem and router The best internet is the internet you never notice, and I can't remember the last time my connection went out or I saw a buffering wheel in my home. And this is all with a device from 2017 that Xfinity describes as an "old Wireless Gateway with limited speeds and functionality." This goes to show how much the type of internet user you are has to do with what kind of equipment you need. I live in a 750-square-foot apartment, and my internet needs are mostly limited to video calls and TV streaming. If you live in a larger home with multiple floors, the same router likely won't cut it. Similarly, activities like online gaming hinge on split-second reactions. If this instantaneous responsiveness is important to you, it's probably worth investing in a gaming router that minimizes lag. Wi-Fi routers run the gamut from entry-level models like the TP-Link AC1200 for $30 to ultra-advanced mesh systems like the Netgear Orbi 970 Series for $1,500. To test each Wi-Fi router, CNET runs three speed tests in five different rooms in our testing facility, logging results for download speed, upload speed and latency. That process is repeated six times, accounting for variations in network performance at different times of the day. Ry Crist/CNET After consulting our picks for the best Wi-Fi routers, I decided to go with a budget pick: the TP-Link Archer AX21, of which my former CNET colleague and router connoisseur Ry Crist wrote, "It's nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it's a cinch to setup." I get only 200Mbps through my Xfinity plan, so the 700Mbps speed the TP-Link hits at close range is more than enough juice and only cost $85 when I bought it. (Several government agencies have since opened investigations into TP-Link for ties to Chinese cyberattacks. But I don't have any plans to replace my TP-Link router just yet.) A cable modem like the Hitron CODA connects your home to your internet provider through a coaxial cable. Hitron Do you need to buy a modem? Depending on your internet connection, you may need to purchase a cable modem in addition to your router. Some ISPs, like Spectrum, include the modem for free but charge extra for a router. The main thing to look for in a modem is compatibility. Your internet provider will have a page on their website that lists all the models that it works with, and you shouldn't stray from this. You may also have a choice between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1; the newer standard provides faster speeds, but DOCSIS 3.1 modems are typically more expensive. (Note: Although some ISPs have DOCSIS 4.0 modems available to rent, most are not yet widely available for purchase.) Other things to consider are the modem's speed limits -- make sure they're equal to or above your internet plan -- and the number of Ethernet ports. Xfinity doesn't provide a free modem, so I had to buy one in addition to a Wi-Fi router. I opted for the Hitron CODA Modem -- a DOCSIS 3.1 model that's one of the cheapest Xfinity-compatible models I could find for $100 at the time I purchased it. It supports download speeds up to only 867Mbps, but that's still far more than my Xfinity plan. How to set up your new modem and router Ordering the equipment is the easy part; the ordeal of setting up third-party equipment is what keeps many customers on the hook for years. The process is largely the same whether you're starting service fresh with a new provider or swapping out old equipment. Here's everything you'll need to do. 1. Activate your new modem with your ISP The modem is the piece of equipment that brings the internet to your home through a coaxial cable connected to your internet provider's network. Before it can work, ISPs need to tie your specific modem to your account. If you're replacing old equipment, they will also turn this off as they activate the new modem. ISPs do this by logging your MAC (media access control) number, which can be found on the bottom of the modem. You can typically do this through your internet provider's app, in a live chat or by calling a customer service number. 2. Connect the coax cable to your modem After your new modem's MAC address is registered with your ISP, you'll be prompted to connect your modem to the cable outlet in your wall and plug it into a power outlet. You may have to wait up to 5 minutes, and your modem's lights will tell you when it's receiving the internet signal. Once the indicator lights are on, you're ready to set up your wireless router. This TP-Link router offers wireless access to your modem's connection with the web (hence the antennas). Ry Crist/CNET 3. Set up your Wi-Fi router Each Wi-Fi router has its own setup process, so you'll want to follow the instructions provided. In the case of the TP-Link Archer AX21, that meant unplugging the modem's power, connecting the modem to the router's WAN port via an Ethernet cable, powering on the modem and then plugging the router into a power outlet. From there, I set up my new network through the TP-Link app. That's the short version. There's a lot more to consider when setting up a wireless router, including choosing the optimal location, setting up parental controls and protecting your privacy. For my purposes, though, I was ready to start testing out my new internet connection. Speed comparison: Which setup is fastest? I wanted to see how my new modem and router would compare with my old equipment, so I ran speed tests before and after I was connected: one from my desk next to the router and one from the furthest corner of my apartment (regrettably, the bathroom). My old modem and router returned 164/5Mbps speeds from my desk and 143/5Mbps from the bathroom -- not bad for an internet plan that advertises 200/10Mbps speeds. But the speeds with my new equipment were eye-popping: 237/118Mbps at both my desk and my bathroom. I didn't just save money by purchasing my own equipment -- I'm actually getting a significant speed boost, too. Joe Supan / CNET I have no idea why my new equipment picked up 10 times the upload speeds of my old one. I subscribe to Xfinity's Connect More plan, which is supposed to get only 10Mbps upload speeds. In 2022, Xfinity announced that it was increasing upload speeds on my plan to 100Mbps -- but only for customers who pay for its $25-per-month xFi Complete equipment. Apparently, I'm reaping those same benefits with my new modem and router. My best guess is that the upgrade from a DOCSIS 3.0 to a 3.1 modem is the main reason for the jump in upload speeds. How to save yourself some headaches I eventually got my modem and router set up properly, but I made plenty of mistakes along the way. Here's what I would do differently: Buy your modem and router on day one. Moving is a pain, and no one wants to make their to-do list even longer, but this is one task where the extra effort pays off (nearly a thousand dollars in my case). A technician Use your ISP's list of compatible modems. Routers aren't tied to specific providers, but if you have to purchase your own modem, you'll need to make sure that it works with your ISP. Don't cut corners here. I searched Amazon for a modem that said it was compatible with Xfinity and ended up having to return it a week -- and several hours of phone calls -- later. Your provider should have a page where it lists all the modems that it works with -- don't stray from this. Pay for only the speed you need. Internet equipment is expensive, and there's no reason to pay for a modem certified for 2,000Mbps when you're getting only 200Mbps with your plan. The same goes for routers -- you don't need to pay top dollar for a gaming router with exceptional latency if you're just streaming TV and scrolling the internet. My final thoughts Setting up a new modem and router is not fun, but it's absolutely worth it. My internet speeds have dramatically improved, and I'm paying significantly less for them. I'm saving $15 per month on equipment, and somewhere along the line, an Xfinity agent bumped my plan price down for the following year. My monthly bill went from $78.54 to $50. That's far more than I expected to save, and my new equipment paid for itself within the first six months. My only regret is that I didn't make the leap sooner.
Phone Arena
27-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Report reveals whether Qualcomm's Snapdragon 5G modems are faster than Apple's new homegrown C1
Many criticized the above test, which showed the C1 modem to be 40% faster than Qualcomm's modem chip. Some noted that the results might have been influenced by the location of the test, which was in Toronto, Canada. There are 5G towers all over the city and some complained that in another location where 5G towers are harder to come by, the results might have been reversed. The report from Cellular Insights included some faint praise for the C1 modem chip stating that Apple's 5G modem showed adequate performance under optimal conditions. But the report went on to say that the C1 falls short in "the very scenarios where next-generation modems are expected to excel. The data showed that two similarly priced Android phones using Qualcomm components downloaded data up to 35% faster than Apple's C1 and up to 91% faster when measuring upload speeds. The Qualcomm 5G modems showed faster comparisons with the C1 when the networks used were busy or the phones were moved farther away from the cell towers. Cellular Insight's report also said that the C1-equipped iPhone 16e became "noticeably hot to touch and exhibited aggressive screen dimming within just two-minute test intervals." The Apple C1 modem debuted on the iPhone 16e. | Image credit-Apple One difference between Apple and Qualcomm's 5G modems is that the C1 does not support high-band millimeter wave signals which deliver the fastest 5G download and upload speeds. However, because they don't travel far, and aren't deployed in many locations, 5G mmWave signals are hard to find and U.S. carriers tend to use mid-band airwaves for the majority of their 5G connections. Apple plans to add mmWave support with its C2 modem which is expected to debut in 2026's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. -Cellular Insights Apple eventually plans to use its homegrown 5G modem chip on all iPhone models which will take a chunk out of Qualcomm's revenues. Approximately 20% of the company's revenue came from Apple so based on last year's nearly $40 billion gross, Qualcomm could be on the verge of seeing $8 billion disappear from its top line. The company already has told investors to expect to see its revenue from the sale of modems to Apple drop to $0 but also said that it will move into other lines of business to recoup the loss in sales.
