Most cable and/or internet providers offer their customers the option to rent a combined modem/router unit alongside whatever internet service they're subscribing to. On average, most modem/router combo rentals cost about $10 a month, or $120 a year. Question is, are you better off buying your own modem and router?
Just this last February, a lawsuit in New York alleged that a particular cable/internet provider was not actually delivering speeds that it had advertised, in part because the actual hardware the company was offering it's customers couldn't keep up. Meaning, just because your cable and/or internet provider has options for you to consider in terms of a modem/router rental or lease, that doesn't mean it's the best choice. Often, purchasing your own modem and router means you can stay on the leading edge of new technologies and actually get better performance. And, you'll probably save money in the long run, as well. (To learn more about the lawsuit, click HERE.)
Setting up your new modem and router is easy, too. Most ISPs list online what devices they approve of on their websites and with a quick phone call to your ISP to relay your routers MAC address, you'll be up and running in no time. Having your own hardware opens you up to having more controls of your network, too. Which speaking of, modem/router combo units have their advantages, but if you truly want top-notch performance, control and in many case better Wi-Fi in your home, purchasing a separate modem and router can make a huge difference. Having a separate modem and router setup also includes the option to upgrade either your modem or router independently, as well as more options for router placement (using Cat5 cable extenders, and not relying on the length of the coaxial cable coming through the wall.)
At Zyxel, we offer a variety of 802.11ac dual-band routers that bring the fastest and most reliable connection to all your wireless enabled devices. Our routers do require a separate third-party modem, however Zyxel's Ultimate Performance and Superior Performance routers allow you to stream your favorite movies in full 4K, without stutter or buffering, and our Advanced Connect and Play routers enable excellent wireless capabilities for medium-sized homes. And lastly, our Connect and Share routers provide robust network capabilities for small homes. To learn more, click HERE.