Asus RT-AC68U
This is the router I currently use. It has beamforming on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency ranges for very long range operation.
I'm seeking recommendations for single unit Modem/Router - esp the best "Bang for the Buck"
TWC does recommend Netgear N300 and N600 - both offer 300mbs speed. However, it appears the only difference is N600 is "300+300" Dual-Band.
I'm not sure if the higher priced "300+300" is worth it or even required as I'll be the only user.
Any suggestions or insight is greatly appreciated!
newfreep "DRAIN the SWAMP...with extreme prejudice"
TWC is the worst dont do it
I suggest you call TWC and ask someone on their tech staff. They’re (supposedly) the experts and won’t be trying to “up-sell” you for no good reason.
Ditch cable. You’ll find an Amazon Fire Stick or a Ruku to be far better options and cheaper.
It is stunning what is not on cable. Many production and distribution companies only provide their content outside of cable. Cable sucks and squeezes them for profits, so they go third-party outside of cable.
Real news channels like OANN are not available on cable.
I use Amped routers with Time Warner in Southern California. 100 Mbps plus all over the house. Very good tech support. Rock solid performance.
just internet or also tv
You’re gonna have to use their digital converter thingee since they’re all digital now...at $3-4/month for each one (one needed per TV).
They provided these for free for the first year...then the fee kicked in. Maybe you can get them to give you a break on the fee for the first year. It’s my understanding they’re losing business, so they may be amenable.
The 2.4 GHz router is very crowded. But, most new devices (iPhone, etc.) support 5 GHz WiFi, and it's much less crowded. You'll get better performance, especially if you are in a high-density area.
My TWC installer disabled the dual band feature explaining to me that the high band doe not cover as well as low band. I have an Arris TG1672G which I rent. I live in a 50s era ranch home with plaster over drywall walls. I have a second PC 70ft and three rooms away from the router. I am hesitant to buy something that may not work without an extender.
The SurfBoard is a very good modem
An N300 wireless connection is the bare minimum for any type of media streaming
I've been using a Arris Surfboard cable modem and an ASUS Router/Wireless
ARRIS SURFboard SB6141 8x4 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem - Certified Refurbished $ 44.99
ASUS RT-AC66W Dual-Band Wireless-AC1750 Gigabit Router $ 89.99
Both were upgrades. I'd been running a Surfboard cable modem for proably ten years, no trouble but wanted DOCSIS 3.0, and have used Netgear and Belkin routers, the ASUS has better coverage.
I personally would not use a modem/router combo. We had nothing but problems (netgear) with ours, especially when trying to connect multiple devices.
We use the Arris 6190 modem and added a netgear nighthawk router. No issues since and we have at least 15 devices that connect to it.
Just my opinion, but if you wanted to stick with the combo, Netgear is overall a good brand. I would choose dual-band.
Here is their list of approved modems:
https://www.timewarnercable.com/en/support/internet/topics/lease-or-buy-modem.html
never buy your own all in one Modem/Router (unless you buy the isp one to avoid the lease cost)
the problem is even time the ISP upgrades the Modem side spec you out of luck
get from the isp just the modem..one Ethernet port out.. there should be no lease charge.. then when they upgrade they just replace that side without you incurring cost
Then get your own wifi router
With a single person, you don’t need the 300mbs Wifi to access a 6-10mbs internet service.
I recommend you NOT purchas a wifi modem. Use what TWC puts in their box and pay the extra $5 per month, inclusive of maintenance, support and replacement if needed.
A novice should not put themselves in a position where they have to know about this stuff.
I have a netgear 600 modem and it’s great.
Do your homework and you’ll find that there are multiple channels that are bonded together. More channels, more speed.
Always go separate. You can upgrade one without the other.
Netgear routers are great, I have a Netgear triband AC router and it’s more than I need which is good.
I also have 5 ROKU’s 2 phones, ipad, and you will be surprised how much wifi you really need.
Use wired connections wherever possible. GBit Switches are dirt cheap from Monoprice so you’ll never run out of ports.
You can run one wire to the Entertainment Center, get a cheap switch and plug tv, receiver, roku satellite into the switch. It’s really cheaper than buying long Cat6 wires.
Cat6 wires are really easy to make with a couple of cheap tools. Don’t worry about what color goes in which slot, just make sure both ends are the same.
Asus RT-AC68U
This is the router I currently use. It has beamforming on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency ranges for very long range operation.
I recommend separate cable-modem and router components.
If either goes bad, or you switch away from cable, you only need to replace one component.
I just upgraded both & did quite a bit of research before selecting them. Here’s what I bought & recommend:
TP-LINK TC-7620 DOCSIS 3.0, 16x4 Cable Modem - Newegg $70 new
ASUS RT-N66W N900 Router - Newegg $50 after rebate, new
BTW my 2nd choice modem was the ARRIS SB6183 Cable Modem.
I didn’t go with it because Motorola no longer makes it, and the reliability is no longer what it was.
The TC-7620 is also a newer design than the SB6183. (I’m using Comcast)
My TC-7620 & RT-N66W both run cool.
For the router, stick with Asus. They’re the most reliable & upgrade their firmware often. (This is important with all the hacking going on.) 2nd choice for the router would be the ASUS RT-AC68P. I wouldn’t buy a more expensive one than the RT-AC68P. If you have dead spots, add a router access point (AP).