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Solved
Nighthawk AC1900 Wifi Cable Modem Router
So I received an email from Comcast/Xfinity stating I need to update my modem. I just got this modem about 4-4 1/2 years ago when I bought my house and I use it for Streaming TV and working from home...
A couple of things.
1. most devices don't "need" gigabit speeds. Streaming 4k video only takes 25-40mbps. For this reason, most tv's didn't even come with gigabit ports, just 100mpbs ports. The extra expense (not much) wasn't worth it for a device that doesn't need it. So your device having 1gig versus 300mbps isn't going to impact it that much.
2. with most newer routers, the bottleneck isn't the router but the device you're using. Phones speeds drop off quickly with distance. So, while you might hit gigabit close to the router, you'll drop with distance/interference.
3. look for refurbished. For example, target has a refurbished cax80 for around $229 right now.
4. also, if you're on Xfinity, check the next-gen list. If you think you'll be getting the next-gen speeds any time soon (it shouldn't be too long; they've been rolling it out for a while), having one of those devices really improves upload. If you want a combo device, the Arris G36 is on there and comes to around $300. Its about the same wireless performance as the CAX30 but has the increased upload speeds.
Xfinity loves to push people to new devices. While that modem won't hit the speeds you're paying for (they require docsis 3.1 for 1 gig plans), it'll still hit 800mbps without issues over wired. It won't hit this over a wireless connection (being an older/slower wireless device).
Are you wanting to hit the full speeds you pay for? Or did you get it on promotion and you're speeds are fine?
If you're upload is only approved for the 20mbps, you're not on the "next gen" area yet but that's probably coming.
You can see their approved devices for and tiers here:
Are you wanting to upgrade? Or what is your goal (not comcasts)?
My goal is not to purchase a comcast router and I would like to hit the wifi speeds that I pay for. I dont want to do wired if I can help it. So by what you are saying I should probably upgrade. I researched and the updated replacement for my current modem/router I have is the CAX80. I just hate to spend that kind of money as Ive priced it and its like almost $400 and thats buying at Walmart. Amazon and other places (even Netgears site) is more expensive. Ugh!!!!
Something else to consider as well, get a separate cable modem and external wifi router system.
ISP update modems only and users can not so this avoids issues seen with some gateways that are combo units with some ISPs. Let the ISP handle the modem and then you can manage that external wifi router system yourself.
Can be a bit cheaper this way as well. If you don't mind used systems, places like amazon, or shopgoodwill have good used router systems that you can get for cheap. Just gotta look. Maybe a good used modem as well. I found used stuff at these two places for good prices.
A couple of things.
1. most devices don't "need" gigabit speeds. Streaming 4k video only takes 25-40mbps. For this reason, most tv's didn't even come with gigabit ports, just 100mpbs ports. The extra expense (not much) wasn't worth it for a device that doesn't need it. So your device having 1gig versus 300mbps isn't going to impact it that much.
2. with most newer routers, the bottleneck isn't the router but the device you're using. Phones speeds drop off quickly with distance. So, while you might hit gigabit close to the router, you'll drop with distance/interference.
3. look for refurbished. For example, target has a refurbished cax80 for around $229 right now.
4. also, if you're on Xfinity, check the next-gen list. If you think you'll be getting the next-gen speeds any time soon (it shouldn't be too long; they've been rolling it out for a while), having one of those devices really improves upload. If you want a combo device, the Arris G36 is on there and comes to around $300. Its about the same wireless performance as the CAX30 but has the increased upload speeds.
