ARRIS SURFboard DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem An ISP also might try to charge you for renting their equipment even if you’re not using it, so be aware of this and tell them it’s not needed since you now have your own.īuying a cable modem (and a router) can be a bigger cost initially, but eventually pays for itself many times over – especially with that pesky fee now gone. Some units offer both a modem and router combo in one, to make setup even easier.Īs for the new law, be sure to check your monthly bill and make certain that you’re no longer being charged for that now-verboten extra fee. So what’s the difference between a modem and a router? Simply put, a modem is what hooks up your home up to the outside internet, while a router allows all your wired and wireless devices to get onto that internet, as well as communicate with each other. If you decide to take the chance and go with an unapproved device, ISPs are often able to see what you’re using, and can refuse to provide service to you. Doing so will avoid headaches, disappointments, and hours on the phone with customer service.Ĭompatibility is usually listed somewhere in the modem description or product stats, or if not, go straight to the ISP’s website, where they should have a list of approved modem models to choose from. This is an overall general rule for any modem too that can’t be stressed enough – always make sure it’s compatible with your ISP. The 3.1 is still fairly new, so double-check to see if your local ISPs can handle them. There’s a huge difference between these and the previous generation, as 2.0 can only get up to 40mb/s (and most ISP don’t even accept them anymore). The newest is DOCSIS 3.1, which can handle ten times as much at 10 gbps. In general, the most common spec that you’ll tend to find in a good modem is DOCSIS 3.0, which can handle about 1GB per second (gbps). This tells you the modem’s max speed, which is helpful when looking for the fastest cable modem. What Are the Benefits of a Cable Modem?Ī phrase you’ll see when shopping for the best cable modem is DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. This also comes in handy if you’re interested in monitoring traffic on your network, providing you with much more information and more options as to where your bandwidth is going, along with the ability to prioritize devices. renting a modem will often pay for itself in under a year. Saving cash month after month can really add up, and be more than worth it in the long run – getting your own cable modem vs. While it’s easier to just go with whatever modem your ISP provides, especially for the less tech savvy people, there are clear benefits to buying your own cable modem (sometimes called an “after-market modem”). So if you’re sick of seeing that recurring charge on your monthly bill for renting a cable modem from the company, now’s the perfect time to go all-in and spring for your own. It’s a law that was a long time coming, and it’s now finally taking effect after being passed in June. Products featured are independently selected by our editorial team and we may earn a commission from purchases made from our links the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.Īs of December 20, 2020, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will no longer be able to charge you a monthly fee for owning your own modem.