Another home modem/router question.

[Fly320s]

I recently changed my Comcast/Xfinity service from internet, TV, and phone service to internet only.  The Xfinity supplied modem supported all three services, but I don't need that anymore and I don't want to rent their modem since I don't need to.

Xfinity has a list of approved devices here: (edit: looks like I have to be signed in to see that list.)    My internet plan is for 300 mbps, so the new device needs to support that.
 
The cable entry point to my house is in the basement and it has a short length of coax cable to the current modem, so it looks like the new modem/router/wifi point will have to stay in that location unless there is a way to relocate it.  If possible, I would like to have a device on the main floor of my house to increase the wifi coverage around the house. There is a Cat 6 cable run from my office to the basement Xfinity modem.

I'm willing to pay more for a quality modem/router/whatever rather than buying the cheapest product.  

Whatcha got in mind?

edited to Cat 6 cable.

[TechMan]

1st question...CAT 5 or CAT 5e?

ETA: 2nd question...Have you considered a Mesh Wifi network?

[Ben]

I went with an Orbi + 2 satellites package. My fixed wireless service wasn't even approved for it (they weren't against it, just hadn't tested the relatively new hardware yet), but when the tech installed my antenna,  he hung out with me to set up the router and make sure it worked with their system. I've been happy with it. I have the main unit in my office, one satellite next to the TV in the living room acting as a cabled router for all the video stuff, and the 2nd satellite next to a window upstairs. I've got good wireless all the way to my shop.

Orbi also makes an all weather satellite for outdoor mounting. Kinda expensive at around $300, but am maybe gonna get one and mount it to the top of my shop to extend my outdoor wireless. You can get cheaper outdoor extenders, but the Orbi one will of course seamlessly tie into the current system.

[Fly320s]

1st question...CAT 5 or CAT 5e?

ETA: 2nd question...Have you considered a Mesh Wifi network?

Cat 6, actually.  Just checked.

Haven't considered anything, yet.   I'm looking for a balance of security, speed, ease of use, and installation.

[TechMan]

Cat 6, actually.  Just checked.

Haven't considered anything, yet.   I'm looking for a balance of security, speed, ease of use, and installation.

CAT 6 is good, that will give you the 1Gbps speed that you need to connect the cable modem to the router.

What is the Sq Ft of your house?

ETA: When you checked the cable was the CAT6 on the plug or the actual cable?

[zahc]

I got an Orbi and it's great.

[Fly320s]

CAT 6 is good, that will give you the 1Gbps speed that you need to connect the cable modem to the router.

What is the Sq Ft of your house?

ETA: When you checked the cable was the CAT6 on the plug or the actual cable?

Cat 6 on cable.

About 2,600 sqft plus basement.  2 story.  Wood frame, no steel, concrete, or brick other than the basement foundation.

[Fly320s]

I got an Orbi and it's great.

Does that one and other mesh network devices come with the modem/router/magic pixie dust box? 

[Ben]

Does that one and other mesh network devices come with the modem/router/magic pixie dust box? 

There is a main router, then the satellites mesh with that. It also comes with a guest network. I won't buy a system without that. Not just for guests, but also for smart devices, etc.

[TechMan]

Cat 6 on cable.

About 2,600 sqft plus basement.  2 story.  Wood frame, no steel, concrete, or brick other than the basement foundation.

Good.  Yea, a mesh network is the way to go.  I don't have any experience with a home mesh, but it seems that Ben and Zahc have that angle covered.

[MillCreek]

My Netgear cable modem and ASUS RT AC 1900 router covers our 2200 square foot rambler and the yard with good signal coverage.  The router can be configured for a mesh setup but it turned out that I did not need to do that.

[RocketMan]

I second Millcreek's plug for the Asus RT AC 1900 router.  We have one and it covers our large house quite well.  My phone even stays connected to it outside at the edges of our property.
The router has a nice selection of handy features as well.

[Fly320s]

There is a main router, then the satellites mesh with that. It also comes with a guest network. I won't buy a system without that. Not just for guests, but also for smart devices, etc.

You router is also a cable modem?  That is what I want to replace.  I can't find an Orbi modem and mesh network in one package.  Looks like I need a modem and then the Orbi mesh.

[Ben]

You router is also a cable modem?  That is what I want to replace.  I can't find an Orbi modem and mesh network in one package.  Looks like I need a modem and then the Orbi mesh.

Oh, sorry. I thought you just needed the router. No, the Orbi mesh router would plug in after the modem. I haven't had cable in a long time, but used to buy the Motorola Surfboards as my modem versus lease from the cable company.

[K Frame]

Fortunately my house is small enough, and my router central enough, that it has no problems reaching everywhere.

My Mom's house, on the other hand? Huge Victorian with brick and plaster walls. That thing was a pain in the ass to get a signal through.

[Calumus]

I have one of these.
https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Download-960Mbps-Certified-CM600-1AZNAS/dp/B06XGZBCKP

It usually pulls about 450mbs on my 400mbs service, has been rock solid and hasn't  been rebooted since I got it for Christmas. Plus, it does not have the Intel Puma chipset that most mid range modems seem to use. That chip can cause issues with gaming; but is probably fine for everyday use.