Why is it Better to Get Your Own Router/Modem?

Wireless modems, routers, and Internet service - the three pillars of a home network. The first important thing you need is up-to-date hardware. You probably rent a modem and router from your provider if you have broadband. Is the price worth the convenience? Perhaps it is time to get a new cable modem / Wi-Fi cable modem router if you want to save money and get the Wi-Fi speeds you are paying for. You could save hundreds of dollars over the years by converting to an ownership model for your networking equipment.

Secondly, you need a plan that is best suited to your needs in order to ensure a fast network. Talking about affordable internet plans, Spectrum offers a reliable connection that you can certainly go with. The speeds are great, and the Spectrum Customer Service is equally appealing. 

Anyway, back to routers.

US cable subscribers are unknowingly paying for more than just their internet service plan when they receive their Wi-Fi Cable Modem Router from their Internet Service Providers (ISPs). You probably pay $5-10 in monthly rental fees over and above your monthly internet account bill if you are one of them. This adds up to almost $120 a year! And, this is just a rough estimate; chances are that the prices have gone higher after the pandemic. Even though ISPs do not advertise it, you are not required to rent. You can take our word for it. 

Why? You will find out in a while.

Having said that, in this post, we will discuss what a router is in detail and talk about some of the reasons why renting a modem is not wise. 

First things first, what actually is a modem, and why do you need one.

What is a Modem and Wi-Fi Router?

Modems are boxes that connect your home network to the internet. 

It basically converts digital data from your computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over wires, and it can interpret arriving analog signals into digital data so your computer can understand them. It can also derogate electrical signals sent through phone lines, coaxial cables, or other types of wiring. There are typically only two ports on stand-alone modems: one that connects to the outside world and one for connecting to a computer or a router.

A router lets all of your wired and wireless devices access the internet simultaneously and also lets them communicate without having to use the internet. 

Its main function is to route data between various devices in your home and between these devices and the wider internet. When we talk about a home network, we are referring to the entire system of interconnected devices and the router itself. All of your devices connect to the other ports or wirelessly via the Wi-Fi standard, and the modem connects to the WAN port of your router, usually (but not always) named "Wide Area Network."

Benefits of Buying a Router Instead of Renting

Internet use has become a part of our everyday lives, whether we accept it or not. We tend to pay for an internet plan along with an extra fee for the router, which most of us do not realize. That might seem convenient, but actually is blowing out our budget in the long run.  

So, how about you buy a router? 

Below are some of the benefits of buying a router:

1. Your pockets will thank you!

One advantage of using your own router is that you can save money. In addition to being able to avoid rental fees on networking equipment, you can have more control over your wireless network by using your own router.

Depending on your preferences, you may need to tinker with its configuration and set it to "bridge mode" so that your own router can replace the modem-router combo unit. It may be less troublesome to use the combination unit furnished by the ISP if you are not enthusiastic about configuring and tweaking networking hardware. The customer service department may also be able to offer you more assistance since third-party equipment may not be supported.

2. You can choose what you want

Consumers will be able to customize their routers when they purchase one. It supports many great features, such as picking tunneling protocols, custom key lengths, and encryption algorithms, as well as dynamic DNS and Wake On LAN.

Furthermore, since the network is under full control, it can withstand hacking attempts and other security threats.

3. No more ISP throttling

Lastly, the ISP will not have full control over the home network, and its performance will not be hampered. In other words, the ISP will not throttle the bandwidth or connection speeds at their convenience.

Only a few firmware updates and/or modifications will be needed to ensure that the consumer will be able to use the connection at the speed he/she is paying for. Use a speed test app or website to compare the paid speed with the actual speed.

All in all, owning your own modem/router combination will save you money as well as provide various security benefits.

Conclusion

Your monthly internet bill will be lower if you purchase a modem and router. When it comes to keeping things simple, it is best to get a combo device rather than separate devices. Regardless of what you choose, you will save money over time.

Therefore, say no to renting a router from your internet provider. Upgrade your modem to ensure you have the best possible connection speed and enjoy binge-watching without any hassle.