The Best Modem

Buying Guide

In-home Wi-Fi has become the standard for almost every household in America. In fact, 82 percent of U.S. homes have broadband internet, up 10 percent from a decade ago. Generally, when you sign up for internet, your provider will give you the option to rent a modem that’s proven to work on its service. However, chances are, you can save on that rent by purchasing a modem that may even work much better than what they’re issuing.

But buying a modem can be overwhelming if you’ve never shopped for one before. Weighing one modem’s performance against another means deciphering terms like Mbps and downstream channels. Although these terms may seem technical in nature, they’re crucial to weighing one modem against another.

Mbps refers to megabits per second, which calculates the amount of data that can pass through your network within one second. Data is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB), depending on the volume. There are eight megabits in one megabyte and 1,000 megabytes in one gigabyte. All you need to know as you’re shopping is that the more Mbps, the faster download and upload speeds you’ll need.

When you’re shopping for a modem, you’ll typically see terminology like “16×4.” These numbers represent how many downstream and upstream channels are supported by that modem. You’ll likely either want a 16×4 or 8×4 modem, which means you have either 16 or eight downstream channels and four upstream channels. With a 16×4 modem, you’ll get up to 680Mbps for downloads and only half of that with an 8×4 modem.

One problem with buying a modem versus renting one, however, is that technology is always changing. If your area hasn’t yet switched over to fiber, you may be in for a major upgrade in the future. When something like that happens, the modem you bought may no longer be compatible. By renting, you’re always ready for these upgrades without having to worry about wasting money. However, you may find that the money you spent renting your equipment could have easily been made up by purchasing a modem and then switching it out for a newer model when the network upgraded.

But do you need to splurge for a higher-priced modem with bigger numbers all around? That depends. If you stream video from multiple devices at once, or someone in your household engages in activities like gaming or video editing, you may want to go for the latest and greatest. For many households, an 8×4 modem with 343Mbps or 686Mbps will likely suffice. However, if you have the extra money, it can’t hurt to go with the better model to account for your future needs.

Speaking of compatibility, make sure the modem you choose works with your cable provider before you purchase it. This is usually mentioned in the item description, but if you don’t know for sure, contact your cable company to ask. Even if it says your modem is compatible, it may be worth calling since you may have an internet tier that wasn’t available when the modem was put on the market.

• The first thing to search for when reading a modem’s description is its compatibility. The Motorola MB7621 24 x 8 Cable Modem Modem is compatible with Comcast Xfinity, Cox and Charter, which are three of the biggest providers. Other modems, on the other hand, may work if you have Cox Communications but they may not compatible with Comcast Xfinity.
• Signal strength is also worth considering. The Motorola modems use Wireless Power Boost and AnyBeam beamforming, which focuses your signal in a specific direction to provide better reception at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This takes your signal to the legal limit the FCC allows.
• Downstream and upstream channels play a significant role in the speed of your downloads and uploads. The Motorola MB7621 24 x 8 Cable Modem Modem offers 24×8 support, while other models offer 16×4 speeds.
• Another thing to look for in a modem is DOCSIS technology. This technology is the preferred standard of cable providers. DOCSIS 3.1 technology offers enhanced security features, reduced latency and faster downloads than fiber cable. It also has a sleep mode that helps conserve energy. The Motorola MB8600 Modem features DOCSIS 3.1 technology, while other models have 3.0. DOCSIS 3.0, which is still more than acceptable, supports more than 100 Mbps.
• When you look at the price to rent a modem through your cable provider, you may first want to check out the purchase price for one.
• A model that is both a modem and a router will not only link you to the internet, but it can also link the computers and devices within your home to each other. However, when buying a modem/router combo, it’s important to note that you’ll have to purchase a completely new unit if part of it malfunctions or you want to upgrade one or the other. However, having both units in one means less equipment and cabling, which can help reduce the clutter in your home office.
• Overheating can be an issue with any electronic equipment. Without proper venting, you may find your modem locks up on a regular basis, forcing you to restart it. The Motorola MB8600 Modem is designed with airflow in mind, so you’ll have less of a risk of inconvenient downtime.
• With some modems, you’ll notice annoying slowdowns occasionally. Look for a modem that doesn’t have the lags seen with comparable modems from other brands.
• Occasionally, you’ll need to reboot your modem, whether it’s due to your provider’s updates or overheating. A power button can make this process more convenient. Otherwise, you’ll need to unplug and replug your modem in to restart it.
• Another usability factor to consider is where the screen is located. Some modems have a screen that is off to the side a little, making it more difficult to see, especially from a distance. The Motorola MB8600 Modem has a forward-facing screen.
• Before you buy, take a look at where you plan to keep your modem. While many modems stand vertically, others are built to set horizontally.
• Although we don’t often think about it, as soon as you put your home’s devices online, you’re at risk of an attack. Security is an important consideration. Yes, you’ll set passwords on your home network and each device. But you should also consider the Motorola MB8600 Modem, which has a chipset that keeps you safe against denial of service attacks.
• In addition to securing your home network against an attack, make sure your modem provides protection against lightning strikes and power surges. The Motorola MB8600 Modem has a built-in circuit to keep your equipment safe from Mother Nature.
• If you rent from your cable company, they’ll likely set up your modem. If you’re buying on your own or replacing an existing modem, you’ll probably have to set it up yourself. Look for a modem that has a Quick Start installation guide to get you up and running. It also features fast activation for the most popular internet service providers.