So you got a router that can handle your speeds and a modem that is compatible with your ISP.Īfter installing everything, you notice you barely get any signal, or none at all. There are usually no workarounds for incompatible modems, so make sure you are getting the right device. Cable), or simply be incompatible for another reason. #2 Double-check that the device is compatible with your ISPĪs we mentioned above, not all modems are compatible with all ISPs. No matter how good your Internet speed is, it will only be as fast as your router allows. If you have a 2 Gbps fiber connection, but you use a Wi-Fi 5 wireless router, you will be wasting more than half the bandwidth you are paying for. Whatever router or gateway you get, needs to be able to handle your Internet connection. In case you’re already taken the decision to buy your own hardware, we thought it would be good to make sure you take the following into account: #1 Make your decision based on your Internet plan. Things to Consider if You Buy Your Own Device If you are wondering the pros and cons of each, check out this article. If you are buying your own device, it’s important to be sure if you want a gateway or a separate modem and router. Though it is not uncommon for them to also give you both separately. Usually, your ISP will provide you with a gateway when you rent their equipment. Which is a modem and a router built in a single device. You could bypass this rule by using a gateway. You will need at least two devices in order to have a functioning Internet connection. Maybe even more if you face any setbacks.Īre you willing to sacrifice time over the, let’s say, $200? No wrong answers! Modem, Router, and Gateway Setting up a modem or router from scratch could easily take a couple of hours. Replacing the device with a higher-end alternative could solve all of these problems.

If you are facing problems like an intermittent wireless signal or slow speeds exclusively on Wi-Fi, the rental device could be the issue. Are you having issues with a slow or weak Wi-Fi signal?Īs we mentioned, ISP-provided devices are usually of lower quality. Basic computer and networking understanding should be all you need to always take care of your modem or router yourself. Who’s going to check when something doesn’t work? Those might be important questions to consider.īut don’t worry, we’re not talking about being an engineer here. If you are tech-oriented, installing, cabling, and setting up a router or modem can be easy.īut if you are not, and even if you somehow manage to install it by yourself, what about support? In that case, you will need a new modem regardless of whether you had purchased your previous one.

Not all modems are equal, and some ISP’s might only support one or the other.Īdding to that, the other ISP might use a different technology altogether like DSL instead of Cable. If you are thinking of moving or changing to another Internet provider soon, you’ll probably be better off renting (for now). You might think that buying makes you immune to this issue. Are you planning on moving or changing ISP’s soon? We thought of giving you some things to consider in order to help you make a more informed decision. That alone might be reason alone to rent for you, and that’s okay! What Should I Do Then?īuying a $200 device outright might not be an issue for you at all.īut what about the setup? You’ll be all by yourself.

Plus, the difference between the $8 cheap rental router and a $250 premium device is probably enormous. In real-life scenarios though, your modem/router should last more than two years. That means shelling out another $250 give or take. By then, you might be thinking about replacing the device already. In that case, it will take you over two years to break even. What if you want a better device that costs $250? The real question is, are you planning on having internet for more than 11 months? The answer is usually yes. If you are expected to pay $10 a month to rent a modem or router, and buying a similar device costs $110, you will break even in 11 months.įrom then on, you will be saving $10 a month permanently (you never stop paying for the rental) Plus, you most likely will have a much better device. A new modem or router normally costs around $100 to $250. Your ISP will charge you around $8 to $15 a month to rent their hardware, which is added to your Internet bill. Let’s do some quick math and see if buying is really worth it. So, how much money will you save exactly? That is what really matters after all. We keep mentioning that buying is better because you save money in the long term.

Modem and router vs modem only