Choosing a Cable Modem Router

Cable Modem Router

By Anne Ahira

A cable modem router can allow you to take your high-speed internet connection and create a wireless home network for all of your computing needs.

The difficult part of this scenario is when you try to determine which cable modem router to purchase.

Compatibility

The first thing you will need to determine is whether a cable modem router is compatible with your equipment. Certain network cards will not work with certain modems so you will want to check the compatibility.

Many laptop computers are now manufactured with built in wireless internet capabilities and therefore are compatible with all routers.

Area

Your next concern will be the amount of area the wireless cable modem router will cover. If you have a rather large home with several computers and gaming systems, you will want t a strong signal all over the house so check the range of the router before you purchase it.

Price

As with any purchase price will always be a determining factor. When it comes to a cable modem router do not make the mistake of thinking more expensive means better.

In fact, a high dollar modem may not even be compatible with your set up, so use caution. Your best bet is to check out the above information, weigh it against the price, and then continue your research by checking customer reviews.

Possibilities

There are several brands of cable modem routers available, Net Gear, Link Sys and Motorola are all popular brands when it comes to modems and routers. Here is a brief look at a few different cable routers.

Motorola Surfboard Modem Features

• 802.11g wireless technology
• Range of up to 328 ft indoors and 1312 ft outdoors
• Up to 252 users can share a single connection
• 64-bit and 128-bit WEP security
• $97 Amazon

This is a simple to use and easy to install cable modem router. It offers good solid connection that you can have up and running in minutes.

Link Sys Cable Modem Features

• Linksys WCG200-RM Wireless
• Standards: DOCSIS 1.0, DOCSIS 1.1 Certified, DOCSIS 2.0 Certified, 802.11g, 802.11b
• Ports: 4 RJ-45 10/100, 1 USB, one (1) Female Coax F-Connector
• Cabling Type: CAT5, USB, Coax
• $30 Amazon

Reviews have been mixed on this cable modem router, some people have had a very good experience and others have been dead on arrival. The good news is apparently these routers either work or they do not, so you will know quickly if you have a lemon on your hands.

Conclusion

There are several cable modem routers you can choose from. The above models are all wireless but if you have all computers in one room you can save even more money by using just a standard cable modem router that does not offer the wireless capability. It is all up, to what you are interested in!

Here's Cable Modem Router Selections:

D-Link DCM-202 DOCSIS 2.0 USB/Ethernet Cable Modem...	Customer Review: I got this to replace a surfboard 4200 that constantly drops connection during high data transmission, I work from home using a VPN connection, virtual desktop and avaya softphone and my internet connection was dropping after about an hour's work. I ... Read More	(105)
Remstream REM-8100 DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem Internet...	Customer Review: This is a good cable modem and a terrific bargain. I already have a cable modem wireless router and I planned to use this modem in a different room to eliminate radio interference there. Unfortunately, I found out that my cable company (Time Warner... Read More	(1)
50 Ft Ethernet Network Patch Cable Cord Rj45 Cat5e...	Customer Review: i purchased this product to hook up reciever to the internet and it was perfect..bi box stores wanted triple the amount that i payed... Read More	$31.99 (2)
TRENDnet ADSL Fast Ethernet/USB Combination Modem ...	Customer Review: After my buggy Speedstar DSL modem died, I tried other brand. Somehow that modem/router/switch decided to apply firewall of its own. So may unacceable pages... so frustrating... After 2 days of use, I tried my luck with this TrendNet ADSL modem -... Read More	(8)
Remstream REM-8100 DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem Internet...	Customer Review: Click Here for More Info