Most people will make their money back in less than a year.
It’s like knocking $10-20 off your internet bill, forever.
Each provider maintains a list of approved modems.
Corbin Davenport / How-To Geek
With that in mind, check with your provider.
Some providers, such asSpectrumandCox, have published lists on their help sites.
However, modern cable modems are interoperable thanks tothe DOCSIS standard.
This dependable and popular option from the Arris Surfboard lineup is perfect for cable internet subscribers with any subscription tier at or below 800 Mbps, which is the majority of cable broadband users in the United States.
you might find off-the-shelf modem/router combo units.
So don’t waste your money on a 16x4 or even 24x8 modem.
A 32x8 modem will meet all your cable broadband needs up to around 800 Mbps.
Perfect for a gigabit cable package today, and an upgrade to a multi-gigabit package next year.
Want Gigabit?
Go With DOCSIS 3.1
Not everyone lives in an area with gigabit (or better) cable internet service.
Perfect for a gigabit cable package today, and an upgrade to a multi-gigabit package next year.
DOCSIS 3.1 improves upon DOCSIS 3.0, allowing for a theoretical maximum download of up to 10 Gbps.
As of May 2023, DOCSIS 4.0 cable internet is in field trials in select locations around North America.
There’s a good chance you’ll be using a DOCSIS 3.1 modem well into 2025 and beyond.
So, for now, no need to worry about DOCSIS 4.0.
Compared to computers, routers, and smartphones, cable modems have a much longer lifecycle.
Related:Stop Renting Your Cable Modem, You’re Getting Ripped Off
