Modem/Router suggestions

[Gilletter]

Hello, shamefully it's been awhile since I've been around, life got crazy busy! I'm currently looking to replace a modem and router, Netgear c7000v2, that intermittently loses input signal and requires a hard reset. The other aspect is that I have a two-story home with a finished basement (approximately 3000 sq. ft.) and the signal to the basement is virtually non-existent. I'm looking for suggestions that I can replace it with that has good reach and strong signal over wifi. We do a lot of streaming and gaming in a house with 8 people, I have 1 gig service, and need a good reliable product. Thank you in advance for any assistance!

 

[Bill_Bright]

Do you really need to replace both the router and the modem? I use and recommend separates. In that way, if the modem fails (or your ISP requires you upgrade - happened to me), you only have to replace the modem. Or if you want to upgrade your wireless router, you only have to upgrade that.

You essentially have a 3 story home. Ideally you want the wireless access point in the middle of the middle. But wireless is greatly affected by the barriers (walls, floors and ceilings). "Empty" wallboard walls with 2x4 wood studs impact wifi performance much less than walls full of wires and metal pipes. Poured concrete or concrete blocks impact much more. Then things like metal file cabinets and big refrigerators matter too. You might do well looking into a mesh system.

I recommend you start by looking on your ISP's website. They usually provide a list of compatible devices. For sure, if you have multiple people streaming content at the same time, you will want a device that supports a lot of bandwidth.

 

[Gilletter]

Do you really need to replace both the router and the modem? I use and recommend separates. In that way, if the modem fails (or your ISP requires you upgrade - happened to me), you only have to replace the modem. Or if you want to upgrade your wireless router, you only have to upgrade that.

You essentially have a 3 story home. Ideally you want the wireless access point in the middle of the middle. But wireless is greatly affected by the barriers (walls, floors and ceilings). "Empty" wallboard walls with 2x4 wood studs impact wifi performance much less than walls full of wires and metal pipes. Poured concrete or concrete blocks impact much more. Then things like metal file cabinets and big refrigerators matter too. You might do well looking into a mesh system.

I recommend you start by looking on your ISP's website. They usually provide a list of compatible devices. For sure, if you have multiple people streaming content at the same time, you will want a device that supports a lot of bandwidth.

The unit I have now is a combo router and modem, so to replace I'd need to do both. I can do either a combo unit or two separate units.

 

[Bill_Bright]

It would be easier to replace your current combo, but I am sure you don't have. Admittedly, I have not read the manual for your unit, but typically, you can split the functions. Up to you - for sure. I just personally like more options so that means separates. But separates do cost more and typically are a little harder to set up.

You say it loses "input signal". Input from where to where? Your devices scattered about the house? From your ISP?

And to clarify, I am not suggesting you buy (or rent) from your ISP. But most maintain lists of compatible devices you can buy elsewhere and then connect to their network. I refuse to rent and I would not recommend buying from an ISP unless their prices were competitive - and I've never seen that.