Modem + Router for Cox Cable Internet

I'm about to move into my condo so I have to set up the internet there. I currently have no modem or router since I am living in the school dorms at the moment. I am clueless about networking and modems, so I ask for your help.

Should I buy a modem straight from the cable company or should I look into buying it somewhere else(Amazon, Newegg)? What do people recommend for a wireless router? It should have enough range to cover about 1200 square feet and not have any problems with signal dropping and stuff.

I can get a DOCSIS 3.0(no idea what that means) modem for $50 from Cox or a DOCSIS 2.0 for $40. It doesn't tell me what brand or model the modem is, so I assume they'll just give me a random approved modem.

Their list of approved modems is here

 

It all depends on what your use is. If your going for the fasted service you will need to have a v3.0 DOCSIS modem. Most of the routers sold these days will cover your area if centrally located. Depending on layout avoid trying to shoot through metal (ovens, AC/Furnace, Metal Ducts). These will kill your signal pretty quick. I for one would not buy a routers these day unless it has GigE Lan and Wan. 11n will also be a requirement, whether it is dual or not depends upon your usage.

 

I'm planning on getting the Premier service which is the secon fastest. It says download speeds up to 25mbps. There will most likely be no metal objects in the way but it'll probably be next to the TV. Will that affect its signal?

 

Normaly not. Most of the routers can do a 25mbps, 11g up.

 

I'm thinking about buying a modem straight from them and buying the NETGEAR WNR3500L-100NAS. Would that be a good combo or should I look into buying the modem from other retailers instead?

 

That's a good chioce. As for the modem go for DOCSIS 3.0 one.

 

Alright, thanks a lot! I'll let you guys know if I run into any problems with it.

 

For the modem get a DOCSIS 3.0 morotola surfboard, you wont be disappointed.

As for the router, give the MIMO N routers a shot

 

Thanks for the input. I was about to order the stuff today. I have no idea what modem they're giving me, but it'll definitely be a DOCSIS 3.0. With the new customer discount, a DOCSIS 3.0 modem will be $50.

Do you have any recommendations of MIMO N routers below $50? My roommates are complaining about the price of the WNR3500L($70 from Amazon).

 

All 802.11n routers use MIMO- that's how they get faster than 802.11g so don't think that MIMO N router is somehow better than an ordinary N router- it's the same thing.
Amazon has TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND for $56- that's good and reasonably cheap hardware.

 

I think I'm just going to go with the WNR3500L since it seems to be a better choice for only $15 more. I tried to rep you again but it wouldn't let me, but thanks a lot for your help!

 

So, I bought the WNR3500L and Cox sent me a Cisco DPC3010. Now my question is: Should I stick with stock firmware on the router? What benefits will I be getting by switching to DD-WRT or Tomato?

I have everything set up and the internet is working(yay). While using an ethernet cable, I get about 50 Mbps on Speedtest.net. On wireless, I get around 35-40 Mbps. I don't think this is accurate though. Is there another way to test the internet's speed?

 

Stick to stock firmware unless you need more features that are not present in it.
Are you sure your wireless is connected @300mbps?

 

Yeah I'm pretty sure. I went through the router settings and I changed a setting that said "Up to 150 mbps" to "Up to 300 mbps"