Modem and router question

Is this device a router/modem combo, and if I replace it with the netgear wndr3700 do I also need to get a new modem?

Actiontec Support: 54Mbps Wireless DSL Gateway

I was about to replace it when I realized it may be a combo as this device plugs directly into the wall.

if I need a new modem what is a moderately cheap good quality Modem?

 

Yes that actiontec is a modem router combo

You dont need to buy a new modem, just wire in the WNDR3700 to this Actiontec router.

Disable WIFI on the Actiontec so it only acts as a modem and let the WNDR3700 act as a WIFI access point.

 

Thank you for your fast response. I was replacing the router because my internet frequently stops working with this router. I have to restart it to get it working again. would disabling WI-Fi and plugging in a router help with this problem?

 

Probably not.

You will need to find out whats causing the internet to stop first. It can be of many reasons (Line quality drop out, Overheating modem, ISP issue, etc.)

 

How would i troubleshoot for this? (Wireless and Networking are NOT my areas of expertise obviously)


EDIT: I know the modem doesn't overheat, it's never warm to the touch. When it happens, all lights turn off on the router (Power, Internet, Wireless, DSL) and the Internet light turns red.

EDIT2: it can happen at random, but it seems to happen most when more than one person is on the internet, or when I'm down;oading more than one item at a time.

 

So I'[m calling the ISP tomorrow (can't today, it's a national holiday) to see if there is anything on their end that is going wrong, if it's not them then I'll likely need to buy a new modem and router. whats a decent ADSL router these days?