In this age of technology, no one is without an access to the Internet. You are no exception as well and have an internet access at your home. Well, much to your surprise, cable modems are not glamorous technology. You might not have thought about yours ever since it has been installed to your computer.
It is quite obvious to forget how efficient and important your cable modem is. You get an uninterrupted Internet service 27/7 for years. On the contrary, some modems offer double duty as a wireless router.
Well, there is one reason when you think of your cable modem. If your cable modem has become a few years old and your internet is running slow, your Internet then may remind you of the cable modem.
Access to faster Internet speeds
These days, companies are developing their networks to bring up faster Internet technology. Well, one needs a newer cable modem to have access to this faster net.
DOCSIS 3 is the newest standard for cable modems. Apart from this new technology, another newest form of cable modem is coming soon and that is DOCSIS 3.1. You can experience the fastest data download with this new technology. The download rates may be around 160 megabits per second or it can be better than this– maybe four times faster compared to DOCSIS 2. Does this not sound fantastic?
But, do not hurry to get this new modem just right now. First, make sure that your cable provider uses DOCSIS 3 connection. At the same time, it is not possible to have access to this new cable modem unless your neighborhood connection is updated. Till then, you get to wait for a new cable modem.
If you have a basic low-speed Internet scheme, you do not need to plan to upgrade your net capacity. This is because you will not get anywhere near the capacity of your modem.
However, you need to rush to upgrade your modem, if you have an old DOCSIS 1.1 modem. This is something that really needs to be replaced.
Moreover, if you want to improve the download rates of your Internet, you can get a newer modem. This can solve the connection problems that you have been experiencing. Although, you will no longer have to face this problem as many cable companies are terminating DOCSIS 1.1 modems.
If you do not know what type of modem you use for Internet access, you can visit the website of the modem manufacturers to find the model number of your modem. Just check the back or the bottom of the modem.
The important question, though, is should you opt for a new modem or take one on lease from your cable provider?
Which strategy benefits you?
If you have a look at the charges of the cable providers, you will find out that the major Internet service providers charge a monthly fee around $3 or more than this for renting a modem. If this device goes wrong, the provider will fix the problem or replace it without any charges.
The modems are kept up-to-date with the latest firmware automatically installed by most Internet service providers. This updates can enhance the performance of your modem.
If you do not want to pay for faster Internet connection, you can talk to your cable service provider and find out if your modem can be upgraded to DOCSIS 3 for free. The cable operators may do so to retain you as a happy customer. There are some users as well who have had their monthly charges waived.
What is your stand on buying your own modem? There is also a case behind this strategy.
Take for instance; you have taken a modem on lease for $ 4 per month. After four years, you will find out that you have spent $192.
If you shell out $85-$100, you can own an excellent new modem with that price. It seems to be more expensive. But, if you can keep the modem for a longer period, you can save more on it. You can find many users who have kept the same device for more than four years.
Well, this strategy is not without any weaknesses. The modem will be tough to fix if anything goes wrong with it. On the other hand, you get to keep your modem updated with the latest firmware.
Check out the support pages of your service providers for recommended DOCSIS 3 modems if you wish to purchase one. The top brands can give you assurance of better Internet service and a good warranty.
Whilst shopping, you will also find modems with built-in wireless routers. These devices are called getaways. These are convenient in terms of space. Well, if you want more features, it is better to opt for a stand-alone wireless router. The best thing about this equipment is that you can fix it anywhere you like which ensures a better signal.
