Reddit reviews NETGEAR C3000-100NAS N300 (8x4) WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router (C3000) Certified for Xfinity from Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, Cablevision & More

Yes, you need a router to have a wi-fi network. There are devices that serve as both a router and a modem- here's one that works with cable Internet. Your ISP probably gave you something like this.

I don't own one, but this would be a good place to start: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IF0JAIU/ref=pd_aw_sbs_5?pi=SY115&simLd=1

The name you're looking for is "Wireless gateway." That's what these boxes are called.

It’s expensive but I’ve found it to be a worthy investment and expect it to operate for the next few years.

A less expensive but highly rated option would be TP Link’s Deco M5 which is Amazon’s deal of the day at $200. I have no experience with this.

An even less expensive option would be using the most basic DOCSIS 3.0 (I think that’s what they want you to have?) modem you’d need for your ISP, and a simple AP/Router combo as shes mainly wifi anyway.

A cost effective option I have experience with is this Modem/Router/AP at $80, specifically with Cablevision and Spectrum. It’s not officially supported but works perfectly. This was a great setup for a workplace setting for people’s phones, tablets, printers, and a few people streaming movies and Sling on chromecasts where their computers were hardwired onto another network.

You can buy a dual wifi router/modem device. I have this one. Some people will tell you that you sacrifice wifi quality with the combo modems, but if your space isn't too huge, it shouldn't be a problem.

But yeah, you need to check to be sure that you have a wifi router AND modem.

So is it a Netgear C3000-100NAS?

https://smile.amazon.com/NETGEAR-C3000-100NAS-Certified-Spectrum-Cablevision/dp/B00IF0JAIU/ref=pd_ybh_a_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2V5PZN2D6QSMW6QT5H0W

Ah but you can!. Scroll down to the used options and find the lightly used one sold by Amazon Warehouse for $53.97

You won't find anything cheaper than $80.

Netgear N300 is $99 on Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-DOCSIS-Router-C3000/dp/B00IF0JAIU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1421551584&sr=8-3&keywords=netgear+docsis+3.0+cable+modem&pebp=1421551627748&peasin=B00IF0JAIU

Or get the N600 for $125: http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-DOCSIS-Cable-Router/dp/B00IF0JAYE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421551584&sr=8-2&keywords=netgear+docsis+3.0+cable+modem&pebp=1421551663937&peasin=B00IF0JAYE

Some questions if you don't mind:

1. Does this perform better/equal the router/modem combo that Xfinity rents out?
   
   
2. How does it perform compared to something like this: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Certified-Xfinity-Spectrum-Cablevision/dp/B00IF0JAIU/ref=br_lf_m_t59bbyaxthcc475_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&s=pc
   
   Edit: Never mind, I just read some reviews on Amazon about the product in the OP, and it seems that it's a pretty poor router. I think I am going to pass even if the price is pretty decent.

do you think it's better to go modem/router combo -> WAP, or to go dumb modem -> Router/Wireless combo? I'm leaning towards letting the nighthawk do as much of the work as possible since it's got the most power and is the newest. The modem/router is something like this: Netgear C3000.

I was looking at replacing it with something like a surfboard. Would there be any benefit to upgrading to a 600+ Mbps modem over a 300+ Mbps modem when my connection is only 200?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IF0JAIU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_BH4pzbPV6Z7GN

I bought this one with WIFI built in. My friend bought a modem and router separately.

> N300

This model. You're looking at the wrong model. I stand by my recommendation. Furthermore, every Motorola I've had has had many issues. Bought my Netgear over the summer and have zero issues. Dual-band wi-fi is enough to cover my ~1,000 square foot apartment with coverage on both bands. ALL my equipment (due to necessity) is using wi-fi and I have no hiccups with Plex, Netflix, Hulu, or playing games online. I use 50 mbps and get all that wireless (but I use 5.0 band primarily).

EDIT: To speak for the chromecast, I obviously use 2.4 band for that and it works fine. The chromecast is ~30' away from the router and streams Twitch in HD just fine and all my Plex files too.

Not that I really suggest them over a dedicated modem and router, [this] (http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-DOCSIS-Cable-Router-C3000/dp/B00IF0JAIU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1415837639&sr=8-3&keywords=modem+router+combo) is one of the better ones in that niche

I have no personal experience with the Google WiFi ecosystem, but from a quick Google search, I could not find anything that shows it being supported.

I was able to find this netgear router that supports creating a OpenVPN server, and quite easily infact, just seems like a couple of clicks.
Netgear R7000-100PAS Nighthawk AC1900

VPN Guide

I chose this router because of my personal trust for Netgear products, and their simple to use interface for a home user with some advanced functionality for the prosumers. For your Modem, heres one that I found: Netgear N300.

Can you clarify - are you using this modem/router - Netgear N300 ?

That's reporting it only does 2.4Ghz A/B/G/N

Your Xbox One and Chromecast both support 5Ghz which is far better and definitely going to have less interference in your area.

The reason I ask is my Chromecast v2 with 2.4Ghz will buffer at 480p as well due mostly because there's 300 other 2.4Ghz wireless signals.

Honestly, I would recommend getting yourself a separate modem/router like this SB6141 and then a nice 2.4/5ghz dual-band router like this R7000 and you'll be seriously set. On the cheaper side, you could get the E2500 which is also dual-band and can run Tomato firmware.

5ghz will greatly increase the quality of your wireless.

Att site should list compatible modems. I prefer a separate modem and router for easier control and troubleshooting. The modem needs to handle at least 300mb like this. https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-CM500-1AZNAS-download-Certified-Cablevision/dp/B06XH46MWW/ref=sxin_2_ac_d_pm?keywords=netgear+cable+modem&pd_rd_i=B06XH46MWW&pd_rd_r=fd5b5847-86a5-44f6-ac60-39a3a0965ef9&pd_rd_w=9Z4xl&pd_rd_wg=RwZPt&pf_rd_p=64aaff2e-3b89-4fee-a107-2469ecbc5733&pf_rd_r=CK31S9SR1ADGY5C4RHGX&qid=1563045613&s=electronics

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You could look at an all in one as well.

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-C3000-100NAS-C3000-Certified-Cablevision/dp/B00IF0JAIU

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If your budget is really that tight, this is the way to go instead of renting their equipment. You can find stuff a lot cheaper than this is you pick it up used.