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Equipment Matters When Surfing

Equipment Matters When Surfing

What kind of modem should I get? Make sure you’re getting the most out of your internet

There’s nothing more frustrating than signing up for high-speed internet and then finding out you’re stuck at your old speeds because your equipment isn’t up to the task.

But unless you’re a technician, all modems pretty much look the same. So how can you tell if you have the right modem for your connection speed?

If you have an older modem, it might be operating on a standard called DOCSIS 2.0 or even DOCSIS 1.1. DOCSIS, in case you’re interested, stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification — but that’s not really important. The main thing you need to know is that if your modem isn’t operating on at least DOCSIS 3.0, no matter how lightning-quick your connection is, you’ll never get downloads faster than 25 Mbps.

Nobody wants to pay for a 50 Mbps or 110 Mbps connection and not make the most of it. So here are a few simple ways you can check to see if your modem can give you what you need.

If you have a wireless network in your home, it’s also a good idea to check your router. Some older wireless routers broadcast on a frequency of 2.4 GHz, and if that’s the case for you, your wireless speed will top out around 25 Mbps. To find out if your wireless router is limiting your speed, go to speedtest.net and hit the “Begin Test” button — then plug your computer directly into your modem and do it again. If your speeds are a lot faster when you’re plugged in directly, you may want to upgrade your router.

At D&P Communications, the modem we recommend is made by Arris, and it’ll run you $96.50. We recommend purchasing directly from us. You’ll always get the best results when your modem and your ISP’s network are configured the same way — that’s why most ISPs make you lease a modem from them.

When you compare the $96.50 purchase price of a high-speed Arris modem running the latest standard to the cost of renting a modem from any other ISP, we think you’ll find that D&P saves you money in the long run. And it’s worth it to make sure you’re getting the high-speed service you deserve!