Need help matching modem to router

[ftngrave]

Sorry for the long post but I would be forever grateful to anyone who can help me understand modems and how to choose the right one, to match a router's specs.

So I moved into a new house and decided I'd upgrade for the first time to a 100 mbps download speed internet plan (10 mbps upload) from Cox. Not really knowing much about internet, and after hours of research, I decided
to buy a Trendnet AC2600 TEW-827DRU router for $110. It's dual-band: 800 mbps advertised speed on its 2.4 GHz band, and 1733 mbps advertised speed on its 5 GHz band. According to pcmag.com, they tested actual speeds on its 2.4 band at 108 mbps in the same room and 75.3 mbps at 30 feet. On the 5 GHz band, they tested actual speeds at 590 mbps in the same room and 260 mbps at 30 feet. My goal was to choose a router that will get me as close as possible to 100 mbps speeds on both bands for several devices throughout my 2 story house (while taking price into consideration).

I had assumed that matching a modem to a router would be simple. I thought it just needed to have a gigabit port, be dual band 802.11 AC, DOCSIS 3.0 or higher, and certified by Cox. After choosing my router, I discovered that Cox has a "Cox Certified Modems List (with actual modem models listed)." There are also modems on Newegg that state they are Cox compatible but are not on this list. After looking at these modems, I've become confused again and have some questions.

I don't want the modem to bottleneck the throughput wireless speeds of the Trendnet AC2600 router. I learned modems have bonded channels, for instance 8x4, which translates into 344 mbps download speed and 172 upload speed. Are these 8x4 speeds theoretical or actual? Is a 8x4 modem not going to bottleneck the speeds I can get (like close to the speeds as tested by pcmag) with the Trendnet AC2600 router? Or do I need a higher channel count like 16x4?

A few of the modems on newegg have AC numbers or list that they're dual band capable. I thought the router is what handles being simulatenously dual band. Does one's modem also have to be dual band (if so, I don't know how to tell if a lot of modems are dual band as their specs don't say)? Why do a few of the modems have AC numbers (a lot of them don't)? Is this relevant? Like will an AC1600 modem bottleneck my Trendnet AC2600 router?

For instance, the Arris SBG6700 modem has AC1600 in its title and says it's dual band (I'm also pretty sure it is just a modem and not a router/modem combo unit as this question was specifically asked and answered about the model on amazon). But most of the modems on newegg do not mention if they are dual band and don't mention an AC number in the modem's title or specs.

Models I've considered on the Cox Certified Modems list:
-Arris SBG6700, AC1600, dual band, 8x4, for $100
-Netgear C6300BD, AC1900, dual band, 24x8, for $50 USED
-TP-Link CR500, AC1200, no dual band info, 16x4, for $130 (this model is 16x4 yet AC1200 while the Arris SBG6700 is 8x4 but has higher AC1600-confusing)
-TP-Link CR700, AC1750, dual band, 16x4, for $155

Models I've considered not on Cox's list but model's listing says is Cox compatible (none of these models have AC numbers nor say whether they're dual band or not):
-TP-Link TC7620, 16x4, for $69
-TP-Link 7610, 8x4, for $40
There's also the Arris SB8200 for $189, 32x8, and DOCSIS 3.1, but I hope I don't need something with this high of specs and this expensive (I thought after choosing my router that the modem would be cheaper).

It'd be great if someone can help me with these questions. The ultimate question is can someone recommend a modem at the best price, preferably new, that won't bottleneck the speeds of the Trendnet AC2600 TEW-827DRU router (I ultimately don't understand the specs I need of the modem)?

Also, pseudo random question, why do BOTH routers and modems have ethernet LAN ports? Do they serve the exact same purpose?

Thanks very much to anyone who can steer me in the right direction, would like to have wifi in my house soon, just need to buy the dang modem now.

 

[PP Mguire]

I don't want the modem to bottleneck the throughput wireless speeds of the Trendnet AC2600 router.

Your modem handles the communication between your house and ISP. The router handles network traffic after the modem.

which translates into 344 mbps download speed and 172 upload speed. Are these 8x4 speeds theoretical or actual? Is a 8x4 modem not going to bottleneck the speeds I can get (like close to the speeds as tested by pcmag) with the Trendnet AC2600 router? Or do I need a higher channel count like 16x4

Channel speeds are max theoretical. Most if not all DOCSIS 3.0 modems will handle your internet package fine. Typically the higher channel count on both downstream and upstream the better. You won't utilize all of it, but you might be able to later.

AC1600/etc is going to be the wireless type and max bandwidth. The modems that have this in the title have a built in router which means you don't need a separate router for your house. The number is maximum total bandwidth from all combined devices using the specified frequency. So if your devices are on 5GHz you'll have something like 1200Mb for all devices, and remember wifi is half duplex. So if you have one device on 5GHz you'll get all of the available bandwidth, if you have 6 devices on 5Ghz that 1200Mb will be split between all 6. Typically phones/tablets/etc won't use that much.

Also, pseudo random question, why do BOTH routers and modems have ethernet LAN ports? Do they serve the exact same purpose?

If the modem is just a modem it will need at least one ethernet port to connect to the WAN port on your router. If the modem has a built in router (aka a Gateway) you don't need to use a router with it. These will normally have 4-5 ethernet ports in the back to hardwire devices as well as a wireless bandwidth number (AC1200/1600 whatever) because it's a two in one device.

Typically combo devices are worse than dedicated routers because the router portion utilizes cheaper hardware to keep costs down.

Another thing to note is "dual band" is only referring to the wireless radio being able to communicate on both 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies. This is a router thing, not a modem thing. Modems communicate on channels indicated by the 8x4 etc.

My goal was to choose a router that will get me as close as possible to 100 mbps speeds on both bands for several devices throughout my 2 story house (while taking price into consideration).

This will be difficult with any device you decide to go with and depend greatly on where you place your router. In a 2 story situation the radio waves have to travel through a lot of material to get to either upstairs or downstairs. I recommend placing your router where ever you have the most devices connecting to your wifi. Also take note that 5GHz range isn't as good as 2.4GHz. Also depending on the size of your house and location of your router will depict how much internet speed your device will get. Another thing to note is, not all devices are created equally, as just because your router can handle such speeds your phone or tablet (even maybe laptop/desktop) wireless radio might not have a quick enough wireless radio to saturate your internet connection. You'll find that wireless has a lot of variables and if you require full speed to say a desktop or console I suggest hard wiring for best results.

This modem will do fine with your connection.
https://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-SURFbo...rd_wg=8y2R7&psc=1&refRID=2Z8MYR40RJRP4EXG9S7V

I used the same one with my 100Mb TWC service back in 2014. Connect your coax to it, then connect the ethernet port on the modem to the WAN port on your router. You will probably have to call Cox so they can register the MAC and serial number of the modem to your account.