Despite the proliferation of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and LTE networks, several households still turn to cable internet service providers (ISP) to have continuous access to the internet. These companies usually allow their subscribers to rent modems for home use. But some homeowners want to use their modems, especially if they have their specifications in mind.
If you intend to have your modem at home, you need to remember that all cable ISPs work differently from each other. It means that not all cable modems are alike. You also need to make sure that you will only buy high-quality modems from legitimate suppliers. Using ETM Pacific modems, for example, may allow you to maximize all the benefits of having your modem.
If you have no idea how to shop for the right modem, here are several tips to help you make the right decision.
To Buy Or To Rent
One of the first things that you need to consider when looking for a cable modem is how you plan to use it in the long run. If you think that you have the option to switch to an FTTH subscription soon, then renting a modem from your cable ISP could be the best choice. But if you have to stick to your cable ISP account for a long time, then you can consider buying a modem, so you no longer have to pay for additional monthly rentals.
Ideally, the price that you need to pay for high-quality modems is equivalent to the cost of renting the one provided by your ISP for several months. If you compute it, you might have to spend more on renting a modem compared to buying one. So think about how long you intend to stay with your cable ISP subscription to gauge whether purchasing a modem is better than paying rent.
ISP Requirements
Most ETM Pacific cable modems work properly with typical cable ISPs. But to be sure, you must always consult with your service provider before you purchase a particular product to know if it fits their requirement. This information is readily available on the website of your cable ISP. For more details, you can also do a fast search online to look into the compatibility of the modem that you intend to buy and your local cable ISP. You may also find a list of the compatible devices on your ISP’s official website.
Also, you have to know if your cable modem has the ideal speed capabilities for your internet subscription plan. You may have to check out your home internet connection speed to see if the modem can handle it. If the modem that you intend to buy is too slow, it may slow down the speed of your home network. On the other hand, purchasing a super-fast modem is not ideal if your internet subscription-only has a 100Mbps cap. So always compare the modem with the ISP requirements first before making the purchase.
Using More Than One Device?
Since most households usually own different devices, you may consider looking for a modem that comes with a built-in router. It will let you use a single gadget that will also allow you to connect all the devices without the need for plenty of cables.
However, you need to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of using a modem-router combination. For example, the modem-router combination will limit your flexibility since you cannot upgrade the speed anytime you want. Also, a single device is cheaper compared to buying the modem-router combination.
Buying a cable modem has a lot of perks for every household. But you need to keep all these tips in mind to get the most out of this device. If the modem that you intend to buy will work well with your ISP requirements, you will get all your money’s worth and have the chance to have an uninterrupted internet connection at home all the time.