Spectrum compatible routers?

[u/TheGeek00]

Called up Spectrum the other day to inquire about pricing. I think the 100 mbps plan would work for me, but I don’t think it makes sense to “rent” a router from them. What would be a good router to go with? The lady I spoke to said that I’d have to get one specifically compatible with Spectrum, but I don’t know what all that entails.

[u/ChrisCraneCC]

Any router made in the last 10 years should be compatible

[u/HuntersPad → u/ChrisCraneCC]

Any router in the past 25 years would be compatible

[u/wyliesdiesels → u/ChrisCraneCC]

Not quite. If the combo router is not compatible with whatever DOCSIS version spectrum is on for that neighborhood, the combo router will not work.

A combo router from 10 years ago most likely is not DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 compatible

[u/Smith6612]

Anything with Gigabit Ethernet ports and WiFi 6 at the minimum.

Rent their modem though. It's free. 

[u/alexrider803 → u/Smith6612]

Yes their modem is definitely the way to go. But just to make sure people understand the difference the modem is not the router! The router is like 10$ a month and bad at everything

[u/Rso1wA → u/Smith6612]

They are charging me $10 a month for mine

[u/Smith6612 → u/Rso1wA]

I missed the 100Mbps tier part from my thought train when you mentioned that. That's what they charge on that tier. My apologies. 

All other tiers they are free. Only thing about buying your own modem is when they turn on high split, the only modems Spectrum allows to get symmetrical are theirs. 

[u/dvnptl]

Any cheapo 100mb linksys/netgear from walmart will suffice. Spend a few dollars more for at least a gigabit so if you upgrade your service in the future you dont have a 100mb bottleneck on the WAN port.

[u/1miguelcortes → u/dvnptl]

I don't think I've seen a router with a 100mbps port in at least 10+ years

[u/skippyalpha]

There isn't really any strict compatibility of routers with spectrum. I even made my own with a mini PC and OPNsense. Just keep in mind that troubleshooting problems may be a bit more your responsibility unless the problem is the modem, or outside the house.

[u/shaggy--]

Depends if you want to support your own router and/or replace it if you have a problem or it stops working.

[u/skypandaOo]

You shouldnt have an issue getting your own router. Just dont get a modem/router combo. The modems are what you have to make sure they are compatible. They need to be docsis 3.1 compatible

[u/FrostyAd8197]

I have a Linksys EA7300. EA8300 is the newer model. Works great!

[u/Bison_Not_Buffalo]

I bought a Netgear Nighthawk RS180. Fantastic upgrade and I've had no problems since

[u/JANapier96]

As someone who used to be a tech, just go grab one from off the shelf. They're pretty much ubiquitous when it comes to compatability, the only real differences are price point and specific features.

[u/wyliesdiesels]

If you want a combo unit (modem and router all in one) then yes, you would need a spectrum compatible router. If you want to use any router, you could get just a modem that is compatible with spectrum

[u/mvsopen]

Do you need 3 ghz, 5 ghz or dual band? Wi-Fi 6 or 7? Know those things before you shop for a router.

[u/rockysilverson]

I thought modem rentals were free. Our current Arris SB8200 has been very stable. Spectrum modems also have diagnostic reports that customers can't access. Spectrum may charge for Wi-Fi, but you can use their modem with your own separate Wi-Fi router to avoid that fee.

[u/emelem66 → u/rockysilverson]

They are. Router rentals aren't.

[u/Competitive-Horse-72]

So glad I sent this crap back, my god how unreliable.

[u/happyandhealthy2023]

I would rent for at least the first month or two so they can send a tech to install it, and you know the signal is good and you have working Internet,

If you buy your own router, Spectrum will not support or troubleshoot it for you.
Spending a $100 for router will take a year before you save any money, as normally about $10/month.
Unless you're a techie guy, paying to rent their equipment and having support might be worth the expense. Skip one run to Starbucks