If you are a spectrum subscriber you most likely have been asked if you would like to rent a router from them for the cost of 5 a month.
Spectrum modem vs wifi router.
Modems and routers are completely different devices.
We reviewed both to take away the confusion about how they work and to help you choose which device you ll need for your internet needs.
Most users would be better off sticking with spectrum s modem and buying a less expensive separate wi fi router.
While you can have a separate router and modem you can also find devices that combine.
Google wifi can t be connected directly to spectrum connection.
For a budget friendly spectrum supported modem router unit the motorola mg7315 is a great choice.
The docsis 3 0 modem has four gigabit ethernet ports a built in firewall and a broadcom cable modem chipset to ensure extra security against any kind of virtual attacks.
While it might seem easy to say yes to you should instead buy your own wireless router.
If you already own a compatible router you can connect it but top speeds and security aren t guaranteed.
How to get the most out of your modem router.
Spectrum doesn t give you wi fi router hardware for free so buying your own can save you about 60 per year in rental fees.
In short your router creates a network between the computers in your home while your modem connects that network and thus the computers on it to the internet.
In short the modem is the doorway to the internet while the router directs the internet and its traffic.
In order to find the best router for spectrum you will need to shop around looking at all of the spectrum compatible routers that meet your network s needs.
The difference between a modem and a router is that a modem connects to the internet and a router connects devices to wi fi.
It enables wireless signals to be sent throughout the homes offices and so on.
To get in home wifi connect a wireless router to your free spectrum internet modem.
Renting a router from spectrum costs 5 mo pro tip.
A modem is directly connected to the internet service provider.
When you connect to wi fi you re really connecting to your router which forwards traffic between the internet and your computer.
Check out our spectrum provider internet guide to find out if spectrum is right for you.
While the router is connected to the modem and makes the extension of the internet connection possible to multiple devices.
Because of this most spectrum customers use the provided spectrum modem.
However you do need to either rent a pre configured wi fi router from spectrum or use your own.
You must have a docsis compatible cable modem connected to spectrum and then you can connect a google wifi device to this modem.
Being a wifi router google wifi will work fine with charter spectrum as long as you already have a separate cable modem installed.