If you’re considering new Xfinity internet service, you may have noticed an unexpected equipment rental charge added to the cost of service. At first glance, an extra $13/mo. may not seem like much of an expense, but internet service fees can quickly add up if you’re not careful. One of the best ways to eliminate equipment fees and save on your internet bill is to invest in your own modem, router or 2-in-1 gateway device.
Should you rent or purchase your Xfinity equipment?
Buying a modem and router or a combination gateway device from a third-party can be a beneficial option for Xfinity customers looking to cut back on their annual internet bill. Check out some pros and cons of renting Xfinity equipment compared to buying your own.
Rental vs. purchase of Xfinity equipment
Thinking equipment rental may be more beneficial for you? Learn more about whether or not you should buy or rent router and modem equipment from your internet service provider.
What to look for in an Xfinity modem and router
If you’ve decided on purchasing your own equipment, there are a few features you’ll want to look out for to ensure that once you buy, you’re happy with your Xfinity internet performance.
- DOCSIS Technology – “Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification” or DOCSIS is used to transfer data quickly over the coaxial cable used for a cable TV and internet connection. This technology has evolved from the initial 1.0 version to today’s fastest DOCSIS 3.1 version.
- Maximum speed capability – If you purchase Xfinity’s Gigabit internet plan which comes with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps, you’re going to also want to purchase equipment that’s capable of handling speeds that fast. Your modem can hinder your internet speeds no matter what plan you’re paying for.
- Channel bonding – If you’re familiar with internet traffic, modem channels are like lanes on that highway. The more channels you’re modem has, the more internet traffic it can handle without issue. The NETGEAR C7000 – 1AZNAS, for example, has 32×8 channel bonding. That means it dedicates 32 channels to downloading data and 8 channels to uploading, which is perfect for Xfinity’s fastest speeds.
- Security – Make sure your router uses a password with nothing less than WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Your home internet network can be the first virtual door to your entire home security system.
- App-based management – Many routers on today’s market come with apps that can simplify setup and network management. From these apps, you can monitor the users on your home Wi-Fi and be updated when your router needs software updates.
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Top 4 approved Xfinity modems and routers
Here are our top Xfinity routers and modems by maximum speed if you’re considering purchasing your equipment from a third party.
Best for up to 100 Mbps: NETGEAR CM400
- Wi-Fi not included
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Speeds up to 200 Mbps
- 8 x 4 channel bonding
- WPS, WEP WPA2, WPA security
- No app access
Best for up to 250 Mbps: TP-Link Technologies ARCHER CR700
- Wi-Fi included
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Speeds up to 373 Mbps
- 16 x 4 channel bonding
- WEP WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK security
- Tether app access
Best for up to 400 Mbps: NETGEAR C7500
- Wi-Fi included
- DOCSIS 3.0
- Speeds up to 855 Mbps
- 24 x 8 channel bonding
- WPA/WPA2 security
- NETGEAR genie® app access
Best for up to 1000 Mbps: NETGEAR C7800
- Wi-Fi included
- DOCSIS 3.1
- Speeds up to 6 Gbps
- 32 x 8 channel bonding
- WPA/WPA2 security
- NETGEAR genie® app access
For a full list of equipment with Xfinity services, visit Xfinity’s compatibility list of modems and routers to search equipment by speed, brand and DOCSIS version. If you need help choosing a router, check out our list of best wireless routers of 2019. Looking for more information on other internet providers available near you? Call our experts today!
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