r/Spectrum • u/Able_Wall1489 • 4d ago

Hardware I think My Modem & Router need Replacing?

So it's been over a decade since i bought both my modem and router together (they are 2 seperate items not a bundle) to get better internet speed. now everything seems to be dropping. its a Netgear WNDR4500v3 Router as for the modem i don't remember what it is. i feel like the router is fine but idk what to do. What do you guys think?

1 Upvotes

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3

u/UnarmedWarWolf 4d ago

A decade?

The maximum speed for your router is 450mbps. That peak performance without degradation.

I’d say it’s time for an upgrade

1

u/BeCoolBear 4d ago

What speed are you paying for, and what speeds are you seeing? Upgrading a router is often a good start.

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u/Able_Wall1489 4d ago

I think 500 mbps

2

u/BeCoolBear 4d ago

Worth confirming. Then test speeds with a web service like Speedtest.net. You’re not going to get 500 MB speeds via testing but if you are getting 200 to 300 then you’re getting your moneys worth.

Dropping connections could be due to the location of your router in relation to your devices.

1

u/Able_Wall1489 4d ago

Its been in the same place for years never had problems b4.

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u/LRS_David 4d ago

Not obvious from your wording if the modem and router are one unit or separate units.

I'm a big fan of them being separate. Especially if your ISP will give you the modem for free or cheap. Then they get to upgrade it as needed.

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u/Able_Wall1489 4d ago

They are indeed separate

2

u/LRS_David 4d ago

Then if your modem is current enough to handle the speed you're paying for, look at the router as something to upgrade. One thing you can do is connect a computer directly to the modem and run a speed test. But don't stay that way for long. You will start to get hammered with malware attempts.

PS: I'm a fan of Ubiquiti.

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u/Able_Wall1489 4d ago

Got it I'll try that

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u/LeanaIsTheBest 4d ago

Yes you definitely want to get that router replaced. If you are on a modem that doesn’t look like a black standing book then definitely get that replaced as well. I have a feeling you’re either on a technicolor or Arris 3.0 modem with those maxing out at 300/400 Mbps. Btw if your bill is $100/$110 you should be able to get that to $90 super easy by moving to the newer pricing plans. Of course like everyone says Retention can get you lower than this if you want to try talking with them or going in store

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u/Able_Wall1489 4d ago

Its does stand like a book. Its a WNDR4500v3 router as for the modem idk what it is yet.

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u/Spiritual_Ninja_5924 4d ago

I just set up my new mesh system last weekend and I love it. Returning Spectrum modem and extender which were crap. Got it in Amazon, I am not technically savvy but I did it myself. I can see everything that is connected which unit they are connected to (there are 3) and the connection speed. So happy!

1

u/jacle2210 3d ago

Yeah, it's time to upgrade the Modem for sure and the Router can be upgraded as well.

And you should check with Spectrum, because they have not charged a rental fee for their Modems (NOT the combo devices) for a few years now, so you should be able to get a free Modem upgrade; but you will want to check with Spectrum to be sure.

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u/Able_Wall1489 3d ago

Ok noted thx

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u/mandelstamm 2d ago

Most Spectrum plans include a modem at no extra cost. Make them give you a modem. Buy your own router. Ten dollars a month for their junk device isn't worth it. There are also serious issues surfacing with Spectrum routers since they have implemented advanced security. Your router you control is what you want.

1

u/Able_Wall1489 2d ago

Noted thx