Router

Google "spectrum approved cable modems". After you purchase (and before it will work), you will need to call Spectrum tech support so they can add it to your account.

It depends on whether the router is a modem/router, or a stand alone router with a separate modem. I had a TimeWarner/Spectrum modem and separate router, and replaced both units with aftermarket ones: an Arris modem and an Asus router. I did have to get the telephone connection box from Spectrum.

And yes, I had to contact them to let them know I had a different modem, they didn't care about the router. Pretty much a painless process.

Is your router a different box from your modem. If so then YES you can.. I'm considering it but am fixing my issue by other means.

I am not impressed with Spectrum hardware or to be precise I'm negatively impressed.

wa8yxm wrote:

I am not impressed with Spectrum hardware or to be precise I'm negatively impressed.

Spectrum neither designed or manufactured that piece of equipment. It may have a Spectrum label on it, but I will bet there is a model number on the bottom that will reveal the company that DID design and manufacturer it !

You can replace either the modem or the router, or a box that is a combination (sometimes called a residential gateway). 2 things to make certain of :

• Make sure it is on the Spectrum approved list
• make sure it is DOCSIS 3.1 compliant

Confusion in the world or "Who's on first ?"

Motorola used to make a lot of this type of equipment. They were the one to invent the "Surfboard" model. Motorola as bought out by Arris in 2013. Because Arris bought all of the product already manufactured by Motorola they continued to sell product as Motorola Surfboard.

In 2019, Arris was acquired by CommScope.

You can find new/refurbished/used equipment with various labels on it, but the model number is the same. It was all manufactured under Motorola or Arris and has Motorola firmware inside.

For the most part, the''"se are still high quality, proven units.

My son in law uses a Spectrum issued Arris modem/router with his own router which resembles a deep space antenna array. How it's connected and how the Spectrum router was disabled is beyond my pay grade. So it can be done with a Spectrum issued or approved cable modem. We have the Spectrum issued gear in a 1500 square ft apartment with everything except the principal TV and a PlayStation operating on WiFi
Not a fan of the monthly equipment charge but if anything takes a dump, a 4 mile drive to Spectrum for an exchange does the job.

I think there are 2 different things here? A "router" is just the device that connects to the "modem". The router then has the extra ports and WiFi that you connect to from your devices (computer, phone, tablet, etc)

The modem is what connects your home to the internet from your provider.

I'm with Xfinity/Comcast and they can supply you with their modem/router combo as a single unit and charge you a monthly rental.

I bought my own modem (Arris) that would work with them (after you spent about 30 minutes on the phone with Xfinity tech support to activate it) and then just got a Linksys router/wifi to connect to the modem and then to all my devices. It's also a 'firewall' as such too.

I already pay way too much for Xfinity/Comcast cable/internet service... I sure as heck was not going to pay rent on their internet hardware... Sure, I have to rent their TV stuff.... But, there you go! ha, ha...

Good luck! Mitch

MitchF150 wrote:
I think there are 2 different things here? A "router" is just the device that connects to the "modem". The router then has the extra ports and WiFi that you connect to from your devices (computer, phone, tablet, etc)

The modem is what connects your home to the internet from your provider.

Actually most of these devices provide a third function besides being a modem and a wired router. That is, they are also commonly a Wireless Access Point (WAP)

In the "old days" this might be 3 separate boxes.

Actually, some include a 4th function, a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) adapter so you can connect your old wired telephones.

MitchF150 wrote:

I already pay way too much for Xfinity/Comcast cable/internet service... I sure as heck was not going to pay rent on their internet hardware... Sure, I have to rent their TV stuff....

No rentals for me ! I went streaming about 5 years ago. I use Amazon Fire Sticks on all of my TV. A couple have simple Over The Air (OTA) antennas.

For many years now I have had great results using Linksys E2500 router with my spectrum modem. YEP works for me.