Should You buy your own cable modem

A cable modem is a computer networking device, which allows the computer to connect to your ISP through a landline connection. In basic words, it is a device which converts an analog signal from your landline into a digital signal. This allows your computer to gain internet access.

In cable modems, there are generally two options. Either you can use a company-rented cable modem or buy one of your own. There are pros and cons of both of these approaches.

First, we’ll discuss the ISP-rented modems. These are the ones that are provided by your service provider. Most American ISPs generally charge you between $5-$10 per month as the rent for the cable modem. This approach is favorable if you are only using that particular ISP for only a limited period of time. If you’re using an ISP-provided modem then all the problems/fixes will be done by that company and you’ll not have to worry about maintaining it.

As we know all know modem standards are constantly evolved. Some time ago we were having DOCSIS 2.0 modems, then we had DOCSIS 3.0 modems and now DOCSIS 3.1 standard has been introduced and many ISPs are becoming compatible with DOCSIS 3.1. So let’s imagine that you had bought a cable modem and then you realize that there’s better technology your ISP is supporting. Then all the money you have put in that modem is going to be wasted.

Let’s talk about the second option now. Your own cable modem. If you look at cable modems provided by your company then you’ll soon realize that they aren’t the best options around in the market. And also there’s price factor involved. Let’s assume that you have used your ISP-rented modem for 2 years and it’s cost is $5 per month. Then after 2 years you’ll end up paying $120 for a device that isn’t even yours.

Also, many ISPs just rent the outdated and old cable mdoems to their users which can negatively affect your network speed. So if you buy a good cable mdoem of your own, then it’ll probably increase your own internet speed.

Compatibility is a big issue among cable modems. Not every cable modem supports every ISP. Many popular ISP usually publish the list of cable modems they support, such as this list by Comcast. One disadvantage of having your own cable modem is that if/when your network slows down or have other connection problems, your ISP will most likely blame the cable modem, just because it’s their own.

If you buy your own cable modem, then it’s up to you to maintain them, many modems have warrantues but lightning strikes and power surges aren’t covered in the warranty.