You beat me but you didn't say what router he needs to get!
You router doesn't have gigabit Ethernet ports. It physically cannot go above 100 megabit. The 450mbps figure is just the combined Wi-Fi link speed, which will never actually be achievable.
Get an Archer C7.
Hell yes you should get your own router. Archer A7 is 1 I recommend a lot. Best selling router on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G
And while you're at it, let us know the modem make/model they gave you- some have chip issues
Or perhaps this one? I've heard good things:
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G
Ok looking at my Velocity hotspot device it doesn’t have Ethernet port but has what looks like a micro usb. I believe the Nighthawk has Ethernet ports.
I was asking here if I’m able to use my Velocity with the tp-Link until I get a Nighthawk.
TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home, Works with Alexa, VPN Server, Parental Control&QoS (Archer A7) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JD7F7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bH8qFbDFMA4FQ
Was suggested a set up with above and Nighthawk because NH gets better speeds. But can’t get a NH now.
TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home, Works with Alexa, VPN Server, Parental Control and QoS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JD7F7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_dlC_ejK0Fb6Z2FF72?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Here’s the router I bought, what do you mean by extender?
Speedify...that's a funny name.
Anyway, as said before: get a name brand router that's proven, like an Archer A7: https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=archer+a7&qid=1603659748&s=electronics&sr=1-2
Also check your modem. Is it on the Puma 6 chipset list? If so, get another one from Spectrum: https://approvedmodemlist.com/intel-puma-6-modem-list-chipset-defects/
Are you testing speeds on wifi or wired? Wired via ethernet directly to your modem's WAN port is the way to go. Do not test speed with wireless, it's unreliable and gives info that is mostly inaccurate as it can be affected by interior obstructions.
Yes there is still referral benefits.
You can use my referral code if you want for a $100 gift card.
Here's my code: KADAK005VZ
If you are getting the internet only plan, you don't really need the FiOS router. A standard AC1750 router will do just fine for an apartment.
Thanks! This is very helpful.
I have this attached to my cable modem in my apartment. Would that work for Fios in the house?
(Also currently feeling a little out of my element. I'm good with computers, but I'm much better at playing with software than hardware)
TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JD7F7G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It depends on what are your needs. This is not the fastest router and it has only WAN gigabit port. The LAN ports are 100Mbps only.
That one is $57 and has gigabit LAN ports and is faster : https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G/ref=sr_1_8?crid=T0QI84IUB8GJ&keywords=gigabit%2Brouter&qid=1682563847&sprefix=gigabit%2Brouter%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-8&th=1
I can't comment on durability and reliability since I don't use that youter, but on paper it should be the one that fits your specifications.
Apart from that one, no decent router is priced $50 or lower. But since it's your money, it's also your decision to make :-)
Can't go wrong with the best selling modem on Amazon- Archer A7. I love them: https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=archer+a7&qid=1606281455&s=electronics&sr=1-3
TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home, Works with Alexa, VPN Server, Parental Control&QoS(Archer A7) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JD7F7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aRf4DbP1EV9Q5
i have this one and about 10 devices and it’s great.
Get any DOCSIS 3.1 compliant modem from a Spectrum store. You never mentioned the make/model of your existing modem though.
Then get an Archer A7 router, approx $62 on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1750-Smart-WiFi-Router/dp/B079JD7F7G/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0 that's about 29 burgers. It'll do everything you ever want/need.
Also stop eating so much McD's it's bad for you.
Sadly no, the best thing you can do to improve your Wi-Fi experience here is making sure you have a good router, not the one GCI gave you.
Figure out how much you are willing to spend and then buy the router at your price point:
$300: ASUS AX6000 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX88U) - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router, 8 GB Ports, Gaming & Streaming, AiMesh Compatible, Included Lifetime Internet Security, Adaptive QoS, MU-MIMO https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HM6KJN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Z1H573VBJEAWK3MX0C8Z
$110: TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 Smart WiFi Router (Archer AX50) – 802.11ax Router, Gigabit Router, Dual Band, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, Parental Controls, Built-in HomeCare,Works with Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YMFZ28Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_NJV99DD4MXBJ9QHQY6G1
$80: TP-Link WiFi 6 Router AX1800 Smart WiFi Router (Archer AX20) – 802.11ax Router, Dual Band Gigabit Router, Parental Controls, Long Range Coverage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085288G3M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_7EXWQMKGZ5B445FPRV1R
$50: Limited-time deal: TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) -Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Internet Router for Home, Works with Alexa, VPN Server, Parental Control, QoS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JD7F7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_dl_CV539G50007HYWBTAPYA
Get Spectrum's DOCSIS 3.1 modem only and grab a TP Link Archer A7, about $60-ish on Amazon or cheaper if refurb
Oh and that promo $45 price goes bye bye after a year, just thought I'd mention that
The main thing with modems, is they have to be provisioned or whatever, and if you are using home phone you have to use theirs. Routers are a lot more open, you want to just make sure you get one with the speed that you're paying for - like if your plan says you should get 200 down, there are routers that max out at 100 down. And if your range is bad, you can get a few routers, connect with a really long ethernet cable, and put the second router in "Bridge mode" or "AP mode" where it acts as a range extender for Wifi, and gets you a bonus of like three or four additional ethernet ports, and even may let you make a second wireless name if you so choose. As long as you only have one router actually assigning IP addresses - most routers when you put them in Bridge or AP mode will disable their DHCP, but if not, make sure.
I can probably recommend a router, what speed is your plan? For example this TP-Link AC1750 supports both 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz at speeds of 450 and 1300 respectively. If you just have the basic 100 down speed plan this may be overkill, but on the other hand it does provide you some room if you upgrade your internet speed int he future.
Out of pure curiosity, would it be worth trying to use a consumer/prosumer level wifi router such as this TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router (Archer A7) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JD7F7G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KXWSVYEKHVZAQG88CCCT?
Asking because I’d kinda like to test with something less expensive to see if it somewhat fixes the problem before looking into something more commercial grade.
I didn’t know there would be a huge quality difference between wifi routers. Thanks for the heads up.