A Spectrum modem is a hardware device that connects your home network to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It serves as the gateway for your Spectrum internet connection, translating digital information from your computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over phone lines, coaxial cables, or fiber optic cables. In essence, a Spectrum modem controls the flow of electrical signals so data is transmitted between your local network and the internet. Most standalone Spectrum modems have just two ports: one for connecting to Spectrum internet and the other for another Ethernet jack for connecting either to a computer or to a router. If your Spectrum connection type is fiber-optic your modem functions are included in the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) device installed at your home.
Spectrum modems connect directly to the internet and translate that signal for your devices. The modem doesn’t set up to a local network because that’s the function of your WiFi router.
Spectrum routers establish a local network, set up and manage WiFi. Sends the internet signal to several devices. It’s not going to translate the internet signal from Spectrum because that’s the router’s job. You don’t connect directly to the internet via a router but if your modem and router are combined in one gateway device, it can seem that way. However, the modem component makes the connection to the internet signal.
Whether your Spectrum modem and router are two distinct devices or combined in a gateway device their functions are distinct and you need both functions to share the internet connection to all your devices.
Modem technology changes slowly so you can generally get several years of life from your Spectrum modem before it fails. Routers need to be replaced every 3-5 years because the technology iterates more frequently. If you’re getting disconnected frequently it’s not always the fault of your router but if everything else checks out ok then look at your router’s age because it may need to be updated.
Spectrum typically charges a monthly rental fee for modems. Buying your own modem can save you money in the long run. Let’s say you pay $7/month to lease a modem. That’s $84 a year. If you use the same modem for 5 years you will have paid $420 in leasing fees when you can buy a quite respectable modem for $150 or less that will last several years. Check that it will be compatible with Spectrum before you buy. The average leasing fee for modems is actually about $10/month across the U.S. so our calculation is very conservative.
Spectrum also leases routers but purchasing your own lets you get one that suits your needs and is a one-time expense.
Handy Tip: Some routers let you prioritize video calls, streaming, or gaming data for certain devices. The Quality of Service feature under the Wireless tab lets you select which traffic gets first dibs when bandwidth is at a premium especially during evening hours. If you game on a console or stream in HD this is a very useful setting. Wi-Fi routers can include firewalls and connect to VPNs.
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