Should I Buy My Own Router for Spectrum? 7 Things To Consider

Should I buy my own router for Spectrum? 

Customers are now seeking ways to save money on installation by using their equipment. 

But there are various factors that can impact your decisions. 

So, keep reading our post to know 7 things you should consider when buying a router for Spectrum as well as a step-by-step guideline to set up router for Spectrum! 

Let’s check it out!

Should I own a Spectrum router or not?

Can I use my own router with Spectrum?

Spectrum is one of the most dependable ISPs, with significant coverage in numerous regions and states across the United States.

You can also use their modems and routers to ensure maximum compatibility and convenience.

However, you may wonder “Can I replace Spectrum router with my own?” or “Spectrum router or buy my own: which one is better?”

The answer is yes, consumers can use their own router with Spectrum as long as it is compatible with your modem, which isn't a huge deal because most routers are.

Spectrum router vs own router

Spectrum allows members to use their own or preferred router, but the equipment must be Spectrum-supported.

The reason for this is because Spectrum has tried and tested many different brands and wants to ensure that you get the greatest internet experience possible by using their certified devices.

However, their specialists do not support it, and you must set it up without their assistance.

Note: 

• Spectrum allows members to use their own or preferred router, but the equipment must be Spectrum-supported.

• Bring obsolete models to the nearest Spectrum shop for disposal. You may also exchange your old Spectrum models for new ones by mail.

• Spectrum suggests using self-install kits. As a result, employing your router to assist this cause is one option.

How to use my own router for Spectrum?

Only approved modems are permitted to connect to the network. 

As a result, you must determine if the router you intend to use is compatible with Spectrum.

How to use my own router for Spectrum?

Consider the following before using your modem.

• In order to deliver the best service possible, Spectrum provides members with a complimentary compliant modem.

• This modem has undergone Spectrum's rigorous certification testing in order to provide you with the finest performance.

If Spectrum's speeds increase and your modem is unable to support the network speed, you will be advised that you must update your equipment.

My own router

If you want to use your router, follow 4 steps below:

Step 1: Determine whether Spectrum Internet supports your router

Check Spectrum Modems Compliant to see whether your modem is on their permitted modem list. 

Spectrum offers versions for the following speeds:

• Spectrum Internet speeds of up to IG and DOCSIS 3.1 

• Spectrum Internet speeds of up to 400Mbps

• Spectrum Internet speeds of up to 300Mbps

• Spectrum Internet speeds of up to 100Mbps

• Spectrum internet speeds of up to 60Mbps

• Modems that meet the minimum requirements for Spectrum

Determine whether Spectrum Internet supports your router

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Step 2: If your router is in good working order, contact customer service to request installation

If your router appears on these lists and corresponds to the internet speed you intend to use, you can now begin the installation process.

Contact Spectrum customer support at 855-246-8892 to talk with a live representative, or utilize their online chat option from their official website.

The representative will assist you in selecting the optimal package for your modem speed and will provide you with additional advice on how to proceed with self-installation.

Contact customer service to request installation

You can also request that the agent schedule a professional installation of your modem. Professional installation is not free.

Step 3: Connect your device to your network

If you already have a service box or an internet connection, you can now connect your device to the network.

However, if you still don't have cable installed, a technician may need to come over.

You can contact Spectrum to add more internet connections.

Remember that home internet installation differs from business internet installation.

Step 4: Set up your network

After installation, configure your devices to connect to your new network through the web portal.

Inquire about the Spectrum's default login and password. 

The online portal allows you to configure your router and allow others to connect to it.

After setting up, don’t forget to run a Wifi speed test to check your connectivity.

Set up your network

My old Spectrum router

If you were a former Spectrum customer and still have an old router, start utilizing it by completing these steps:

Step 1: Determine the age of your router

If your router is older than 6 years, it's time to upgrade or replace it. 

Some subscribers perform an equipment switch by mailing the old unit to Spectrum. 

Your new modem will be delivered by mail, together with added extras and an instruction manual.

Some Spectrum customers are still utilizing outdated routers which need to be improved. 

New Spectrum routers can deliver faster speeds.

Determine the age of your router

Step 2: For installation, contact Spectrum Customer Service

To begin the installation, contact Spectrum customer support at 855-246-8892 or utilize the chat facility on their official website.

An agent will go through the various plans and packages, as well as give you some advice on how to set up your internet using an old Spectrum modem.

Technician installation is no longer available due to safety concerns. 

You may also get an internet self-installation kit.

For installation, contact Spectrum Customer Service

Step 3: Connect your router to your network

Connect your devices (PCs, laptops, and other devices) to the router. 

If you have a restored account, your router password will be different from previously. 

To set up a new network, contact customer support.

Step 4: Set up your network

Your internet connection has been established. 

To configure your network, go to the Spectrum online interface. 

You may build up your network, block individuals from accessing it, and do other things using the web interface, just like with non-Spectrum modems.

Set up your network

Spectrum may request that you upgrade your modem after they have improved their speeds in your region. 

This is required to continue receiving Spectrum internet service.

Do I need Spectrum modems?

If you choose Spectrum internet service, they will provide you with a Spectrum compatible router to ensure optimal speed and performance.

This modem is free, and the company will replace it if it becomes obsolete and unable to manage your network requirements when you change plans.

Furthermore, the modem that they provide is compatible with your internet plan and is the ideal option for your needs.

Do I need Spectrum modems?

Despite the fact that Spectrum provides a router free of charge with all of its internet plans, the performance provided by this router is rather bad. 

Not only is it limited in terms of range, but network speeds are also constrained for higher-end internet services.

So, you can use your own modem if you don't want to rent Spectrum's modem. 

It has to be one of the permitted devices mentioned on Spectrum's website.

What to consider when buying a router for Spectrum?

In order to choose that fits your needs, you can use this extensive purchasing guide for the best Spectrum routers to select the best one!

Frequency band

The frequency bands that a WiFi router supports should be one of the first considerations when purchasing one for your internet demands. 

This encompasses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges in particular. 

While the 2.4 GHz band has a wide range, the 5 GHz band has faster network speeds. 

Frequency band

As a result, all of the Spectrum routers listed above are dual-band routers. 

This indicates they support both and will switch between them as needed.

Antennas

Check the antennas on your router for Spectrum to get an estimate of the range it provides. 

Most Spectrum routers feature inbuilt antennae that provide middling range at best. 

Fortunately, if you need a router with a long range, there are several models with many external antennas. 

Such routers are ideal for use in bigger homes where enough network coverage is required in all rooms.

Antennas

Speed

Whether you are downloading large files from the internet or sharing them on your local network, a high-speed WiFi router is essential. 

As a result, before utilizing your Spectrum internet connection, make sure to check the speed rating of your router. 

To begin with, you should have a wifi speed test result of about 300 Mbps or 600 Mbps speeds, which is very ordinary.

Fortunately, most Spectrum routers are rated between 1600 and 1900 Mbps for fast networking.

Speed

Channels

It should also feature an internal mode for use with your Spectrum connection if you use any router. 

While every router has one, not every modem does. 

They may have varying amounts of channels, which might lead to varying levels of performance. 

Any router with several channels will, in general, perform better. 

There are channels classified as 32x8 or 16x4, with the former being significantly superior. 

The first number in this channel rating is for the downstream channels, while the second is for the upstream channels.

Channels

DOCSIS version

To guarantee appropriate performance on your Spectrum internet connection, you should also verify the DOCSIS version that is supported by your router or its modem. 

Routers typically support either DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 versions. 

You should use the more recent DOCSIS 3.1 version for slightly better performance even though both of them are supported by Spectrum and give almost comparable performance.

DOCSIS version

Ports

It is vital to look at the sorts and quantity of ports that a networking device like a router offers whenever you purchase one for your internet connection. 

The RJ45 port is the one that appears most frequently in all routers. 

There are several RJ45 ports for your local network in addition to the Ethernet or RJ45 port for the internet connection. 

In addition to having an Ethernet port, some routers have USB ports that may be used to connect a storage device and transform the router into a NAS.

RJ45 port 

Warranty

When you purchase a high-end router, you want it to be operational at all times so that your network is not disrupted. 

You may just verify your router's included warranty for the same. 

In most situations, you'll find a 1-year or 2-year guarantee, which should be more than adequate for most people.

Warranty

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What are the best routers for Spectrum?

You want to select routers compatible with Spectrum? 

Below is a list of the top 5 best wireless router for Spectrum, along with its key features as well as pros and cons, so that you can find the best router you want!

Find out more best router for Spectrum in MySpeed for further suggestions!

1. NETGEAR C7000 WiFi Router

NETGEAR C7000 WiFi Router

Features:

• Dual-band frequency router for Spectrum with a maximum speed of up to 1900 Mbps

• It is compatible with DOCSIS 3.1.

• 32 × 8 channels are included.

• Features There are four ethernet ports and two USB connectors.

• A one-year warranty is included.

Pros:

• Router with high performance and fast speeds

• Supports the most recent DOCSIS and a large number of channels

• Various connection possibilities

Cons:

• A little pricey

2. ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 WiFi Router

ARRIS SURFboard SBG10 WiFi Router

Features:

• Dual-band frequency router for Spectrum with a maximum speed of up to 1600 Mbps

• It is compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.

• 16 x 4 channels are included.

• Features 2 Ethernet connections

• It comes with a 2-year warranty.

Pros:

• For the price, these are rather high performance figures.

• Back high-speed gigabit ethernet ports

• Warranty terms are longer than those of most comparable routers.

Cons:

• There are a limited number of connecting ports.

3. ASUS AC1900 RT-AC68U WiFi Router

ASUS AC1900 RT-AC68U WiFi Router

Features:

• Dual-band frequency router for Spectrum with a maximum speed of up to 1900 Mbps

• It is compatible with DOCSIS 3.0.

• Supports Asus AiMesh is available as a mobile and online app.

• Features There are four ethernet ports and two USB connectors.

• A one-year warranty is included.

Pros:

• Service for high-speed NAS through USB 3.0 port

• Excellent performance for the price.

• With three external antennas, you have an excellent range.

Cons:

• It makes no mention of channels.

4. Linksys AC1750 WiFi Router

Linksys AC1750 WiFi Router

Features:

• Dual-band frequency router for Spectrum with a maximum speed of up to 1750 Mbps

• Support for MU MIMO is included.

• It includes three external antennas.

• Features four ethernet ports

• A one-year warranty is included.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money

• A smartphone app is included.

• For the price, these are pretty high-performance figures.

Cons:

• There is no DOCSIS rating.

5. NETGEAR N600 WiFi Router

NETGEAR N600 WiFi Router

Features:

• Dual-band frequency router for Spectrum Works over DOCSIS version 3.0 with a maximum speed of up to 600 Mbps

• 8 × 4 channels are included.

• Features There are two ethernet ports and one USB port.

• A one-year warranty is included.

Pros:

• Spectrum's low-cost router

• Because of DOCSIS 3.0 support, it is somewhat compatible.

• On the rear is a USB connector for NAS and networking printing.

Cons:

• Slow network speeds