mikedent Loc: Florida

Hi all- Spectrum here recently boosted basic internet speed to 200mbs. When I tested mine, it came back as about 95mbs, just as before their change. I called Spectrum and the tech said my NIC only was rated 10/100 on my router so I could not get any advantage from their new speed. I started checking and the network card in the Lenovo desktop computer was also listed as 10/100, and the wireless router is 10/100. So to take advantage of faster speed, would I need to put in a new 10/100/1000 network card only in computer, or also change to a new wireless router with 10/100/1000 capability, or only the router?? Thanks for advice.

Craigdca Loc: California

You would need to change both.

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

If you plan to connect over WiFi you need to make sure that the wireless router and NIC are rated for either the 802.11ac or the newer 802.11ax standard. It should be listed on Amazon or on the box in a physical store.

mikedent Loc: Florida

Thanks for tips. Guess I have to update both. The computer card is PCIe, does that make any difference?

jcryan Loc: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

I don't think so, other than you will need to keep that in mind when ordering.

mikedent Loc: Florida

OK, thank you!

DAN Phillips Loc: Graysville, GA

Charter/Spectrum can supply you with a router. I have one of theirs and have never had a problem.

mikedent Loc: Florida

Thanks- yes, I know they offer them, but I believe they add another monthly charge for it- I pay them enough already!

Craigdca Loc: California

From my IT experience it’s always recommended to have a router as a hardware firewall separate from the ISP’s modem.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Final speed is always related to the slowest component in a system/path. Best of luck.

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

Why don't you just use Spectrums equipment? It has the specs needed to have everything work correctly and it's free.

mikedent Loc: Florida

Just checked- their router rental cost is $5/month. But they would require a "gig" plan at $135/month plus an additional $200 installation fee. That's why I don't want to deal with Spectrum. Not a good deal for me.

lance0749 Loc: Canterbury, UK

Why is internet so expensive in the USA. We in UK pay around $46 or less and the routers, at least mine, costs a token one off payment. It's only on copper but fiber is not much different, apart for the speed.

M from NF Loc: Niagara Falls, NY

Mike, unfortunately, I have Spectrum here in Niagara Falls. I had a lot of problems with them with service going out, most of it being the outside network. It affected my modem and my wireless network as well. I had to have a technician come to our apartment who farted around with a new modem that he supposedly tested that worked with his test. But he couldn't get the wireless router to connect. He claimed that my wireless router was no good. Because it was mine all he was interested in doing was getting me to rent one of Spectrum's combination modem and router. I said no and he was on his way. (This was a mess of things that took over four days which involved me going to a Spectrum store to get another modem which didn't work even after I did a reset.).
I wound up quickly looking up wireless routers to replace the one this technician claimed was bad.
I found one at my local Sam's Club at a great price. And got it.
It didn't want to connect to anything. Since it was a Linksys router I called their customer service. Mind you when I have computer problems that I can't solve it is a major problem. Three hours later, with all of us ( me and customer service) scratching or heads because the router worked but wouldn't connect to Spectrum, the very nice customer service woman suggested that I reset the Spectrum modem by unplugging it and waiting for approximately a minute. I plugged it back in and viola everything worked. This took three hours of both my time and Linksys' customer services time.
The idiot Spectrum technician purposely did not reset the modem. It was a ploy in my humble opinion to make my wife and I to spend more money renting Spectrum's equipment.

So, in conclusion, before you do anything else with this this, reset your modem by simply unplugging the power cord from the modem. It could be just that simple. You may not need to change anything. This reset might, and unfortunately I do have to say might, reset the system for you.

I do hope that this works.

Michael

mikedent Loc: Florida

Thanks Michael, sorry for you Spectrum troubles! Our reps are pretty good here when I call. But service does go out randomly at times. I have re-set their modem on many occasions. But my router is only good for 10/100 speed, so I ordered a newer AX-speed (wifi 6) from Amazon and will try the hookup once it arrives. Reviews all said it went smoothly, so we'll see. Stay safe!