So, you got high-speed internet from Spectrum. That’s great, who wouldn’t want faster internet? But did you know that the modem they provide might not be the best one for your needs? At this point a new question may arise do you need a new router?
Well, the strategic answer is yes! You would need a wifi router to configure the router and manage the speed and network profile according to your wish. The spectrum includes a modem and Spectrum router with their packages.
Using the company router often limits many router features as they are preconfigured. You can get your own router and use it with the Spectrum connection to avoid this. Since not all routers are compatible with the Spectrum, you should go through this article to know about compatibility.
Key Facts:
- Spectrum can deny providing their internet service if you use an unauthorized router.
- You have the liberty to switch the ISP-provided modems and routers to avoid the monthly rental fee.
- You can get more control over your internet profile by getting a router than using the rental ones.
Do I Need A Wifi Router With Spectrum?
Getting an internet cable from the ISP is done in different stages. The fiber optic cable from the electric poles comes to the modem. This modem holds all the required information of the network profile you would be paying for.
Finally, an ethernet cable to the Wide Area Network (WAN) routes the network, and thus you can use the internet. From this flow chart, you might have noticed that the ISP provides you with the Modem, Fiber Optic Media converter, and the router.
Therefore considering you are fine with the rental wifi router provided by Spectrum in rent. In such cases, you do not need a wifi router of your own.
On the other hand, you need an aftermarket router if you want more access to the network profile. Then you should get a Wifi router with Spectrum internet service.
Getting a different router requires some criteria to be fulfilled. Otherwise, Spectrum may deny providing you with internet service. Though there are, some specific Spectrum and Netgear routers are officially approved by the Spectrum.
But you can also replace these with your own selected routers as it meets the demands, which are the frequency band compatibility, speed, and antenna numbers.
Advantages Of Spectrum Home Wi-Fi
If you order a complete combination of the Spectrum Home Wifi, you do not have to worry about purchasing individual equipment and setting them up.
These schemes from Spectrum are good for general internet users, students, and offices. The advantages of spectrum home Wifi are stated below.
High Area Coverage
Spectrum Home wifi can cover a large area wirelessly, unlike wired internet connections. You can also use and wifi extender to boost the host signal.
Multiple Device Usage
You can use non-stop internet to visit your favorite social media apps and games on all wifi-enabled portable devices. It does not require the hassle of wire management.
Smart Home Appliances
You can easily control smart home appliances such as TV, Music systems, and Voice-activated virtual assistant systems. Moreover, wireless CCTV and IP cameras can be set up for better and enhanced security.
Affordability
There are different spectrum Home wifi packages available based on the speed limits. These packages are made on a yearly contract.
Therefore you do not have to face the bills you have paid for an entire year. You can select the best-suited package according to your need, profession, and budget.
See Also: Why Is My Spectrum Modem Online Light Blinking?
How Much Does A Spectrum Wifi Router Cost?
Spectrum mostly provides you with a pre-configured official spectrum router. It costs up to $5 per month if you use the router’s rental service. But if you are a premium member and use the gig plan, the router comes free of cost with the internet package.
But if you are planning to use Spectrum-approved routers, the cost may vary depending upon the brands and models of the router. The cost of the wifi router for using Spectrum can be from $70-$450.
Some Spectrum Approved routers are:
Best Spectrum Approved Routers
There are a lot of routers available in the marketplace from different brands and models. But not all routers are compatible with the Spectrum.
Moreover, you won’t get a satisfactory service from all the routers. This section will state the best spectrum-approved routers.
TP-Link Archer A7
Under the budget, it comes with a three adjustable antenna with an extended range of internet coverage. It is also Amazon Alexa activated; hence you can control amazon devices using voice commands.
This dual-band router with a 2.4Ghz frequency allows the maximum internet speed of 450mbps, and 5Ghz provides 1300mbps.
Netgear Nighthawk RAX80
It is one of the officially approved Spectrum wifi routers. This high-performance router with eight simultaneous streams for nonstop high quality and heavy usage streams.
Motorola MG7750
The Motorola MG7750 modem-router combo setup means you don’t have to buy the modem and routers individually. It saves you money and space in your home without degrading the internet speed quality.
Netgear Nighthawk R7000
This is yet another Spectrum-approved router that comes with a dual-band three-antenna setup. Therefore it easily covers an average house with multiple wifi-enabled devices, including home appliances.
How To Self-Install Spectrum Wi-Fi?
Installing a Spectrum Home Wifi is very straightforward and requires no setup hassling. You would need some tools such as a cable splitter, coaxial cable, and ethernet cables.
The modem and routers come pre-configured; hence, installing the Spectrum wifi won’t be much hassle.
Step-1: Initial Preparation
Get all the required equipment and cables out of the package. Select a well-positioned wall outlet for the coaxial cable connection. You can select a room middle of the house for setting up your router.
Step-2: Connecting the Coaxial Cable
Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the source or wall outlet. And connect its other end to the modem. Before doing that, check if the wall outlet is working properly with the network tester.
Step-3: Setting Up Equipements
In this stage, connect the power adapter to the modem and turn it on in this stage. Wait for the Solid Blue light in the front panel.
After that, connect one end of the ethernet cable to the modem and connect its other end to the router. Plug the adapter of the router in the wall socket and turn it on. Once the internet connection is established, a solid blue light will be shown.
Step-4: Activating The Connection
Finally, connect your device to your wifi router using the SSID and password from the back of the router. Configure the new SSID and password for the router and set up an account on the Spectrum website for using the internet.
You cal also use the Spectrum apps on Android or iOS to set up your network profile and use the internet instantly.
Conclusion
Spectrum provides you with a pre-configured router with a new package. You can either pay the monthly rent, keep the router from Spectrum, or buy a new Spectrum-approved router for your internet connection.
This will enable you to set up the internet and wifi according to your will. Besides, you will have total authority over the router settings. Lastly, we hope it answers your confusion about do I need a router with Spectrum.