#1 In networking for a wired LAN, there are different types of wires:
a) Ethernet (as you well know and reporting "would be more than impossible to do")
b) Existing power grid ( as noted at
https://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Networking-101-Pros-and-Cons-of-Powerline-Networking-136864 )
c) Existing phone line (as noted at
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/phone-network.htm - called HPNA )
d) Existing TV cable (called Moca as noted at
https://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Networking-101-What-is-MoCA-137177 )
#2 Fiber Optics is another kind of network wire, but it is not typically used by home users.
#3 I believe that your NAT routers that you listed so far can only act as a WAP (Wireless Access Point).
#4 For the NAT router, that is up to you. Modem combo setup to act as NAT router OR a separate unit.
#5 As to why the NAT router should be separate unit.....
a) I point to and quote from
DSLR(dslreports.com) -> Forums -> Broadband Tech -> Networking -> Modem/router(not in bridge mode) + router the reply by
DSLR user clarknova (#1713475) on
2013-Sep-18 at
2:13 pmThere are some good reasons to have a modem bridge rather than route. I can't speak for all modems, but generally speaking:
1. Modems don't have much memory compared to a good router, so open a few sessions from the LAN and watch as connections get dropped, or worse, the modem/router just locks.
2. Modems tend to lack features compared to a good router. Things like QoS, DHCP reservation, VPN, uPNP, static routes, etc get left out. You can provide your own router behind the modem, as you did, but this can lead to other complications, such as
3. Double NAT. Most things can be made to work with double NAT, just as it's entirely possible to assemble a jigsaw puzzle while wearing oven mitts. It takes longer and the probability of making a mistake while setting it up or troubleshooting goes up. Simplicity is a good rule to live by when setting up networks.
b) While I know your ISP might be not Comcast, I found some info that says that modem combos should be put into bridge mode (or use a standalone modem and a standalone router).
#1 From
DSLR(dslreports.com) -> Forums -> O Canada! -> Canadian -> Rogers -> [Modem/Router] Can the Rogers WIFI Modem be set to Bridge Mode & turn off WIFI? the reply by
DSLR user puzz1ed (#1162591) on
2015-Feb-15 at
2:32 pmAnother reason to run the Rogers modem (DPC3825) in bridge mode is to avoid bufferbloat issues and also to be able to play with QoS in your own router.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bufferbloat
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r28271027-Bufferbloat-long-read
I was having lag issues in a PS3 when Steam was running on another PC both hardwired. Disabling the Rogers router and putting in my basic Netgear WNR2000 router mostly eliminated the problem. After that I could fine-tune with QoS. The DPC3825 wifi is also fairly weak.
#2 From
DSLR(dslreports.com) ->Forums -> Broadband Tech -> Networking -> Between the 2 witch one should I pick???a) the reply by
DSLR user Nightfall (#443491) on
2015-Feb-5 at
11:24 amI buy a separate router and access point because I like putting my access point in the house in a central location. The router and cable modem sit in the basement in a wiring closet.
b) the reply by
DSLR user BlueMist (#1780151) on
2015-Feb-5 at
11:33 amAnother thought comes to mind. If you get a unit with WiFi that the ISP has access to there is a good chance the ISP will turn it into a free hotspot with out asking you. Possibly not right now but give them time...
Check out this link for example. http://www.fastcolabs.com/3039682/comcast-was-sued-for-quietly-making-your-homes-internet-part-of-the-sharing-economy
I believe, as has been shown in the past, your owning the box will not keep them from uploading firmware and permanently locking you out of box's management sections as soon as their system identifies it exists.
#3 From
DSLR(dslreports.com) -> Forums -> US Cable Support -> Time Warner Cable -> [Internet] I'm hoping for modem/router advice the reply by
DSLR user rchandra (#237843) on
2015-Feb-3 at
8:50 pm Keep the modem and the router separate; do not procure any of those combined units. This means you retain complete control over the WiFi. One component going down does not affect the other. Needing to swap out your cable modem does not lose the work you put into configuring your WiFi. Upgrading to a new DOCSIS doesn't affect your WiFi, and upgrading WiFi does not affect your cable Internet service. Keeping them separate aids in troubleshooting by separating functions; there's no question about one affecting the other.
For me at least, a WGR614 serves my WiFi needs well. Additionally, I'm just using it as an access point, and my router is a Linux box (happens to be an OptiPlex GX1), so functions are pretty much totally separated.
#4 From
DSLR(dslreports.com) -> Forums -> US Cable Support -> Charter Internet/TV -> Does Charter Use A Separate Modem and Router?a) the reply by
DSLR user arbit3r9 (#237843) on
2015-Jan-17 at
1:43 am IMO All-in-one modem/router are junk period, kinda like those all in one printer/scanner/fax. it doesn't do anyone of the 3 very well, does all 3 ok but not 1 good. Better to be dedicated to 1 job not 2.
b) the reply by
DSLR user Dogg (#824865) on
2015-Jan-21 at
12:09 pmThere is nothing "wrong" with combo hardware, when everything is working. The "problem" is when there is an issue and you need to troubleshoot. One of the first steps is to connect a PC directly to the modem to rule out a router issue, which obviously can't be done if you have a combo unit.
#5 From
DSLR(dslreports.com) -> Forums -> US Cable Support -> Time Warner Cable -> Suggestions for Cable modem Router Comboa) the reply by
DSLR user maartena (#628714) on
2015-Jan-11 at
6:32 pmMy opinion is to keep the modem and router separate. It makes managing your network a little easier, and your own router you have complete control of the software you put on.
b) the reply by
DSLR user unoriginal (#171629) on
2015-Jan-13 at
1:30 amMy thought is to keep them separate because if one part craps out on you then you lose two functions instead of just one. Imagine if you have to send it in for warranty service, what would you use in place of the combo modem/router?
c) the reply by
DSLR user maartena (#628714) on
2015-Jan-13 at
2:55 am A few good reasons to keep router and modem separate:
- You usually have more features and better wireless on a router, depending on what you buy of course.
- Many routers have 3d party firmwares available that expand on features or unlock features.
- If the modem breaks, you just have to replace the modem: All of your settings such as wireless networks, firewall settings, internal dhcp/ip settings will remain in place.
- If you want to upgrade the modem to get faster speeds: same thing. Just put in a new modem, and go on like nothing has happened.
A few good reasons for a router/modem combo.
- 1 box. Less wires. Less devices. Less space used.
- .... yeah that's about it. :D
and on and on....
-----------------------
#1 Make sure that all of your computers are behind your RJ-45 WAN port router ( if you do not already have one, the one that you get) .
#2 Your RJ-45 WAN port router can hardware based (for example the Linksys E4200 v1) or software based (Examples that are listed at that DSLR news thing posted back on Tuesday Mar 20 2012 at 16:14 EST: m0n0wall, pfSense, Smoothwall, Untangle, and Astaro Security Gateway - direct URL REF
https://www.dslreports.com/shownews/118897 ).
#3 If you have( or had ) a spare computer that is not in use that works that either has:
a) Two NICs (and note at least one must be a wired NIC)
b) OR you can add a second NIC into the computer (For example by a second NIC into the computer I mean a PCI NIC like the TRENDnet - Fast Ethernet PCI Adapter (Model: TE100-PCIWN) )
...then you could covert that spare computer that works into acting a NAT router.
#4 Note: If want to use a spare computer as a NAT Router, before connecting it to the modem combo that is in bridge mode: Be sure to know which NIC is which - as the NIC will not be ( LAN VS the WAN/ Internet / To Modem / To ONT - port ) labeled!
#5 Some other info about building / turning a computer into acting as a NAT router, besides that DSLR news thing,
https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r30568002-Numbers-don-t-lie-it-s-time-to-build-your-own-routerhttps://www.dslreports.com/forum/r30714877-Guide-to-building-a-Linux-router-from-scratchhttps://www.dslreports.com/forum/r30984220-The-Router-rumble-Ars-DIY-build-faces-better-tests-tougher-competition-
OR if the ISP does not want to help you put the modem combo into bridge mode / OR if it does not stay in bridge mode, since you are on Cable:
#1 Get a cable modem that is not a cable modem combo, that has a web based UI (or Telnet OR ftp or SNMP - that does not require for special program)
By special program, I mean for example For Windows -
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/16899 (For Unix/Linux like see
http://adslm.dohrenburg.net/linux/linux.php )
For example of a cable modem that is not a cable modem combo, that has a web based UI (or Telnet OR ftp or SNMP) is the Motorola SB6141.
#2 If you have a telephony too: If possible get and use two modems, like what I have.
One just for telephony (in my case Arris TM602G/115) and the other just for Internet (in my case the Motorola SB6141 with my own RJ-45 WAN port router behind it).
Since I do not use the same ISP (Service Electric/PTD) that you do, make sure that your ISP allows this.
^^^^