Question on routers/cable modems

Hey guys I'm kinda lacking the knowledge In this department and could use some help. I am moving into a new apartment and setting up comcast with the blast internet speed. I am In the market for a modem/router combo ans was wondering if you guys had any suggestions. I have gift cards to target and the red card so I would like to buy there.

Has anyone used or know if the Motorola sbg6782-ac unit and would recommend it. Although pricy I could get it for less than $100 and it would save me from buying both. The only thing that worries me is although good reviews on the Comcast site it's rated 1 star for certification although I'm not exactly sure what that means

Any help would be awesome connecting around 8 devices via wifi

I would avoid modem/router combos if possible. They can cause headaches if you want specific settings on your router like port forwarding and such.

Depending on your area and the speed you are buying for the "blast" option. You should get a modem that meets the speed you are buying unless you plan on upgrading the speed in the future.

http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorola-SB6121-SURFboard-DOCSIS/dp/B004XC6GJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400956834&sr=8-1&keywords=motorola+modem

http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorola-SurfBoard-SB6141-DOCSIS/dp/B00AJHDZSI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400956834&sr=8-2&keywords=motorola+modem

If the blast speed you are buying is less than 171 downstream and 131 upstream, the first link should be good. If it is greater, go with the 2nd link to be able to utilize the speed you bought or if you feel like spending the the additional $20

Never get an integrated modem.  I got one and I use it but I disabled the entire router/wireless functionality. 

First Comcast will control your firmware.  I had two major UI changes with the motorola gateway.  Each time, my configurations were wiped out.  Very bad.

Second, the firewall functionality is really bad and interferes a lot with the wireless.  I could never get N speeds at all, even though all my wireless devices support N.  These modems are suppose to support 2.4 and 5 GHz spectrum but it's on two different wireless networks - to get 2.4 GHz enabled, I had to start guest wireless.  

Standalone routers/wireless offer mixed mode signals and through one wireless point.

I actually probably will never get another Motorola device ever.  First their tech support sucks.  Second it's nearly impossible to RMA if your modem breaks because of a cable surge (that's right cable surge).

I used to use a Linksys modem but it's DOCSIS 2.0  - if comcast didn't give me the free upgrade to blast for no extra charge a couple of years ago, then I'd still be using the Linksys.  No firmware changes from Comcast, and was rock solid stable.

Now I just use the modem gateway as just the cable modem and then have a great Linksys e4200 router (the best they probably ever made) and I love it.  I can get a wireless signal nearly 1/4 a mile away from my house and I have the modem 3 stories up. 

You might want to start with this thread http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/329964-looking-to-upgrade-my-modemwireless-router/. It is recent and contains a lot of information on my current opinions on routers and modems. To summarize it for you get a Docsis 3.0 Modem and a AC router and stay away from combination devices like they are the plague. It might cost a little more to get a separate router and modem but I assure you it is well worth the investment. If you have any further questions feel free to ask.

Also s0undwav3 while I agree that linksys routers are great I cant say that I would recommend the e4200 anymore while it is a great router it is only using the N standard and we are at the phase out point for the N standard. I would not recommend anything less than an AC standard router now.

Cloulien

Comptia A+ and Network+ Certified Technician