Match modem to ISP or Airport Extreme

[raythepa]

Hello all,

Back in the US after 3 years in Australia and am now back to buying/upgrading my tech. After years of "renting" a modem, I'm done with that. I'm gonna buy one but wondering if the modem is best matched to whoever my ISP is or is it best matched to the Airport Extreme? Aren't they just basic switches (layman's terms) and are all pretty much the same? I'm just not sure if Comcast, AT&T really has a device that is really propriety to there system of if its just a box.

Does that make sense?

Thx for your input!

 

[Weaselboy]

I'm not sure what you are asking? Just get a cable modem on your ISPs approved list and it will work with any router.

If you are asking about the ISP provided combo cable modem/router boxes.... those are typically worse than what you would get by buying your own and tend to be lower end equipment and feature limited.

 

[raythepa]

Good point, just looking for a simple modem that would fit all situations. Your right I have seen preferred lists of modems for ISPs, probably best to stay with one of those. So ultimately I guess the AE is more forgiving than the ISP is when it comes to matching equipment.

 

[MisterMe]

Unless your modem is combined with your router, then they are independent of each other. Your modem communicates with your router via a TCP/IP-compatible bitstream. You modem does not care where the bitstream goes. Your router does not care where the bitstream comes from.

Many retail consumer electronic stories sell cable modems. They list the providers for which each modem is compatible. When you get the modem home and connected to your cable system, place a phone call to your provider. Give the operator your modem's serial number and MAC address. The operator will activate record this information and then activate your modem.

 

[glenthompson]

Good point, just looking for a simple modem that would fit all situations. Your right I have seen preferred lists of modems for ISPs, probably best to stay with one of those. So ultimately I guess the AE is more forgiving than the ISP is when it comes to matching equipment.

The cable modem output is Ethernet. It should work fine with any router you choose. As mentioned, avoid the ISP combo units.

 

[SusanK]

Good point, just looking for a simple modem that would fit all situations. Your right I have seen preferred lists of modems for ISPs, probably best to stay with one of those. So ultimately I guess the AE is more forgiving than the ISP is when it comes to matching equipment.

I used a modem on TWC preferred list. No issue with AE. I prefer Apple's wireless.

 

[Altemose]

Good point, just looking for a simple modem that would fit all situations. Your right I have seen preferred lists of modems for ISPs, probably best to stay with one of those. So ultimately I guess the AE is more forgiving than the ISP is when it comes to matching equipment.

If you are going with a ISP that provides service over coaxial cable, I highly recommend the Motorola SurfBoard SB6121 and SB6141. The SB6121 seems to be more stable with Apple equipment however.

 

[raythepa]

Thx everyone!