I've had multiple technicians from my ISP come out to upgrade or change my equipment, but I haven't noticed any real improvement. I'm starting to wonder if I should just buy my own gear at this point. Will using my own equipment actually help with my internet issues, or is this mostly due to Mediacom's service quality? I often experience complete internet blackouts for short periods and frustrating lag spikes while gaming, even though speed tests usually show me around 900 Mbps download. Any advice?
5 Answers
I use the ISP's modem but handle my own WiFi setup, so I get a more reliable connection. I think it’s smart to keep the ISP gear in a closet away from where I need signal, and my main router is a security one with a firewall and VPN. I only trust what I control. Also, my firewall helps block annoying tracking from smart devices.
Before investing in new equipment, it might be wise to troubleshoot what's causing these issues. Sometimes the problem lies with the ISP, and buying new gear won’t fix that. When you experience those disconnections, can you check the status lights on your modem? And are other devices in your house having similar issues? Also, what brand and model are your modem and router? That info can help pinpoint the problem.
When it drops, it happens to all the devices—two consoles and a PC. The modem lights usually blink, but it's not a full reset. I have to dig out the model details later, but the modem has been around for almost four years now.
After years of working from home, I had my own modem and router set up. The ISP’s equipment just couldn’t maintain a stable VPN connection—I constantly dropped out. Once I switched to my own gear, I saw a much more stable connection and fewer drops.
I've opted for my own modem and router because I want complete control and better performance. Remember, with the ISP's equipment, you end up paying rental fees, and that adds up! But if you're not seeing better speeds, it might just be an issue with your ISP's network.
Yeah, I'm paying $15 monthly just for the modem. It’s not about speed for me; the constant disconnections during crucial moments really frustrate me.
When considering your own equipment, remember that getting a quality router is essential. Many consumer models aren't great, and issues like overheating are common if they're not properly ventilated. Additionally, your ISP might oversubscribe their services, causing lag during peak times—it's not just about speed; it's also about managing that connection effectively. Consider devices that use smart queue management to handle traffic better.
So if I opt for my own setup, I should really check if my ISP can support that? I mean, the speeds are fine on my modem, but it doesn’t always reach my devices smoothly.
That sounds like a solid setup! I just recently switched to separate modem and router too, and it made a difference.