Home Network Upgrade

**JLK03F150** · August 16th, 2011, 08:03 AM

Comcast wants me to replace my docsis 2 cable modem with a docsis 3 model. Of approved models, I have narrowed it to 2 models. One is just a cable modem & the other is a modem with 1Gb router & wireless N integrated.

I currently have a 10/100 wireless G router & a 10/100 switch. All my wired PCs have gigabit NICs except the TIVO HD DVR (it's 10/100). Most all LAN transfers are from the TIVO to the HTPC. The notebook has a wireless G mini PCIE card, so I'd need to replace it for an N.

Would it be worth the extra $$$? Is N faster than G for general net surfing? I know the gigabit will help PC to PC transfers, but the TIVO is the limiting factor.

(As I'm writing this I think I've answered my own question - just get the modem. Not the modem/router, switch, N miniPCIE card.)

**GroundZero3** · August 16th, 2011, 08:08 AM

Are they bumping up your connection speeds? What speeds are they offering you right now?

**JLK03F150** · August 16th, 2011, 08:29 AM

To be honest I don't know what I'm supposed to get speed-wise, but Speed Test shows 20/4. The form letter says my "DOCSIS 2 modem can not take advantage of all XFINITY services".

**GroundZero3** · August 16th, 2011, 08:37 AM

Well technically since you are not a gamer paying for the upgrade N wouldn't really benefit you in the internet aspect.

I think the upgrade might be a bit premature save your cash right now since you dont have anything to take advantage of N and the TIVO wont be able to use the Gig

**JLK03F150** · August 16th, 2011, 08:49 AM

Yeah, my notebook is definitely not a gamer - X3100 graphics.

If the TIVO was gigabit, then I think the upgrade would be worth it. HD transfers are painfully slow. I usually start them at night when going to bed.

**Nude_Lewd_Man** · August 16th, 2011, 09:14 AM

IDK if I'm a bit late to this conversation or not, but IIRC the wireless N devices are backwards compatible, so if you aren't paying for the router version, then you should be able to just get that and upgrade the other bits in your network if/as/when you need to..

**GroundZero3** · August 16th, 2011, 09:16 AM

But if the primary device that he transfers his files is on 10/100 its gonna bottleneck and pretty much make the N/1Gb useless

**JLK03F150** · August 16th, 2011, 09:44 AM

The TIVO (10/100) & HTPC (Gigabit) are wired, the only wireless devices are our notebooks. Would TIMO be any faster with N vs G? How about my wife's wireless VPN connection on her company notebook?

**GroundZero3** · August 16th, 2011, 09:48 AM

Nope it wont be any faster

**Nude_Lewd_Man** · August 16th, 2011, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by JLK03F150

The TIVO (10/100) & HTPC (Gigabit) are wired, the only wireless devices are our notebooks. Would TIMO be any faster with N vs G? How about my wife's wireless VPN connection on her company notebook?

TIMO won't be any faster....

....and nor would TIVO..

The VPN would be restricted by her work's WAN upload connection, and even if it wasn't, then it would still be limited by your WAN download - unless you went 100MB/s for your link........

The reason I was suggesting about possibly going the GB/N way was enable future upgrades (NAS box with GB, etc) that would make use of the faster connection available...

**JLK03F150** · August 16th, 2011, 11:37 AM

I think I'll just get the straight modem for now (the Egg added this model today). A combo unit is probably a bad idea anyway.
DOCSIS Devices

My Linksys WRT56G has been bulletproof for years and I guess I'll stick with it if I won't see any benefits from upgrading.

What's a NAS box? lol

**Nude_Lewd_Man** · August 17th, 2011, 12:43 AM

Can't tell whether that's sarcasm online.....

.....but, just in case, it is Network Attached Storage; some storage that you can attach to your LAN and share out..

**JLK03F150** · August 17th, 2011, 07:04 PM

Nope, not sarcasm just uninformed.

I don't really have a need for that, between the wife & I we don't have much data.

A friend has that though, one box can send audio or video to any TV (or sound system) in the house.