The article on this subject was pretty basic and left a lot to be desired concerning routers. So, I’ll add to it. The modem/router you get from your ISP is nearly always very basic and quite limited in it’s functionality and your ability to configure it. You should always, in my opinion, use your own router. Once you connect your own router to the ISP’s router, call tech support and ask them to put their modem/router in “bridge mode”. This completely eliminates an extra hop in the route incoming and outgoing data take. In other words, the data passes through the ISP’s equipment without being processed. That’s a good thing, because all that extra processing just slows things down, and your router is probably faster than theirs, anyway.
You don’t want your computer, laptop or other primary devices on the same WiFi network as other cheap, less secure devices. Today’s routers let you setup completely separate networks for regular WiFi traffic, a guest network that helps keep your private network secure, and an IoT (Internet of Things) network that protects your home network by placing insecure items like WiFi lights, Wifi cameras, outlets TV streaming devices, etc. on their own network, which protects your main network from exposure to hacking attempts through the IoT devices, most of which lack any significant built-in security.
All fair points, but I do have a few comments from the “I’ve spent way too much time talking about routers” department.
Know what you’re buying. If you put the provider gateway into bridge mode, you’re essentially telling it, “Thanks for your service, but I’ll take it from here.” That means Wi‑Fi gets disabled, and depending on your setup, some cable box features and cable provide TV service may not work as expected.
Internet-only customers might save a few bucks. If all you need is internet service, ask whether a standalone modem (which you can also provide without a rental fee) is an option. Why rent a Swiss Army knife when all you need is the knife?
Provider routers aren’t the security villains they’re sometimes made out to be. In my opinion, ISP-provided routers are generally just as secure as many retail options when set up properly. Some providers even bundle extras like malware protection and VPN services. Not exactly the dark side of networking.
Retail devices can win the antenna battle. One area where some retail routers shine is Wi‑Fi performance. Internet Provider Services (ISPs) have to balance performance with something many engineers never think about: whether the router looks nice sitting on a shelf. Apparently, “ugly but powerful” doesn’t test well in focus groups.
Be ready to play IT department. If you bring your own router, you’re also signing up to keep firmware updated and troubleshoot issues. That’s fine if you’re comfortable with networking, but remember: when your custom setup stops cooperating, the provider may have limited support options—and in some cases, a technician visit could result in charges.
Bottom line: A retail router can be a great choice, but make sure you’re solving a problem, not just creating a new hobby. For some the idea that the ISP in maintaining a save secure device is important.
Here we absolutely will not have any ISP supplied equipment. I don’t care if it is “free” or what all it might do. That means start with a DOCSYS3 or 3.1 cable modem. Connect that to my choice of router, which will be one that runs Tomato open-source firmware. I believe the most current firmware is Fresh Tomato, and it gets updated 4 or 5 times a year. Stack that up against ANY proprietary router firmware and I think there is no comparison.
While you are your own IT with your own router, the support is fabulous. Basic usage with Tomato is relatively easy, but there are of course many tweaks you can chase if you want or need to. Following on from the router we also have an Analog Telephone Adaptor “ATA” that works with VoIP providers, in my case serving two phone lines. Open source firmware on it too.
All good points, but how many people out there could do any of this on their own? I’m not a techie, but know a few and have messed with this stuff for years, and understand much of what the people in the know, but I would struggle with. I was replacing my router recently and bought a latest and greatest model and couldn’t get it set up correctly. I have two routers to cover my home. I broke down and called a network person I found on Thumbtack I believe. During the course of him trying he mentioned using a Mesh system. I had installed one at my brother’s beach house and it was a chore but got it to work. I bought one from the guy, he set it up and I was done. He explained about security and everything. It really wasn’t that much more money and the time savings was worth it. Bottom line, most of us should just pay someone to do it for us. I completely agree that I wouldn’t, and haven’t, used an ISP’s routers. Mainly bc it’s cheaper to own your own and I even buy my own Modems when I have Comcast. ATT won’t let you do that, so I turn their router off and use my own equipment. It’s really not that much more money to have someone come to your house and do it and usually they can fix issues remotely. And, I’m sure there is risk in that, but life has risks. Just try to minimize or mitigate them.
I think the biggest issue with an old router isn’t its age—it’s whether it’s still receiving security updates. If the manufacturer has stopped releasing firmware updates, it’s probably time to replace it, especially if you use it for banking, shopping, or working from home. For people who don’t enjoy dealing with networking, a newer router or mesh system that’s easy to update is often the simplest and safest option.