With my pending change in internet provider, I am in bit of an overload on how to proceed with some equipment that will be needed. My intention would be to buy outright to avoid monthly rental fees.

Based on some of the replies I have seen in other recent threads, it would seem I want to have the modem and router separate and not a combined unit. What are the advantages to this? Also how easy is it to get set-up?

If I go separate, which brand of modem (which have to be on the approved list by the provider) would be better: Motorola, Netgear or Arris?

Any recommendations for the router?

Lastly, the hand me down HP scanner/copy/printer my wife got a few years ago has finally crapped out and we need to replace that as well. We do use all of those functions so something similar would probably be best. Her only other requirement is also the ability to print from her phone or tablet. I know Brother laser units are highly recommended from other threads here but I'm not sure if Laser would be a bit overkill for us here given what and how often we print, plus an all-in-one or multifunction laser unit appear to be both physically bigger and heavier which may present some challenges in our small office area.

If I don't go laser, is Brother still good or should I look at HP or others like Canon or Epson?

As always I appreciate the insight any of you can provide even if there is a lot of asks in this post.

Short answers:

Separate modem and (wireless) router so that you can put each in the optimal location: the lines for the modem may enter the house in a closet somewhere, but you want the wireless router somewhere in the center of the house to provide the best signal.

Get the Motorola/Arris Surfboard modem that is at least Docsis 3.1 and has the computational power to handle the fastest internet speed you might see yourself upgrading to in the next 2 years.

For routers, I prefer Asus.

For laser printers, I prefer Brother.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Short answers:

Separate modem and (wireless) router so that you can put each in the optimal location: the lines for the modem may enter the house in a closet somewhere, but you want the wireless router somewhere in the center of the house to provide the best signal.

Even better: Separate modem, router, and wireless access point, so you can place the modem where it needs to be, the router where it would best be located, and the AP for best WiFi coverage.

One big advantage to separating modem and router is, if you change modems or providers, you don't have to configure a whole new router.

As for the separate router/AP: I have our router in the computer room, in one corner of the house. I have the AP mounted in the ceiling, out in the hallway, nearly dead-center for the entire home.

quote:

....it would seem I want to have the modem and router separate and not a combined unit. What are the advantages to this?

Just for clarification ~ are you concerned with WiFi or actual routing aka the actual true function of a router?

The reason is many do not differentiate between these.
Addtionally, FWIW a typical ISP equipment is a modem + WIFi AP + IP router.

So what is it you want to accomplish?

RE: printers, I went Epson years ago and have been happy.

Depending on your budget, you might consider one of the Ecotank models - buying ink in large containers vs. lots of small, expensive cartridges has been very economical.

I like Orbi Routers. I’ve had two set and the 3 piece set covers very well.

Printer is easy. Get a Brother.

Our competent network professionals have given some good advice above. I don't like the all-in-one boxes (modem+router+AP+hub) mostly because the so-called consumer-friendly software omits many useful capabilities that are becoming more and more standard in the evolution of the Internet. Things like point-to-point VPN tunnels, IPv6, featureful firewalls, useful network monitoring, and vendor-supported firmware upgrades.

WRT specific hardware, I like Ubiquiti routers, although they may be a bit of overkill for casual home use. Their EdgeRouterX is a decently priced unit. For access points, EnGenius has always given me good service, although the Ubiquiti APs are very solid as well (they suffer from their management strategy which only makes sense in an Enterprise environment with say a half-dozen APs to manage, and is kind of a pain even then).

If you are connecting Ethernet-cabled devices to your LAN, don't forget a network switch, perhaps even a Power-over-Ethernet unit to power the SIP phones, cameras, APs, and other PoE devices (so you don't have to run AC power to their locations). I still favor wired connections over WiFi for reliability and performance, and probably always will.

I’m a big fan of mesh routers for WiFi - much better/more stabil service

with all the unknowns in the internet world, kids on the net, and for personal piece of mind

I went from a mesh network (orbi's... ditched them when I had one brick after and update and tech services basically told me to go away)

I now have a ubiquiti UDM SE network with wired and meshed access points. Gives me full control, total overkill, buy its amazing how much stuff its stopped snooping. I went SE if I wanted to add cameras at a later date. Larger footprint, hassle of running network wires, but nothing too crazy. I bought the modem at best buy, ordered direct from Ubiquiti

Definitely a steep learning curve for the newb. I am in those regards. went down that rabbit hole for weeks. There are some great all encompassing tutorials available to watch. I followed Crosstalk's videos and has been pretty easy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...-3W4LLynLmEB6z7BAgpE