For the past few years, we've had Comcast internet (Blast - 50 Mbps) and it's been more than enough to power all of the following devices at the same time: 2 to 3 TV's streaming Netflix or Sling TV, two cell phones connected and making calls or web browsing and 2 kids tablets streaming games. We have had no issues with the 50 Mbps being enough speed. The only thing we didn't like was that we were renting the equipment from Comcast / Xfinity. So we decided to do something about it. This post will cover what you need to cut the cord and navigate to how to choose the right products so that you don't need to rent the equipment. This way you get TV and Internet without monthly equipment costs. If you want to know more about cutting the cord and having good streaming TV service, you can visit my post on "Top 5 questions to cutting the cord and getting the most out entertainment".

When choosing to get your own equipment for home internet and entertainment. There are two things you will need. The first is a modem that is compatible with your internet service provider and the second is a wireless router. For this post, we'll be covering what you need for Comcast / Xfinity. As of the date of this post, all of these products are 100% compatible with the Comcast / Xfinity internet service.

Step 1: Get A Comcast / Xfinity Cable Modem

The first thing you need is a Certified Comcast / Xfinity cable modem. The cable modem is what allows you to have the internet signal in your home from Comcast / Xfinity. Decent cable modems range in price from $45 to $150 depending on the features and options of the cable modem.

Here are two options. I have personally used them both and I would go with the Arris in terms of cost and performance.

Arris Touchstone Cable Modem

My current cable modem was purchased on amazon, it's the ARRIS Touchstone Cable Modem CM820 DOCSIS 3.0 8x4. As of this post, this modem was going for just under $50 on Amazon.com. This modem has had three TV's streaming HDTV programs from Netflix or Sling TV all at the same time. I've never had an issue with any speeds or connecting to Comcast / Xfinity with this modem. I would highly recommend this modem.

Motorola 16x4 Cable Modem

If you're looking for a safer option, there is the Motorola 16x4 Cable Modem, WHITE Model MB7420, 686 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0. This is one of the modems that Comcast / Xfinity actually rents out. I had this modem from them before the I stopped renting it. While the speeds were ok with this modem, I did have a signal drop from it a couple times. That could be Comcast working in the area or it could be the modem. I don't really know what the issue is, but it is worth noting. At the time of this post, this modem is selling for $89 on Amazon.com.

Step 2: Get A Wireless Router 

Now that you've got your modem, you will need a router. The router allows you to send the internet signal to multiple devices either with an ethernet wire or wirelessly with WiFi.

Here is the wireless that I have. This router that will cover a home that is approximately 2700 square feet. My home is a little over 2800 square feet, plus a 750 square foot basement and this router offers good coverage throughout the house.

I should mention that my router is currently in my basement, however, I will be moving it to the middle of the house in the office because the signal is not as strong for streaming on the 2nd floor currently. Moving the router to the middle floor should resolve this issue.

NETGEAR N750 Dual Band 4 Port Wi-Fi Gigabit Router (WNDR4300).

This router I have is AWESOME. I have never had issues with the signal dropping and its range has been great overall (even with the lower signal from the basement). I have tried several of the cheaper modems under $30, but you do get what you pay for. Even at $60 from Amazon.com The NETGEAR N750 Dual Band 4 Port Wi-Fi Gigabit Router (WNDR4300) is a bargain. A lot of good home-based wireless routers go for over $100.

There are three things that you need to consider with wireless routers.

• The first is the speed (aka how many Mbps it can stream wirelessly and how much it can send through a wired connection).
• The second is the coverage. Most "N" routers will be enough to cover an average sized home (1500 sq ft to 2500 sq ft). The "N" routers will cover approximately 150 feet in distance from the modem indoors in most situations.
• The final thing to consider is a single band or dual band. In this case, to make it easy, always go dual band. This allows you to setup a wireless connection at 2.4 GHz and at 5.0 GHz. Set both of these up per the instructions for your router. Use the 2.4 connection for your tablet and phones and use the 5.0 for any streaming TV's, streaming TV devices (i.e. Roku or Apple TV), or for gaming systems.
  Side Note: some TV's or devices will not allow for 5.0, in these situations, use the 2.4 wireless option

I hope this post helps clear up some of the confusion with getting the right cable modem and router combination for your home setup.  We have used this setup for the past couple years and have never had any issues with our setup.  Comcast / Xfinity goes out once in a while, but that has nothing to do with our modem or router.  If this post helped you, please share it with your friends and on FaceBook.