Best Modem Router Combo Summary

Arris S33 and UDR7

• Arris S33 is recommended for $200, while UDR7 can be overwhelming and costs $279.
• It's suggested to wait until being at your house to switch to your own equipment to avoid potential issues.

Basic Modem with Routers

• Get a basic modem to support your speeds, then pair it with routers like Eero 6+ or 7 for $175-$250.
• Avoid combo units for future flexibility, opt for separate Arris SB8200 or Arris S33 modems paired with routers like UniFi Express 7 or UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra.

Router Configuration Tips

• Put the ISP device in bridge mode, set up Pi-hole for DNS, use private router DHCP, and configure firewall rules for enhanced control.
• Consider a setup with a GL.iNet Flint 2 as DHCP server behind the ISP-provided router.

Recommendations and Suggestions

• Don't buy combo units and invest in a quality Wi-Fi router for improved performance.
• Use Ethernet connections, relocate the router for better coverage, or consider PowerLine Network Wi-Fi adapter setups.
• Look into solutions like MoCA for Ethernet over coax if you have existing coax runs for connectivity.

Additional Tips and Advice

• Check if your ISP modem can be put into bridge mode and use Ethernet for low latency.
• Consider purchasing a gaming router with better antennas for improved coverage and performance.

Avoiding Wi-Fi for Low Latency

• For low ping, Ethernet is recommended over Wi-Fi.
• For Fiber service, ISPs provide a modem that can be connected to any generic Wi-Fi router or mesh system.

By following these recommendations, users can set up an efficient and reliable modem router combo to meet their specific needs and enhance their network performance.