Limiting Factors to Faster Wireless Router Speeds and Network Devices (Computer, Smart TV, Smart DVR, Apple TV, etc.)
mikepmoon asked 7 years ago
I see all the new routers and wonder if I can really get better speed with them. I have Time Warner Cable, about 15 Mbps download, 1 Mbps upload. I have Cat 5 ethernet throughout the house and receive TWC signal through a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem to ethernet house network as well as Netgear N300 router for wireless signal routing. If I buy something like the NightHawk NetGear router (1900), how much will the TWC 15 Mbps signal OR DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem OR Cat 5 prevent the NightHawk from reaching it\’s top speeds. Also, what type of Wireless Receivers (for MACS, IPhones, IPads, Smart TVs/DVRs, etc. would i need to have to get the higher speeds. I.e., would it be worth it and why? Thanks
Marcel Brown Staff answered 7 years ago
If you are only getting a 15 Mbps download speed from TWC, then you almost certainly are not going to see better speeds from a more powerful router. 15 is fairly slow compared to 100, 300, and faster speeds available today. Almost any router will be able to handle 15 Mbps without breaking a sweat. The only possible benefit you may get is that if you have a lot of devices, a more powerful router might be able to better handle the load, but if it only needs to put out 15 Mbps from the Internet, even that is doubtful. If you’re going to spend some money, I’d spend it on a faster service from TWC if possible before you spend it on a router.