1. On the other hand, if you like installing your own devices and are comfortable configuring hardware and software, purchasing your own cable modem router is a nice way to go. Keeping straight the devices that help you access the internet is … And if it's not the culprit, isolating it from the issue can often … You do not need to buy a 2-in-1 gateway device (modem + router in 1 device), such as the one Comcast commonly supplies and brands as “xFi”. The router sits in between your Internet connection and your local network. A pre-configured cable modem router can be a good option because there is little to do upon receiving the modem but plug it in and set up the network. Separate?. You need an inexpensive device called a router. Speed - Depending on your daily usage, you’ll need a modem/router combo that can keep up. Xfinity will not fix certain problems unless you are using their leased gateway . If your modem includes any of the wireless features in the list above, it has a built-in wireless router. You may be wondering: “Do I even need a modem and router?” and the answer is yes if you’re looking to wirelessly connect devices in your home to the internet. How do you know when you need a new router? Let’s start with the basics, you probably don’t need to get a new router. Instead, your router must be plugged into a device that can transmit your digital traffic over whatever type of Internet connection you have. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP's network. You can either connect a single device to the modem via Ethernet cable or connect the modem to a router, which will allow you to connect multiple devices to the Internet at the same time. Routers support NAT, meaning Network Address Translation. It’s not about Belkin router ,it’s about the type of router you are using. Well, what equipment do you need, and more specifically, what don’t you need? This was pretty common back in the day, but it isn't common anymore. Is a dsl wireless router also a modem or do I need to buy both? Below is a photo that shows the back of a standard Comcast Xfinity cable modem with a built-in wireless router. It translates the information for the ISP and then sends it out in a manner that your devices are able to read. Wi-Fi is often the culprit when it comes to poor internet performance, whether that's the Wi-Fi capability of your combined modem/router or the separate router that connects to your modem. I’ll outline the three most obvious ways your router waves the white flag and a offer a few techniques that might pull it back from the brink. Because the modem has to speak the same language as your ISP, you’ll need a cable modem or a DSL modem, depending on the type of Internet your ISP offers.