These days Internet service Providers (Isps) and It associates alike are able to offer a combined unit containing both a modem and router. The opinion seems like a uncomplicated and cheap solution to those who have problem networking (i.e. Attaching devices together by cords), or who naturally don't want to deal with the sick of it all and would rather plug something in and surf away as soon as possible. On the flipside, for those who understand the way Internet and computers work, the idea of a combined unit poses trouble.
The problems with putting a modem and router into one box can be many. Generally these types of devices are built and sold to consumers who want a 'quick fix' at the lowest price. It can be concluded, and it indeed has been proven, that going with the lowest bidder is not all the time the most advantageous speculation in the long run. To begin, when something goes down, it will be hard to find out what, or where the exact issue is; is it the router acting strange or is the modem at fault? A technical guru might have to tear the case, if not the box itself, apart to find out the story. In that case, it might be more useful to just buy a whole new device. When running a network, you can also reset one expedient when they are separated and not have the whole principles go down. Or, in cases where one expedient decides to go down on its own, you can be sure the other component is still holding your connections intact.
Upgrades are a base part of our computer-driven world today, so one should expect that parts here and there will have to be replaced as their life cycle begins to wane. It may be that router standards and wireless features within it will move a step ahead while modems could be arresting in someone else direction, or at a standstill as far as anything can predict. Keeping your devices cut off will allow a lot of flexibility in upgrades and meeting up to commerce standards. You'll also be able to speak the highest speed levels without incurring the loss of replacing an whole unit.
When it comes time to switch Isps or Internet connections all together (say, from Dsl to cable) your combined unit will again not be of much use to you. If you own your own cut off modem and router you'll be able to get them to tell much more indeed with your new Isp and, since set-up with a new service all the time involves surprises, troubleshooting will be a zephyr if the 'help-me' rep from the business knows exactly where the qoute lies.
If you run streaming video, or use your machines extensively, you'll also all the time have to beware of overheating in a combined unit. Since you have the box carrying out so much more 'work', it is more likely to go down faster when temperatures rise. It some cases, it might only be the low-capacity modem within the combo unit that is causing the problem. If it were cut off from the router you would not only decrease the chances of overheating, but you would also be able to replace the modem with a good version more easily. Not only that, but the 'sharing' of power and resources (such as Ram memory) in the box will be more likely to originate longer wait times for pages to load as you surf.
Sure, having a combined unit is easier on the unlearned, and perhaps more tidy than running a bunch of wires straight through devices here and there, but the costs and implications may not be worth it. If you have to, pay the extra fees to have someone set up the network on your behalf.
Why Not to Use a combination Modem-Router With Your Dsl connection
