Routers and Internet in NYC

[artistache]

NYC, trying to get the best deal on consistently functioning internet.  Currently paying $51.95(!!!) a month with Time Warner, after a one year introductory rate of $29.95.  Internet only, we don't have cable (though we do plug the cable into the TV to stabilize the picture and it gives TBS and the Food Network for free!) We've called and tried to get a cheaper rate, failed, and now they have sent us a notice saying we've used the router for two years, we need to either 1. buy a new one or 2. rent it from them for $4 a month. 

We'll be buying a router--any recommendations?  Anyone have a good experience with another ISP in the city?  We're heavy work-related internet users and it needs to be consistently solid.  Our friends have had terrible experiences with Verizon.

Thank you!

[Daley]

I can't speak to specific ISP advice in NYC, but I can't imagine it being much different there than anywhere else in that you have a duopoly to choose from at best, so you have to work with the options you have.

That said, there's an entire thread on frugal communications here, and I've a couple posts that speak specifically to the subject of ISP shopping and modems/routers. Hopefully that'll get you started.

[jbhernandez]

I'm in NYC also and just got the same notice. On the postcard, there's a website to check for compatible units. I haven't checked it yet, but will also be buynig a router.

[jbhernandez]

I can't speak to specific ISP advice in NYC, but I can't imagine it being much different there than anywhere else in that you have a duopoly to choose from at best, so you have to work with the options you have.

That said, there's an entire thread on frugal communications here, and I've a couple posts that speak specifically to the subject of ISP shopping and modems/routers. Hopefully that'll get you started.

I.P.: I noticed that the Motorola SB6120 is one of the modems recommended by Time Warner. In light of the talk at the above mentioned link about IPv6, what is your recommendation?

Here is the link for Time Warner

http://www.timewarnercable.com/nynj/support/topic.ashx/Buy+or+Lease+Your+Modem

[mustachecat]

I have no advice on routers, but our one-year $29.99 rate just expired as well, and Time Warner offered us a discount to $38.99.  It's odd you didn't get the same offer when you called.

[Daley]

I.P.: I noticed that the Motorola SB6120 is one of the modems recommended by Time Warner. In light of the talk at the above mentioned link about IPv6, what is your recommendation?

Here is the link for Time Warner

http://www.timewarnercable.com/nynj/support/topic.ashx/Buy+or+Lease+Your+Modem

Well, you'll note that TWC also appears to have the SB5101/SB5101U on the list (which does support IPv6), and only mandates the purchase of a DOCSIS 3.0 modem for certain speed tiers (though it appears they are specifically supporting the $125 SB6141, not the $80 SB6120 on the link provided). This to me speaks of confidence on their part of the recommended DOCSIS 2.0 modems being able to handle the IPv6 transition without support issues. Given what I say about speed requirements and them apparently drawing a line on DOCSIS requirements between the Standard and Turbo packages (which are 7-10Mbps with 15Mbps burst and 10-20Mbps with 25Mbps burst respectively), I would say you could safely get away with saving $30 (or more) over the SB6120/SB6141 and buying a DOCSIS 2.0 Motorola modem from the list, but that's just my thinking. If you can make the argument in your own budget and usage patterns to ever potentially support paying the price for the Turbo through Ultimate service tiers even in you can't currently or just want to play it safe with future compatibility, then perhaps spend the extra bit on a DOCSIS 3.0 modem... otherwise don't buy what you don't need.

I'd also like to point out that modems and routers are two separate items best not confused as it appears there might be a little confusion with a couple people. Modems hook up to the bare wire bringing the service into your home. Routers split the resultant ethernet connection out of the modem to multiple devices through either more ethernet cables or wireless networking.

And a gentile reminder for those who might have missed it in the thread and posts, you might be able to save some cash going through Earthlink instead of TWC directly if your area's set to support it.

[c]

I got the notice from TWC as well. I need to call them. I don't have their router, I have my own wireless router. I just have the small blue box that brings the cable into my house (can you tell I work in Tech?), which I don't think is what they mean.

I pay 39.99. The introductory rate expired recently. When I signed up I went for the lowest plan, it was hidden, so I had to dig for it. It's more than fast enough for us. We stream a lot Netflix and generally surf the web, so our needs are probably average. They make out like you need so much more than you actually do.

Earthlink quoted me more than TWC when I looked at their web. I cannot tell you how much I hate TWC. They are actually the main reason I got rid of cable, the savings were just a happy side effect.