Best Modems of the moment (fiber, dual band, wireless AX)

The modem, is the device that brings the internet connection into the house and that connects to the telephone socket, often we do not need to buy it separately because it is provided by the service provider. Unfortunately, the modem supplied by the operator in some cases can appear as a poor product or in any case not very configurable, also supplied with a rental or disguised as an activation cost.Whatever connection we have (ADSL or fiber) we always recommend considering buying a new modem, avoiding the one offered by telephone companies. If you have an old modem or if you are starting a new contract for internet at home, buy a new modem it could be a great idea!

READ ALSO -> Change modem with fiber even if constrained by the operator

Which modem to use?

Since fiber optic connections (direct or indirect) are spreading visibly, we must consider modems that can also support new types of connections, without forgetting those who still use ADSL for Internet access.

As things currently stand the simplest method to install a new modem on direct fiber optic connections (FTTH) provides for the creation of the cascade: the modem supplied by the operator is connected, all its functions are switched off and the new modem is connected via Ethernet cable, so as to provide connectivity with its characteristics (in this case it will behave like a router).

Those who want only one modem for FTTH optical fiber should read our guide on configuration for ONT and fiber optic connection parameters.

If instead, we use mixed optical fiber connections (VDSL, FTTC, or FTTS)modern modems are already able to connect without problems, although in many cases we will always have to contact the operator in order to use a new modem instead of the device provided by the operator (since access is conditioned by the Mac address proprietary modem).

If, on the other hand, we have an ADSL connection, we can use any type of modem on the market, as they are perfectly compatible. To learn more we can read our guide on VDSL, FTTC, and FTTH fiber: what differences and which is better?

2) Characteristics of the best modems

When we have to choose a new modem for our Internet line, the most important characteristics to check are the following:

• Dual Band: means that the router is capable of operating in two different frequencies, the one from 2,4 GHz and the one from 5GHz. For the differences between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks I refer to another article but we can safely tell you that Dual Band devices are constantly increasing: it is better to have a dual-band modem, so as to have less interference.
• Wi-Fi 6 or 802.11ax: using this version of Wi-Fi we can travel at a very high speed (over 1500 Mbps) with devices compatible with Wi-Fi 6. These speeds can very well replace connections via Ethernet, but given their poor coverage, they can be used only near the modem. Usually, on these modems, we find the hybrid mode active (Wi-Fi 4 / Wi-Fi 5 / Wi-Fi 6), so as to be able to connect devices compatible with 802.11ac and 802.11n without problems.
• DNS configuration: more and more proprietary modems are removing this important option to prevent users from modifying DNS in compliance with copyright laws (many pirate sites cannot be visited due to DNS filters). If we are for free surfing without obstacles, we always recommend placing a modem that can let us choose which DNS to use.
• WPA3 support: this next-generation encryption protocol allows us to more effectively protect our network from unwanted access and from cracks designed to breach WPA2 networks.
• Mesh network support: More and more modems are providing support for reti Wi-Fi Mesh so to be able to extend the signal using the same modem as a gateway for all the satellites connected around the house, thus avoiding having to connect an additional device to the modem.

In addition to these features, we also point out those that should never be missing on a modern modem: VDSL support to connect to a mixed fiber optic line, support ADSL 2+ to connect to old ADSL networks, and at least 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports to connect devices via cable.

Regarding the antennas, I would not pay much attention to their number, which in many cases only makes a scene even considering that many models have internal antennas and take the same. Some have one or two USB ports useful for sharing files on an external hard drive connected directly to the modem.

Some modems then have the input to connect LTE internet sticks and are useful for creating a connection at home using a mobile tariff, as also seen in our guide to tariffs and mobile Internet subscriptions for LTE modems.

Buying Guide

In this chapter of the guide, we will show you both the routers to be connected in cascade to any proprietary modem (simpler and more immediate method to change routers without upsetting the line) and the modem routers, therefore able to completely replace the proprietary modems provided by telephone operators…

The best routers of the moment are:

• Tenda RX3 AX1800 Router Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band
• Linksys MR7350 Router WLAN WiFi 6 mesh
• TP-Link Archer AX55 Router WiFi 6 Dual-Band AX3000Mbps
• ASUS RT-AX55 AX1800 Router Dual Band
• NETGEAR Router WiFi 6 RAX10

If, on the other hand, we are looking for the best modems of the moment, we advise you to take a look at the models presented below:

• TP-Link Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Modem Router Deco X20-DSL
• AVM FRITZ!Box 7530 AX WI-FI 6 International Modem Router
• AVM FRITZ!Box 7590 AX Edition International Modem Router Wi-Fi 6
• ASUS DSL-AX82U AX5400 Dual Band Wifi 6 Modem Router

We choose the one that best suits our needs and the connection in use, replacing the one provided by the operator.

Conclusions

By choosing a very powerful and updated modem we will have better coverage, we will be able to make the most of our Internet line and we will certainly be freer since we will have access to settings not normally available on proprietary modems (just think of the simple change of DNS servers).

To learn more we can read our guides on how to set up DNS on the modem and how to configure the modem for TIM, Fastweb, Vodafone, and Wind.