Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Daniel Osakwe
Best Fiber Optic Modems and Routers Combo
| Products | Features | Where to buy (New) | Where to buy (pre-owned) |
| Netgear Nighthawk R6700
|
SPEED: 1750 Mbps| PORTS: 4 × 1G LAN, 1 × 1G WAN| DEVICES: 25| COVERAGE: 1500 sq ft | Get it on Amazon | Get it on eBay |
| TP-Link AC1750
|
SPEED: 1750 Mbps| PORTS: 4 × 1G LAN, 1 × 1G WAN| DEVICES: 50| COVERAGE: 1500 sq ft | Get it on Amazon | Get it on eBay |
| D-Link EXO AC2600
|
SPEED: 2600 Mbps| PORTS: 4 × 1G LAN, 1 × 1G WAN| DEVICES: N/A |COVERAGE: 1500 sq ft
|
Get it on Amazon | Get it on eBay |
| ASUS AC5300 ROG
|
SPEED: 5334 Mbps| PORTS: 8 × 1G LAN, 1 × 1G WAN| DEVICES: 25| COVERAGE: 1500 sq ft | Get it on Amazon | Get it on eBay |
Fiber Optic Internet Access is the way of the future. With the boom of high-speed Internet access, the demand for fiber optic modems and routers has also skyrocketed. However, the different types of modems and routers used to connect to your internet service provider can be confusing. Luckily, our guide will help you choose the best modems and routers for your needs.
Table of Contents
What separates modems and routers
For individuals who are not familiar with internet networking technologies, there is a myth we should debunk. Despite the fact that they are very different, the phrases “router” and “modem” are sometimes used synonymously. The information provided here may help you decide what to consider when buying your new modem or router.
The main distinction is straightforward: a router links your device to a local network, but a modem connects it to the Internet!
Netgear Nighthawk R6700
SPEED: 1750 Mbps| PORTS: 4 × 1G LAN, 1 × 1G WAN| DEVICES: 25| COVERAGE: 1500 sq ft
Speed is a key component of fiber optic networks, and the Netgear Nighthawk R6700 has it covered. It can cover up to 1500 square feet, support rates of up to 1750 Mbps, and give your laptops and mobile devices high-quality network connectivity. There are 4 Gigabit Ethernet connections available for connecting your PCs, gaming consoles, and other home appliances.
This Netgear router can accommodate up to 25 devices, making it the ideal solution for big families with plenty of gadgets or for smart homes where a lot of gadgets need to be connected all the time. When it comes to smart homes, this router also works with Alexa voice control.
You can utilize some more sophisticated features like website blocking, internet access scheduling, time limitations, and many more practical parental controls as a premium option with a free trial. You may also test out Armor Cyber-threat security as an additional feature. Although there is a 30-day free trial, payment is yearly.
See our full review: Netgear Nighthawk R6700
| Pros | Cons |
| Works with Alexa voice control | Pricey |
| Can accommodate up to 25 devices |
TP-Link AC1750
SPEED: 1750 Mbps| PORTS: 4 × 1G LAN, 1 × 1G WAN| DEVICES: 50| COVERAGE: 1500 sq ft
The TP-Link AC1750 is a well-regarded router that supports all Wi-Fi gadgets and is also Alexa-compatible. The network speed that is supported is also 1750 Mbps (450 Mbps for 2.4 GHz and 1300 Mbps for the 5 GHz channel). Large homes in need of reliable Internet connections can be covered by its exterior’s three antennas, which have a fantastic range of 2500 square feet and are supported by powerful fiber optical networks.
Four Gigabit LAN ports are available for wired communications. Additionally, you’ll see a USB connector that you may utilize to quickly share the information on your USB devices. For a very affordable charge, you can easily deploy parental controls and manage guest access on your network.
See our full review: TP-Link AC1750
| Pros | Cons |
| Compactable with Alexa | None found |
| Suitable for large homes |
D-Link EXO AC2600
SPEED: 2600 Mbps| PORTS: 4 × 1G LAN, 1 × 1G WAN| DEVICES: N/A |COVERAGE: 1500 sq ft
The D-Link EXO AC2600 provides up to 2600 Mbps connection speeds for those with extraordinarily fast fiber optic Internet connections. To improve data transfer management, a dual-core processor is implemented within. D-Link boasts of using MU-MIMO technology with multiple users, which enables providing a strong signal to numerous devices at once.
It offers a good range of connectivity to cover the entire home with four external antennas. Alexa is not backed up. In order to assist you to keep track of all connected devices, there are 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections and a guest network. Even on many devices connected to the same network, 4K streaming and gaming have never been simpler thanks to this powerful router!
See our full review: D-Link EXO AC2600
| Pros | Cons |
| Can accommodate lots of devices | Does not support Alexa |
| Good for streaming and gaming |
ASUS AC5300 ROG
SPEED: 5334 Mbps| PORTS: 8 × 1G LAN, 1 × 1G WAN| DEVICES: 25| COVERAGE: 1500 sq ft
We believe that the ASUS AC5300 ROG is the best high-end router available for those who do not want to make a significant financial commitment to a high-end gaming router. The router uses two 5 GHz and one 2.4 GHz band simultaneously as its first two bands. Due to this feature, connection speeds can reach 5334 Mbps! Large homes benefit from the ability to cover up to 5000 square feet with 8 exterior antennas.
It uses 44 802.11ac MU-MIMO technologies and a 1.8 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core processor under the hood to enhance connection rates even when numerous devices are connecting to the same network. Other helpful features include Game IPS, Game Boost, and VPN Fusion, all of which are designed to keep you safe and improve your gaming experience.
See our full review: ASUS AC5300 ROG
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | None found |
| Lots of features |
Buying Guide: What to look for in fiber optic modems and routers before buying
Here is a thorough guide to conducting a more thorough analysis of the features now that you are aware of which fiber optic modem router to choose.
Customer Needs
When choosing a fiber-ready modem, the need for one is the first thing that comes to mind. For example, are you going to choose one for frequent home usage or for heavy workloads like gaming? Or perhaps you want to construct a network in any business area or buy one for the office. The networking device is purchased based on user needs.
For instance, the Arris NVG468MQ can be a wise choice if you’re looking for something for your tiny house. Due to its QoS support, the C4000XG from Greenwave is one of the best modems for ardent gamers.
Integration with ISP
The most crucial factor to consider before investing your hard-earned money on fiber-compatible modems is ISP compatibility. Not all gateway devices on the market are compatible with all ISPs. For instance, the potent C4000XG is compatible with CenturyLink, while the Arris NVG468MQ is compatible with Verizon FiOS and Frontier internet packages.
As a result, before you decide to invest, check the ISP compatibility and choose just the option that makes sense to the service provider for the particular area. And it is usually preferable to choose one that supports the majority of ISPs so you may move around, and the gadget will still be useful.
Connectivity & Ports
I would suggest taking into account a product like the C4000XG if you have several bandwidth-hungry gadgets at home or work, such as the Smart TV, PS4, and more. This device offers multiple Ethernet ports, precisely 5. However, it is recommended to choose a device with one to two ports if you only want to connect an extended to the modem-router combination or standardize the usage. You can also save some money with this method.
Equipment & Design
Any networking arrangement would benefit from having a multi-core processor. However, you need to keep a look out for features like at least 256MB of RAM. Even multi-core processors with 512MB of RAM might be employed in networking equipment as powerful as those used in large offices.
The design is the next thing, which may be a crucial factor to consider before purchasing a new fiber-supported modem. It is advised to buy something light if you frequently switch up your workspace. However, if you intend to keep the gadget permanently installed at your home or place of business, you might need to put heat dissipation and long-lasting beauty above anything else.
Unique Qualities
Check for QoS functionality, USB ports for sharing data over the network, antennas relevant to the modem-router setup, etc. if you are interested in more features and in-depth evaluations. The final cost of the fiber optic gateway device is decided by the availability or absence of these parameters.
Conclusion
I hope that this guide has helped and informed you on choosing the best fiber optic router and modem for your needs. However, the best fiber optic modem and router for you depends on your connection needs, budget, and your current home network setup. It’s a good idea to start with the most basic modem and router and upgrade to a more advanced modem and router when you’re ready.
