Many people enjoy using gaming WIFI routers, but they want to ensure that the game that they are playing won’t start lagging because of their internet connection. This has led many people to wonder if they really need to have a modem when they have a gaming WIFI router.
Gaming routers need a modem in order to function properly. All WIFI routers need to be connected to a modem because modems translate the internet signals from digital or analog so the internet can function and get from one place to another. The WIFI will not work if the connected modem doesn’t work.
Now that you know that gaming routers need a modem to function properly, you are likely wondering why, and what modem you need to get in order to start gaming without lag. Those are all fair questions, so let’s explore them below!
Do I Need a Modem?
You do need to have a modem in your household if you want your WIFI to work. If your WIFI isn’t working but your WIFI router is working properly, then your modem is probably the thing that is malfunctioning. In these circumstances, it usually needs to be reset.
A modem receives the signal that is sent through your internet provider and translates the signal from analog or digital so devices can read it and the WIFI can work properly. WIFI routers are slightly different from modems because they transmit the signal and distribute the WIFI throughout a large area of space. However, the specific amount of space it covers depends on the router and how good it is. The modem creates the WIFI network that you connect your devices to so you can use the internet.
Modems can be used without a WIFI router, so you can access the internet even if you don’t have a WIFI router yet. However, you can’t leave the immediate area that the modem is in because the network has not been created and the signal only covers a small amount of space.
If you don’t want to purchase a WIFI router and a modem, then you are in luck because there are devices that have combined the WIFI router and modem into one device so you only have to purchase one product to use the internet anywhere in your house. These devices are called Gateways, and they typically cost between $60 to $800. You can find them online or at any store that sells WIFI routers or modems.
Gateway devices both translate the analog or digital signal from your internet provider like a modem and transmits the signal like a WIFI router. It eliminates the need for two separate devices.
Do I Need a High-Quality Modem When Gaming?
You do need a high-quality modem if you want to game frequently because if you don’t, your game will lag frequently. A low-quality modem can’t translate the signals quickly enough to send to the device you are gaming with without the game lagging. This is especially noticeable if you are not the only one using the WIFI network at the time.
If you don’t have a high-quality modem but you have a high-quality WIFI router, your game will likely lag because of the modem. When looking for a high-quality modem, there are 2 things that you want to look for. You need to look for:
- The maximum speed of the modem
- Number of channels the modem has
The maximum speed of the modem is important because that will be what heavily influences whether or not your game starts lagging. If your modem has a maximum speed of 1 Gbps or more, then it is a really good modem, and your game probably won’t start lagging when you are playing it.
The number of channels that a modem has is also important to look for. They have both upstream and downstream channels. The upstream channels, also known as upload speed, influences how much data your computer sends out to the internet network that it is connected to. The more upstream channels your modem has, the less likely your game is to lag.
The number of downstream channels your modem has will influence how much data your computer can get from the internet network. When you download songs, videos, or new games, you are using the downstream channels on your modem. Modems tend to have more downstream channels than upstream channels.
Now that you know about the difference between a modem and a WIFI router, as well as if you need a modem when gaming, you are likely wondering what the best modems for gaming are. We’ve compiled some of the best options for you below.
What are the Best Gaming Modems?
Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig Cable Modem
The Motorola MB8611 DOCSIS 3.1 Multi-Gig Cable Modem is the best modem for gaming. It costs $169 and is rated 4.6 stars by consumers. It connects to any WIFI router and has a max speed of 6 Gbps. It has 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. It also comes with a 2-year warranty. However, this is the most expensive modem on this list, even though it is the best.
MOTOROLA MB7621 Cable Modem
The MOTOROLA MB7621 Cable Modem is one of the best modems on the market. It is rated 4.6 stars by consumers and costs $78. It has 8 upstream channels and 24 downstream channels. It is easy to connect to any WIFI network that you have and it will allow you to game for hours without experiencing lagging.
ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem
The ARRIS SURFboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 Gigabit Cable Modem is also a great modem to use when you are gaming. It is rated 4.5 stars by consumers and costs $138. It has a max speed of 3.1 Gbps and has 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels. It also has a 2-year warranty.
NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000
The NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 is a great modem for gaming. It costs $146 and is rated 4.4 stars by consumers. It can connect to any WIFI network and has a max speed of 1 Gbps. It has 32 downstream and 8 upstream channels and has a 1-year warranty. You can also purchase a 3-year or 4-year protection plan for an extra fee.