I want to replace the router/modem Comcast with a high quality for streaming

Hi @fastfreight

The path from lightning surges to Ethernet connected devices like a TV or streamer or PC is like this:

Outside copper cable --> cable modem --> Wifi router (which also has an Ethernet switch) --> All Ethernet connected devices

So if I can prevent a surge from making the jump from the cable modem to the wifi router then I’ve protected most of my Ethernet connected devices from Ethernet based surges. I also use an outside gas discharge tube on the coax as well as an Ethernet isolator at the end of my two long Ethernet runs.

Of course, this has nothing to do with lightning surges which can occur in the power lines. For that I use a whole house surge protector in combination with point of use surge protectors made by either Tripp Lite or Furman, or when UPS powered have to rely on the surge protectors built into the UPS.

In my mind, it’s not just about protecting the Wifi router (which is a giant PITA to replace) but about protecting anything I have that relies on copper Ethernet cables. I use a lot of Ethernet on streamers and PC’s so the worst case scenario for me is to lose a lot of devices all at once because lightning came in from the cable Internet provider.

Any copper wire that goes from outside to inside can be a lightning source that once inside can jump to any other copper connected device. Antennas should also be surge protected. I had a DirecTV antenna and receiver which would fail due to wind induced surges (electrons would build up on the antenna and build a charge). Once I put a surge protector on it the problem went away.

An Ethernet connected device like a music streamer or PC may have 2 lightning paths, one from the AC and another from the Ethernet and we have to protect both. 

Clarification:  A long Ethernet run is 30' or more.

The latest research indicates that INSIDE a home, you want to add isolation, not surge paths, so use an Ethernet isolator instead of an Ethernet surge protector.  The latter creates paths to ground which ultimately prove more destructive than isolating the paths from ground.

Just a balancing voice that most network professionals and engineers will tell you, as per the design of IP networks, there is no SQ benefit to "audiophile grade" network gear.

I've been through the debate and don't need to do it again so I won't debate anyone in this thread...I would just encourage anyone looking to learn from these threads to understand that network and computer professionals are vastly on the side that these audiophile products do not benefit SQ. 

There may be other reasons to upgrade components including avoiding dropouts.  There are different levels of quality in network gear for sure.  But most network and engineering professionals will tell you that sound quality isn't a benefit of upgrades. 

As above, this is just a cameo appearance to balance the discussion, no need to dive into the debate rabbit hole with me in this thread. Done enough of that in other threads and on other forums this week.

@vandy357

I had a similar experience with Comast/Xfinity. Used my own Arris Surfboard with their service and never got the speeds they promised - that I was paying for.

When I upgraded to a better Arris Surfboard (3.1 DOCSIS) the problems remained.

Switched to Verizon and have been getting speeds promised ever since. Verizon Ethernet Gateway solved all issues I had.

No one should ever trust Comcast, and although I have had good service, Verizon is also highly suspect. For my location, those are the only two options. Using your own equipment with those two providers is a way for those providers to dismiss your complaints.

@goodlistening64

Unfortunately Comcast or CenturyLink are my only 2 options for internet service right now.  Comcast is is way better, I signed up with CenturyLink when they had a deal going on with a 2 year contract, as soon as that was over I went back to Comcast as fast as I could.  Now that I am using the Comcast/Xfinity rental modem my internet is way better with very few connection issues.  Having to use their equipment is just another way for them to make more money off you, IMHO.  I am waiting for Cspire to install a fiber optic network in my neighborhood but it doesn't look like that is going to happen any time soon, so I will just have to deal with Comcast, it's that or move and believe me I have been thinking about that lately also.