Should I buy my own cable modem?

Buying your own cable modem

Though the cable company will automatically lease you a cable modem when you sign up for their Internet service, it may be beneficial in the long run to purchase your own cable modem instead of renting one.

DOCSIS is the transmission specification that has become the industry standard in cable modems. Therefore, most cable modems on the market are compatible with any system. However, be sure to contact your Internet cable company and make sure that a specific modem is compatible before actually purchasing that cable modem.

The price range for cable modems is normally between $100 and $250. Popular brands of cable modems include:

• Best Data
• D-Link
• Linksys
• Motorola
• NetGear
• RCA
• Toshiba