Best Internet Provider (Verizon vs. Comcast) & Hardware Choices (Router)

Audio Gear Talk
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I am about to decide if I want to continue with Verizon FIOS, my current provider, or change to COMCAST Xfinity. Certainly the best deal is an obvious reason to pick one but more important to me would be does one perform better and is more compatible with ROON and ROON ARC? Once I decide which provider my next decision will be download speed and Router choice (provider provided or third party).

Does anyone have first hand experience with either in which they really noticed that one worked much better than the other (FIOS vs Xfinity), particularly with setting up ARC? All my streaming setups are connected via Ethernet from my current Router location with is in the room with the PC that is running the Core. My basic assumption if FIOS has an inherent advantage due to coming to your house optically. I realize once in the house it is distributed via coax but I believe I will not be affected by my neighbors internet use by going FIOS.

How about recommended speeds one would need assuming that TV streaming may be occurring while ROON is actively playing on one or two set ups in the house? As mentioned I am Ethernet Set Up to all my locations in the house, both music and television. I was thinking 400 Mbps, however I am a gamer and will be listening to ROON while gaming on the internet.

Lastly are the current Routers supplied by both Verizon and Comcast sufficient or is it worth purchasing a specific brand/model and setting that up myself? The obvious advantage of purchasing is no rental fees however if you aren’t an ace at Network configuration it could be a little bit of a hassle getting it going at first and as tech changes then you will need to continue to purchase newer pieces of equipment. If there is a real significant improvement with certain brands of routers then I will accept the hassle of set up. I would prefer to stay with the router the provider provides just for their support. If anyone recommends a third party router please let me know which provider you know it is compatible with because I understand there could be issues if not carefully selected.

Lastly am I missing anything that will also improve ROON when setting up a new internet system.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

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All I can say is that I have only used Comcast Xfinity and I don’t have triple play, I just have cable TV and internet. I purchase my own router and my own modem and buy another modem later on if my internet service uprade requires it. Renting a Comcast modem/wireless router is very expensive compared to purchasing your own gear. Just make sure the modem you purchase is approved for your Comcast service. I have had very good service using ARRIS SURFboard modems with Comcast internet. All of my routers have been Netgear routers and I have found them very easy to use and reliable as well. Good luck and keep the internet connection solid!

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To answer your question regarding ARC, FIOS works fantastic. Xfinity shouldn’t have any issue but prior decades using Comcast has left such a bad taste that I will never use it again. And, nothing beats fiber. period.

Not if you have internet only. The Coax is just for TV services I think. I switch to just internet and no TV services several years ago and am using ethernet from the box to the router.

Always buy your own. Service supplied routers are not the best. I use an Asus

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